Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Alexandria Short Sales ... Somebody Please Short Sell My Home!

Seller Short Sale HelpAre you burdened by the constant struggle of maintaining your mortgage payments?  Have you fallen behind in your payments with no real means of catching up?  Perhaps, you are not behind in your mortgage payments at all ... but still need to short sell your home.  If this is your scenario, you may be just a phone call away from listing your home as a short sale!

There are many acceptable reasons for short selling your home.  Even if you are not behind on your mortgage payments, you may still qualify for a lender approved short sale.  As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I am happy to meet with you to confidentially discuss your eligibility for short selling your home.  I understand the "ups and downs" associated with the short sale process and will happily guide you through your next short sale transaction.  Regardless of whether your home is located in Alexandria or any of the areas nearby, I am happy to assist you with short selling your home.

To get started, please take a moment to review my "Frequently Asked Questionsregarding short selling your home.  If would like to discuss the possibility of selling your home as a short sale, please contact me at 703-298-6546 or Lisa@LisaDunham.com.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 

Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com

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Tired of Searching the Web for Active Real Estate Listings? Just ... SET IT and FORGET IT!

Searching for active real estate and MLS listings can be a tedious process.  Whether you are searching homes for sale in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas, finding current information on available properties can be a time-consuming endeavor. For most home buyers, the initial home search will likely include a variety of homes in multiple locations.  When conducting this search, many buyers will resort to online resources such as Trulia, Zillow and other real estate related websites.  Did you know that these websites have a high probability of delivering outdated information?  That’s right!  These web resources often present housing data, neighborhood statistics, and home status information that are out-of-date!  As a result, the countless hours you have spent searching these websites could result in the collection of useless data. 

To ensure that you ALWAYS receive up-to-the-minute information on real estate listings and homes for sale in your desired locations, simply follow the link to SET IT and FORGET IT!  From here, all you need to do is specify your new home requirements and press send.  It’s just that simple! Afterwards, you will be instantly notified via email as soon as a home hits the market that matches your desired criteria.  This will help you save time and ensure that you always receive the latest information.  In addition, if you have questions regarding the listings or would like to schedule a showing, you have a single source available to assist you at all times.  Easy enough? 

To begin receiving instant email notification of homes for sale in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia or Maryland, just ... SET IT and FORGET IT now!  If you have questions regarding the property listings you receive or would like to schedule a showing, please feel free to contact me via phone, email, or text messaging.   

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.



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Monday, June 27, 2011

Kingstowne Condos ... Luxury Condos, Garage Condos, Lakeside Views ... Search Kingstowne Condos For Sale Now!

Kingstowne Condos ... Luxury Condos, Garage Condos, Lakeside Views ... Search Kingstowne Condos For Sale Now!

KingstowneKingstowne is a suburban community located 15 minutes south of Washington, DC in Alexandria (Fairfax County), Virginia. Home to the popular Kingstowne Town Center, Kingstowne is well-known for its stylish and sophisticated range of condo designs. If you are interested in buying a condo in Kingstowne, you will not be disappointed! With approximately 712 units available, Kingstowne has everything you need from luxury, townhouse style condos to conventional condo units with lakeside views. Condominium features include 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units, vaulted ceilings, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, spiral staircase, private lofts, attached garage, extended balconies with exterior privacy, and much more! Kingstowne condos also include a large selection of single and multi-level units including fireplace, luxury baths, walk-in closets, and extra storage.

Eton Square
Popular condo communities in Kingstowne include Carrdinal Place, Chancery of Kingstowne, Condo at Island Creek, Eton Square, Stratford Place, and the Tiers of Manchester Lakes (Tiers, Tiers II).  To browse a list of Kingstowne condos by subdivision, simply follow the preceding link for immediate access.

There are many affordable condos for sale in the Kingstowne Community. With well-known banks and financial institutions continuing to offer affordable interest rates and mortgage loan options, now is the perfect time to purchase your new condo in the Kingstowne area. To begin your home search, click the link to search Kingstowne condos for sale now.  If you have questions regarding the listings or would like to schedule a showing, please contact me at 703-298-6546.  If preferred, you may also email me at Lisa@LisaDunham. I am happy to answer your questions and assist you in finding the perfect condo in Kingstowne, Virginia!

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 

Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com


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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Buying a Home in Kingstowne? Discover the Kingstowne Experience and Find Information on Kingstowne Real Estate and Homes for Sale Now!

Buying a Home in Kingstowne?  Discover the Kingstowne Experience and Find Information on Kingstowne Real Estate and Homes for Sale Now!  

KingstowneKingstowne is a planned community of over 5300 homes in the Franconia-Springfield area of northern Virginia’s Fairfax County, zip code 22315. Kingstowne is home to 712 condominiums, 2,799 town houses, 587 single family homes, and 1,213 apartment units.  When it comes to housing, Kingstowne has it all!  The community, well known for its modern, yet suburban atmosphere, includes a large selection of contemporary style condos, townhouses, and single family homes. Kingstowne condos include single and multi-level condos as well as luxury style, garage condos. Kingstowne townhouses include a large collection of traditional and contemporary style town homes along with an impressive selection of luxury style town homes. Single family homes in Kingstowne include a beautiful assortment of large, luxurious homes that are certain to please the select buyer.  If you are considering purchasing your next home in Kingstowne, you will not be disappointed! Search Kingstowne real estate and homes for sale now.

Kingstowne Movie TheaterLiving in Kingstowne.  Living in Kingstowne provides immediate access to home stores, department stores, restaurants, grocery stores, nail salons, two exercise facilities, a movie theater, post office, car wash, and other recreational facilities.  Some of the stores you’ll find in Kingstowne include Kohls, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, World Market, Famous Footwear, Dress Barn, The Avenue, Ross, Safeway, and Giant Foods.  In addition, residents enjoy a full range of eateries including Bonefish Grill, Pasara Thai, Macaroni Grill, Panara Bread, Noodles & Company, Johnny Rockets, Chipotle, Shiro Japanese Steak House, King Street Blues, and Ruby Tuesday, to name a few. Kingstowne restaurants and stores are conveniently located within walking distance of area homes.

Public Transportation in Kingstowne.  For the busy commuter, Kingstowne offers easy access to Interstates 95, 395, and 495.  In addition, the community is centrally located within minutes of the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station and the Van Dorn Street Station, offering commuters easy access to Washington, DC and other regional employment centers.  For added convenience, Kingstowne offers easy access to several commuter buses. For additional information on public transportation access, please visit Washington Metro Area Transit Authority.  

Kingstowne Area Schools.  Kingstowne is located in the Fairfax County School District, the 11th largest school system in the nation.  Residents in and around the Kingstowne Community attend the following Fairfax County Schools:  Franconia Elementary, Lane Elementary, Island Creek Elementary, Hayfield Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, Mark Twain Middle, Hayfield Middle, Hayfield High, and Edison High School.  For additional information on Kingstowne area schools, please visit Fairfax County Schools.  

If you are considering buying a home in Kingstowne, please contact me 703-298-6546 for assistance.  As a Kingstowne resident for nearly 15 years, I am thoroughly familiar with the area’s housing market, recreational facilities and events, as well as the rules and regulations governing the Kingstowne Community.  Contact me and begin your home search in Kingstowne today!  For immediate access to available homes in Kingstowne, simply click the link to search Kingstowne real estate and homes for sale now.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 

Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com


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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

5 Steps You Need to Take If You're Buying a Home in the Next 12 Months!

If you are considering buying a home in northern Virginia within the next 12 months, here are five important steps you need to take right now. 

1.      Establish a relationship with a real estate agent now.  That’s right!  Even if you are not planning to buy a home for several months, find a REALTOR® who is willing to work at your pace and begin building your relationship now.  This will afford you a tremendous opportunity to gain insight into the northern Virginia real estate market.  You can also feel comfortable asking questions and getting a timely response from a single source that you know and trust.  In addition, you will have immediate access to all the resources and tools needed to make your home search simple, easy, and convenient.  

2.      Evaluate your purchasing power now.  No, of course it’s not too early!  There is nothing more frustrating than planning to begin your house hunting activities in November and finding out in October that you do not qualify for the loan amount that you were expecting.  To avoid this unsavory experience, find out how much house you can afford now.  This process is quite simple!  Just ask your REALTOR® for assistance. 

3.      Know how much cash you need to close the deal.  This is a great time to evaluate your cash flow.  Yes, it is still a buyer’s market!  However, this does not guarantee that your entire closing costs will be paid by the sellers.  Even if the sellers agree to pay your closing costs in full, you still may need cash for your down payment, home inspection(s), home warranty, minor repairs, moving expenses, utilities, and so on.  To ensure that you have enough cash to close the deal, evaluate your cash flow now.  Your REALTOR® can guide you through this process quickly and easily.

4.      Understand the housing options available to you.  In the northern Virginia real estate market, there are multiple options available to most home buyers.  These options include regular home sales, short sales, foreclosures or REOs, HUD homes, FSBOs, new construction, and rent-with-option.  Find the housing option that’s right for you by consulting with your REALTOR®.  The purchase process and requirements vary for each of the home choices listed.  Begin working with a real estate agent today to find the choice that’s right for you. 

5.      Get to know your community of choice.  This is a great time to discover what community amenities are most important to you.  Are you most concerned about nearby schools, access to neighborhood shopping, recreational and exercise facilities, transportation access?   What aspects are most important to you in selecting your new housing community?  Regardless of your preferences, now is a great time to narrow down your selections and find the location and community that is right for you.  Search northern Virginia communities now.

If you are thinking of buying a home in northern Virginia within the next 12 months and would like to get started on these five important steps, please contact me for assistance!  Regardless of your timeframe, I am happy to share my knowledge of the real estate industry and help prepare you for your future home purchase. Why Wait?  These services are all complimentary! 

Feel free to contact me at 703-298-6546 or Lisa@LisaDunham and let’s get started today. Search northern VA homes for sale now.


If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 

Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com


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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Buying a Short Sale in Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge, VA

Thinking of buying a short sale in Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge? Get the facts first! Here are a few things to consider before committing your time and resources to purchasing a short sale in northern Virginia.

· What is a short sale?

The term "short sale" refers to the sale of property where the total of the seller's outstanding loan(s) exceeds the current market value of the home. Basically, the seller has no equity!

· Is buying a short sale property a good investment?

The short sale process can be lengthy and time consuming. However, there are still many well-kept properties being sold as short sales. Often, the final sales price of a short sale property is less than that of other homes in the area. Therefore, if patience is your virtue, then buying a short sale property may be a very good deal for you.

· Will sellers negotiate the price of a short sale property?

As with any home sale, the sales price is always negotiable. However, the seller's lien holder(s) must approve the final sales price before buyer and seller can proceed with the transaction.

· Can I still get a home inspection when purchasing a short sale?

Absolutely! As the buyer, you are still entitled to various types of home inspections. However, most short sale properties are sold "as is" because the seller(s) is not financially able to make any repairs and the lien holder will not make repairs on behalf of the seller(s). Therefore, all repairs will “likely” be the responsibility of the home buyer if he or she decides to move forward with the sale after the inspections have been completed.

· How long will it take to complete a short sale transaction?

Each short sale transaction is unique. Because each bank (lien holder) has its own approval process, this is usually where most of the time is expended. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks and even months. Although buyers have the option to walk away from a short sale at "practically" any time, keep in mind that purchasing a short sale property requires tremendous patience.

· What is the buyer's first step in considering the purchase of a short sale?

The buyer's first step is to contact a REALTOR® who specializes in short sales. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have assisted many buyers and sellers in the short sale process. Using my expertise and experience in the short sale process, I will seamlessly guide you through the many ups and downs associated with purchasing a short sale property.

For an immediate appointment, please contact me at 703-298-6546. For additional information on short sales in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern VA or MD, please visit my website at www.LisaDunham.com.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 

Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com


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Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Perfect Short Sale Client Meets the Blue Logo!

REALTORS® everywhere will likely agree that the perfect short sale client is not necessarily the buyer or seller who knows the market and understands that there are risks associated with a short sale transaction. Rather, the perfect short sale client is the one who listens! … NOT ... to your former neighbor and resident carpooling expert, Joan, who sold her house six years ago … not to your co-worker and best friend, Bob, who lives in Washington, DC and you live in Walla Walla, Washington … and not to your childhood co-conspirator and closest confidant, Millie, who’s been renting Greenhouse Apt. #101 for nearly 12 years now. The perfect short sale client is the buyer or seller one who listens to the professional real estate agent, who has undergone extensive training in how to efficiently and effectively facilitate a short sale transaction. This distinctive group of real estate professionals can be easily recognized by the Blue Logo.

What's the Blue Logo?

The Blue Logo is the official designation of a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). A CDPE has invested his or her time and financial resources into obtaining a higher degree of knowledge and education needed to facilitate your short sale transaction. A CDPE understands the unique facets of today’s real estate market and is intensely familiar with the options and solutions available to short sale home buyers and sellers today. Further, a CDPE is proficient in negotiating with mortgage lenders, foreclosure attorneys, settlement agents, community associations, and other real estate professionals involved in the short sale transaction.

Interested in buying a short sale property in Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge ... OR ... would like to discuss the possibility of short selling your Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge home? ... Sorry ... Joan, Bob, and Millie can’t help you! Yes, I know they mean well and they all have your best interests at heart. However, you need the knowledge, expertise, and experience of a CDPE. Hire one today and rest assured that you have placed your real estate needs in the hands of a certified industry expert!

If you would like to purchase a short sale property or discuss the possibility of selling your home as a short sale, I am happy to discuss the options and solutions available to you. Please contact me for an immediate appointment.  For additional information, please visit my website at www.LisaDunham.com.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance.  My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 

Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com


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