Selling Your Home Due to a Divorce? Whose Side is the REALTOR® On?

It is not uncommon for real estate agents to represent home sellers who are going through a divorce.  In fact, I have done so many times during my 10 year career as a real estate agent.  Given the sensitive nature of the transaction, it is often one that must be handled with extreme care as emotions can run high. 

If you are thinking of selling your home due to a divorce, it is important to understand whose side the REALTOR® is on.  Is the REALTOR® working more favorably for you or your soon to be ex-spouse?

Regardless of your marital circumstance, as long as the house is in the names of both parties, the REALTOR® represents the interest of both parties.  In other words, the REALTOR®represents the current owners of the house.  There is no separation of fiduciary duties and responsibilities in this case. Therefore, the agent works favorably and equally for both parties.

In addition, one party cannot influence the agent to make contractual decisions without the knowledge and consent of the other party as both signatures are required throughout the transaction. Further, the agent must treat both parties with the same level of honesty, care, and respect.  Any actions to the contrary is considered unethical and should be brought to the attention of the Broker-in-Charge.

If you are going through a divorce and would like to consult with a REALTOR® experienced in this capacity, please feel free to contact me for assistance.  Rest assured that any information shared will remain confidential.

Interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia?  Contact me for assistance!  My expertise include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, divorce, and relocation.     

 

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO
Allison James Estates & Homes
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com
www.LisaDunham.com

                     

City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hello Friends!  As you know, it time to kick-off the holiday season.  That's right!  Friday, November 25th marks the official day to kick-off the holiday season and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than to attend the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the City of Alexandria.

This year, the City of Alexandria will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 pm, Friday, November 25, 2011.  The Ceremony will be held at Market Square in Old Town Alexandria.  The address is 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. 

The evening's festivities will include the lighting of the City of Alexandria's official holiday tree, community caroling and sing along, a special dance performance by Santa's Frosty Follies, and a visit from none other than Santa Claus!   Admission for this event is FREE.

For additional information on the City of Alexandria Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, please call the Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or the Office of Special Events at 703.746.5418.  Happy Holidays!

Interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia?  Contact me for assistance!  My expertise include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, divorce, and relocation.     

 

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO
Allison James Estates & Homes
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com
www.LisaDunham.com

                     

Sycamores at Van Dorn Condos Update - November 2011

Sycamores at Van Dorn is a beautiful condo community located just off of South Van Dorn Street in Fairfax County, Alexandria.  The 172 unit condominium complex offers a gorgeous selection of single and multi-level condos that is certain to please the select buyer.  If you are interested in buying a condo in Alexandria, why not check out the condo units currently available at Sycamores at Van Dorn.  One trip to the community and you find that it is the perfect place to call home!

For the daily commuter, Sycamores at Van Dorn provides easy access to Interstates, 95, 395, and 495.  The community is also located within minutes of the Van Dorn Street Metro Station as well as theFranconia-Springfield Metro Station.  There are also a number of commuter buses throughout the area.

Sycamores at Van Dorn Condo Market Update

Currently, there are 4 active condo listings at the Sycamores at Van Dorn and 1 listing under contract.  Average statistics for these listings are as follows:

ACTIVE (4)
		List Price	BR	BA	FB	HB	DOMM	Yr Built
	Min	$275,000	2	1	1	0	38	1995
	Max	$309,900	2	3	2	1	505	1997
	Avg	$290,200	2	3	2	1	186	1996
CNTG/NO KO (1)
		List Price	BR	BA	FB	HB	DOMM	Yr Built
	Min	$274,900	2	3	2	1	78	1996
	Max	$274,900	2	3	2	1	78	1996
	Avg	$274,900	2	3	2	1	78	1996

Since January 1, 2011, a total of 8 condo units have sold at Sycamores at Van Dorn.  The average "sold price" (not listed price) of these homes is $296,225.

SOLD 2011 (8)
		List Price	Orig Price	Close Price
	Min	$274,500	$294,500	$273,930
	Max	$325,000	$325,000	$319,000
	Avg	$300,355	$314,649	$296,225
	Sum	$2,402,839.00	$2,517,189.00	$2,369,800.00

During the same time period in 2010, a total of 11 condos were sold at Sycamores at Van Dorn.  The average "sold price" for these homes was $309,491.

SOLD 2010 (11)
		List Price	Orig Price	Close Price
	Min	$274,900	$274,900	$275,000
	Max	$329,900	$329,900	$330,000
	Avg	$312,408	$314,681	$309,491
	Sum	$3,436,490.00	$3,461,487.00	$3,404,400.00

Taking a look at the statistics for condo units sold in 2011 with units sold in 2010, we see that the number of homes sold differ by a total of 3 units, with the majority of units sold in 2010.  These figures indicate that home ownership at the Sycamores at Van Dorn is beginning to stabilize.  

Comparing price statistics for condo units sold in 2011 vs. 2010, we see that the minimum and maximum price points remain relatively stable from 2010 to 2011.  Although year 2011 is currently reporting statistics for 8 units sold compared to 11 units sold in 2010, over all the average price for units sold is relatively consistent.  For home sellers at Sycamores at Van Dorn, this is great news as steady home prices mean home equity is no longer declining.  This is also great news for home buyers.  With interest rates remaining at record lows and home prices holding firm, home buyers can purchase a condo at Sycamores at Van Dorn without the fear of negative equity!

For additional information on home buying and selling at Sycamores at Van Dorn, please contact me for assistance.  In the interim, please feel free to browse all available condos for sale at Sycamores at Van Dorn now!  To preview all Alexandria condos for sale, please click the preceding link.  If you have questions or would like to schedule a showing, I am always available to assist you.

Interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia?  Contact me for assistance!  My expertise include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, divorce, and relocation.     

 

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO
Allison James Estates & Homes
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com
www.LisaDunham.com