Friday, December 14, 2012

NOVEMBER MARKET UPDATE



Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

9214 Center Street #100, Manassas, VA, 20110
Direct:  571.209.8133

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

10203 Magnolia Grove Drive- Manassas

10203 Magnolia Grove Drive
MLS# MN7960039


JUST LISTED!!!!!!





Well maintained property ready for you to move in! Bright and spacious townhouse, large eat in kitchen with easy access to a spacious deck- great for grilling out on! Bright and airy family room. Large master suite and spacious bedrooms. Bedroom and full bathroom located on basement level, good for in-laws. Easy access to major highways- great for commuters.


Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

9214 Center Street #100, Manassas, VA, 20110
Direct:  571.209.8133

Friday, October 19, 2012

PROPERTIES ON THE GO!


HOME SEARCH APP

Text to Download
REMAXTJ to 87778

Works with Iphone, Android AND tablets

 

Buying a home in this competitive market can be tough these days. Don't be the last to know about that house that just hit the market. 
Features include:
Search On-the-Go!

• Easily find nearby homes, rentals or open houses through the patented GPS search technology
• Search all property statuses by MLS#, address, city/state or zip
• Refine your search and see details and photos by bed, bath, price, square footage and lot size
• View search results in a list, by exterior property photo or placed on the map
• Search and sort by new listings, listings with price reductions and more
• Access property details including price, large photos, square footage, estimated mortgage, taxes, features, maps and other features
• Instantly connect to a local Real Estate Specialist to answer all of your questions
More Convenience!
• Get door-to-door driving directions to a home
• Save favorite properties or searches
*Share with your family and friends! 

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Tiffany Jacobs- Realtor
RE/MAX Olympic
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
Direct: 571-209-8133
Email: RealEstateWithTiffany@gmail.com
www.RealEstateWithTiffany.com

Thursday, October 18, 2012

ROOFS MATTER!!!!!!


ROOFS MATTER!!!!

The top of the house shouldn’t be at the bottom of your list of things to be aware of. Learn about the pros and cons of different kinds of roofs.
WRITTEN OCTOBER 2012 | BY BARBARA BALLINGER





With buyers getting more demanding about the condition of the houses they purchase, roofs have become one of the major potential deal breakers. If a home’s roof needs major repairs or even total replacement, that’s a cost that could run well into the tens of thousands of dollars.
The shape and pitch matter as well, as these qualities can help prevent inclement weather from damaging the home’s interior and exterior. The materials and their configuration make a difference in how cohesive and attractive the roof looks with the home’s style and its colors and textures. And the materials on the exterior and underneath differ greatly in price, ease of installation, and temperature control within the home and by how long the roof will last. (Some may last 15 years, others 150.)
Besides helping sellers and buyers weigh the best choice, you can assist them in understanding the wide variety of options now available. They can start to see many of the choices by touring homes in their neighborhood. Architect James Crisp, AIA, whose firm is based in Millbrook, N.Y., suggests consumers put up samples on their existing roof to study the differences, just as they might do with interior paint samples on walls.
They also need to inquire about warranties for materials, the level of experience of the contractor they’ll use (since some are much more qualified with particular materials and underlayments than others), and how much decking is needed underneath for support. All these decisions influence how long a roof may last, says Stephen L. Patterson, president and director of engineering services with Roof Technical Services Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, and author of Roofing Design and Practices(University of Texas at Arlington, 2007). Finally, home owners should ask about a warranty for workmanship.
Here are quick snapshots of the most popular choices in roofing:

Asphalt or Composite Shingles

These are considered the most prevalent roof material in the country, according to Walt Rossiter, director of technical services with the Roof Consultants Institute in Raleigh, N.C. Made of fiberglass and petroleum-based products, they’re viewed as an economical choice, have been vastly improved over time, and are easiest for most contractors to install, says Chicago architect Allan J. Grant.
The least expensive are a three-tab shingle, which is very thin and requires good insulation, sometimes so much that the price becomes almost too expensive, Crisp says. “You can spend so much that it ends up making more sense to spend more on the shingle itself,” he adds.
The most expensive — and now most popular — versions today reflect varied textures, patterns, and colors. They’re applied in more than one layer for a multidimensional effect, and are known as “architectural” shingles, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association in Rosemont, Ill. These can last decades, says Bradley Marshall, owner of Marshall Roofing in Lake Bluff, Ill.
To work well, asphalt shingles require a good wood-based and resin underlayment or roof deck to act as a secondary weatherproofing barrier. They should be applied to a roof with a certain pitch so water can run off properly; have good flashings to prevent leaks, with corrosion-resistant nails and proper vents; and not go over more than one layer of existing roofing, Patterson says. Home owners who prefer dark shingles should be certain their area permits them since they can decrease energy efficiency. One caveat regarding repairs: Older shingles may be tough to match since they may have faded, according to NRCA.

Clay Tiles and Concrete

More expensive than asphalt shingles — sometimes five to 10 times more costly — these materials require a more built-up roof structure than asphalt since they’re heavier. They also demand a quality underlayment for good waterproofing. Their prime advantage is that they last a long time — up to 100 years or longer. They best suit certain architectural styles, such as Spanish or Mediterranean, or homes constructed from stone or brick. When they wear out, they can be recycled, Crisp says. Major disadvantages are that they’re tougher to install and repair than asphalt shingles and may crack in certain climates, Patterson says.

Metal

Metal roofs come in different colors, often because of a coating, in different shapes, thicknesses, and textures, and can look great and even cutting edge on an old farmhouse or period Victorian house, as well as modern designs, Grant says. They’re durable, and often last between 50 and 100 years. On the downside, there’s a possibility of loud noise when it  rains or hails, though that can be compensated for with good sound insulation and solid decking. They require a good waterproof underlayment and are much more expensive than asphalt shingles to buy, install, and repair. Painted steel is the least costly, copper the most, Crisp says.

Synthetics

Many new polymer products have come on the market and are promoted for durability, lighter weight, fire resistance, and simulation of the real McCoy. Patterson cites two downsides: They can be expensive and haven’t been used long enough to truly know their durability. Crisp adds a third: An experienced installer is critical to mix together colors so they look most natural.

Slate

Elegant, classic, grand, durable, natural-looking due to their range of colors and textures — the list of pluses goes on and on.  Best of all, a slate roof may come with a 150-year life expectancy if properly installed, says Joseph Jenkins, executive director of the Slate Roofing Contractors Association. As with some other materials, when it wears out, the slate shingles can go back in the ground rather than to a landfill.
The prime downsides of slate are that it can be heavy, it requires a well-built-up structure to support it, it’s among the most expensive choices, and it represents a time-consuming installation and can be an expensive repair. As an alternative, there are lightweight slate-like products available; since they’re less heavy, the structure doesn’t have to be as well supported, Grant says. The main downside is that they can be as pricey as the real thing.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Rustic-looking, natural, and durable, the flip side of these choices is that they need to be treated to withstand fire. They also can be quite costly and require installation by an experienced contractor, Grant says. The prime difference between these two options is that shingles are smooth and often cut regularly for a more tailored appearance while shakes are more textured and usually thicker and can be irregularly shaped.

Planted Green Roofs

Although this choice is not yet widespread, some home owners with flat roofs and the right modern designs are going green. It’s gotten easier to find options since more companies produce modules that can be installed. The downsides are that they can be expensive, hard to maintain, tough to repair, and possibly heavy, depending on how much dirt is used, how many plants are included, and what kind of waterproofing membrane is used underneath. They also require an expert installer.

Bonus!Solar Panels

Although this isn’t a type of roof, the panels can be applied to many roofs to help cut energy and electric use. Geogenix’s silicone solar cells can help the average home owner in the Northeastern United States save 10,000 kilowatt hours or typically $1,600, says Gaurav Naik, co-owner, and principal of the Old Bridge, N.J.-based firm. Patterson offers a caveat: “Any time you put anything on a roof and penetrate its surface, you create potential leak problems, so be aware of possible maintenance and repair challenges,” he says.






Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

9214 Center Street #100, Manassas, VA, 20110
Direct:  571.209.8133

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Washington Wizards Game Tickets

WIN FREE TICKETS TO 1 OF 5 GAMES TODAY!


 





GREAT SEATS! GET YOURS TODAY!


Basketball season is here, which means it's time to cheer on your Washington Wizards! Don't miss out on YOUR opportunity to attend a FREE game on ME! I have tickets (2 each) to 5 games this season with seats in the lower level section 103 row H. ONLY 7 ROWS FROM THE COURT!

Now your probably wondering why I would I want to give away such GREAT seats.... Let me tell you! It is a CONTEST! I am looking for 5 good referrals! If you or ANYONE you know are in the market to sell or buy a home, 2 tickets to one of these games could be YOURS! There are rules of course- just email me to find out more! 

The games I am offering tickets to are:
1. Nov- 19 Pacers
2. Dec 22 Pistons
3. Jan 25 Timberwolves
4. Feb 22 Nuggets
5. Mar 31 Raptors

For more detailed information, I can be reached at:


Tiffany Jacobs- Realtor
Advantage+ Real Estate
RE/MAX OLYMPIC
571-209-8133
www.RealEstateWithTiffany.com
RealEstateWithTiffany@gmail.com


Thursday, October 11, 2012

DC/METRO MARKET UPDATE


September Marks the 8th Consecutive Month of Year-Over-Year Price Gains in DC Metro

OVERVIEW
Activity has cooled in the Washington DC metro housing market as we end September, following typical seasonal market patterns. Closed sales, new pending contracts, and median prices all declined from August, however these indicators remain above September 2011 levels, and in many cases are at multi-year September highs, providing evidence of a stronger market. The median price is the highest September median price in five years, and the number of new contracts in September is the highest in three years. The inventory of active and new listings continues to shrink, which will likely keep prices stable, even as demand slows. Persistent declines in the number of homes for sale despite a strengthening housing market underscore the significance of continued economic uncertainty. Tepid job growth and slow improvement of the unemployment picture are likely deterring many would-be sellers from entering the market. While the condo market growth has slowed somewhat, townhomes have inched ahead in year-over-year sales growth and median price gains.




Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

9214 Center Street #100, Manassas, VA, 20110
Direct:  571.209.8133





Tuesday, October 9, 2012

4206 KENTON CIR, DUMFRIES, VA

4206 KENTON CIR, DUMFRIES, VA

MLS# PW7942688

$220,000


Front
 
Welcome to Montclair




Welcome to Montclair! This townhome features hardwoods in the LR & DR. Ceramic tile in the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances (six burner stove!). Fully finished basement (currently used as 4 bedroom). Just minutes from all of Montclair's amenities (Pool, Tennis Courts, Walking Trails, etc).


Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

9214 Center Street #100, Manassas, VA, 20110
Direct:  571.209.8133





Monday, October 1, 2012

10102 Roslyn Court, Manassas, VA 20109


10102 Roslyn Court, Manassas, VA 20109

JUST LISTED MLS #PW7937474


$250,000
Single Family Home
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Lot: .29 acres


 


 




PICK ME!


THIS IS THE ONE! What a great opportunity to own a single family home in Sudley. Large fenced yard w/brick patio. 1 car garage. Huge dining room, spacious family room, sizeable living room, office nook, and two full baths. Backs to wooded area. All this for only $250,000!!! Close to I-66 and Route 234, dining and entertainment.
Call me today to schedule your preview! 


Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

9214 Center Street #100, Manassas, VA, 20110
Direct:  571.209.8133