Thursday, August 30, 2012

EXISTING HOME SALES ON THE RISE!




A Strengthening Market




The National Association of Realtors report that resales (not new construction) rose 2.3 percent from June 2012 to July 2012.  This is 10.2 percent increase from the same time period last year.
Low interest rates and rising rents have helped contribute to the rise in resales.
However, with the lenders more stringent guidelines and low inventory in the mid to low  price range, it is easy for potential buyers to become frustrated.  The best thing for potential buyers would be arm themselves with the latest market information.  Call a local Realtor (ME!) to find the trends in your area.  Have your down payment ready and a lender letter in hand.  This will go a long way when you find the right property.
Call, text or email me for answers to your real estate questions. 571.209.8133


Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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

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WHAT ARE LOAN MODIFICATIONS & SHORT SALES?



What is a Loan Modification?

  A loan modification is where the bank modifies your mortgage payment to a lower payment to try to help you continue to stay in the home. Most loan modifications are temporary but there are some that are offered for the life of your loan. If you are in need of a loan modification a good place to start is to speak with a qualified HUD counselor to have them help determine what you may be eligible for. Please note to get a loan modification in most circumstances, you have to be employed.

What exactly is a short sale? 

A short sale is when a bank is willing to let you sell the property for than the amount you owe on the mortgage in exchange for the property not going to foreclosure. The pay off on the mortgage is "short" hence the name "short sale”. This means that market value on your home is less than what you owe in today's market, causing a negative equity position, or “upside down”. Banks are willing to do this because a short sale saves them more money than the cost and of foreclosure.

What should I do if I receive a letter saying my home is going to be sent to foreclose?

 Do not ignore letters or phone calls from your bank as this could cause more of a problem! Ignoring is the worst reaction you can have! If you are having problems making your payments, take action immediately, reach out to a trained and experienced professional to help you in your situation. Do not wait or hesitate!! The quicker you can be proactive on this, the better and potential of having more favorable options. Some options that can help you avoid foreclosure such as a short sale or loan modification are based on certain timelines and response times. Waiting or ignoring the situation at hand could push you in a direction where your options will be reduced, and may limit your control of the situation and put the control in the banks hands. Banks now offer various CO-OP short sale and loan modification programs, but will not extend help to you if you simply ignore the issue at hand and do not respond.

Here at Advantage+ Real Estate we are CDPE's (certified distress property experts), and can help save you from going to foreclosure. 
Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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

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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Don't be afraid to ask for HELP!


AVOIDING FORECLOSURE





There are many other alternatives when facing foreclosure such as loan modifications and short sales. If your a home owner in distress call me today for help! 571-209-8133.



Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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

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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Bull Run Winery


Hope You Enjoy!




Hi everyone! I wanted share with you today a new local hot spot, Bull Run Winery. Just opened in June 2012 and it is AMAZING! I am here today with my associate Gayle Sfreddo for a wine tasting, my favorite ended up being the 2010 Viognier. Hope you get a chance to swing by and enjoy it!




Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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

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Friday, August 17, 2012

Stonebridge @ Potomac Town Center

ON GOING CONSTRUCTION AND NEW STORES
Coming This Fall






Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center (PTC) is a 24/7 project that brings style, convenience, flavor and activity to a Prince William County, Virginia marketplace that has experienced tremendous growth over the recent past. Conveniently located in Woodbridge, Virginia between 2 major interchanges on the high traffic and highly visible I-95 Interstate, Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center features approximately 550,000 square feet of exciting retail in a boulevard environment. This extraordinary destination produces a unique opportunity for national, regional and local establishments to thrive. Potomac Town Center, anchored by a 138,000 square foot Wegmans Food Market, features distinctive architecture, animated public spaces, and a shopping experience that allows for customers to enjoy whether day or night. Construction has started on the additional 300,000 square feet of retail of Phase 2 at PTC and is expected to be completed in the late 2012.


Check out the Facebook Fan page to stay up to date:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stonebridge-at-Potomac-Town-Center/172841996109044



Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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


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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Bank Owned Does NOT Mean a $100,000

Buyer Expectations When Buying a Bank Owned Home







Call me today for your local list of foreclosed homes!





Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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

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Monday, August 13, 2012

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FAIR


IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

Its that time of year for Virginia's largest county fair the Prince William County Fair. I have been going every year for the past 7 years, and each year seems to be more fun than the last. 

This year year I decided to share my experience at the fair with you. Hopefully you will go and enjoy it yourself. Here are a few pictures from my trip. 

Filled Parking Lot
Fairgrounds Rides & Vendors



OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM




COWS & CAMELS



DEEP FRIED OREOS
MY FAVORITE FAIR FOOD SNACK





CORN DOGS & CHEESE FRIES






Hope you make it out and have a blast! 





Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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

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Sunday, August 12, 2012

WEIRD THINGS I SEE

WEIRD THINGS I SEE


Hello everyone! So people always ask me what are some of the weirdest things I see when previewing properties. To answer their questions, I say you wouldn't believe some of the things I see. 

Today I showed a listing to some of my clients, and came across this. 



Yup, your seeing that right....Someone had to cut their drywall so the toilet could fit! This doesn't even compare to the rest of what we saw today but sure gave me a giggle. 

Tip for the day: 

You may not be ready to sell now or even 2 years from now, in fact your doing a complete home makeover. This is the time you want to care most about whats happening to your property. Do things right now without the shortcuts so it doesn't come back to bite ya later :-)

Tiffany Jacobs
Advantage+ Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Olympic

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






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