Comments for Doug Francis | Real Estate and Homes for sale in Vienna, McLean and Oakton, Virginia | Living in Fairfax and Arlington County | MLS listings search

Comment on McLean, VA | My Buyer Agent pick of the week… get advice! by Kevin D,

Kevin D, — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:24:23 +0000

You gave that buyer great advice. I am going through the Orangeburg replacement in an older McLean home and the epxense is one thing, but the sewage backup and stench is another. The YouTube video you shared was great and something you should share with all of your propects. Very valuable for sure.

Thanks.

Kevin D.

Comment on The Craigslist Rental Scam takes America! by Mike Bell’s Blog – Real Estate and Bank Owned Properties in Silicon Valley » Blog Archive » Beware The Craigslist Rent Scam

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:15:25 +0000

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Comment on It’s time to re-connect… my resolution for 2010 by Doug Francis

Doug Francis — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:45:33 +0000

Centreville… is that simple enough?
Doug Francis´s last blog ..McLean VA Home Sales Stats | Hyper Local January 2010

Comment on It’s a Home Buyer’s Market, right? by seema

seema — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:25:28 +0000

if you had to pick between two properties, one in bristow/gainesville area (in a prominent community) w/a brand new home that offers more square footage (and a double garage, etc) OR a resell in centreville (ffx cnty) which is completely updated, and slightly smaller, BUT of the same price – which would you pick? I ask that you answer on the basis of more likely assured growth… In other words, which of the two (areas) is more likely (forecasted) to assure growth in value or atleast stability? we are first time home buyers, expecting a new addition in the coming months… and while we know we could live in either, and have a preference, we don’t want to lose sight of how much we could gain or expect to gain (or remain in tact)… note: the new home is well priced, but then again this other resell is one which a builder updated (in every which way one could)… please advise asap.

Comment on Your house has an ice dam? Part 2 by Tom Cain

Tom Cain — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:24:34 +0000

Easy Ice Dam Fix
See Ice Dame: http://www.newrooflongisland.com/images/ice-dam.jpg
Fill a long stocking with ice melt, tie it off, and fling it over the gutter so it is in the water, over the ice, and hanging off a little. It will melt a path through the ice for the water to flow. Put one wherever you need it, but best every 10-15 feet. Replace as needed.
Climbing on your roof to shovel snow and chisel ice is helpful, but very risky.

Comment on New FHA Home Mortgage Guidelines for April 2010 by Ken Montville

Ken Montville — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:29:56 +0000

The change with the biggest impact for me is the Seller Credit to the Buyer item. Going from 6% to 3% will impact a lot of moderate income buyers who may have saved up the cash they need for a 3.5% down payment but don’t have the cash they need for the closing costs. Don’t get me wrong 3% will still be a big help but the combination of lender fees, title company fees, State and County transfer and recordation fees, survey, etc. etc. It all adds up

Plus, let’s be frank, in the moderate income housing market, a financially qualified buyer is a prized catch. Even if the buyer had all the cash needed to complete the purchase, some additional closing help from the Seller could help pay down the interest rate making the home more affordable – a big plus.
Ken Montville´s last blog ..Tunnelling Through the Snow to my Heat Pump

Comment on Your FICO Score will take a hit from Damage Points by New FHA Home Mortgage Guidelines for April 2010 | Doug Francis | Real Estate and Homes for sale in Vienna, McLean and Oakton, Virginia | Living in Fairfax and Arlington County | MLS listings search

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:23:15 +0000

[...] FICO Scores below 580 must put 10% down payment [...]

Comment on Vienna, Virginia | My Buyer’s Agent Advice of the Week by Ken Montville

Ken Montville — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:38:14 +0000

Long term is exactly correct. You really shouldn’t be buying a house if you think you want to get “in and out” in a couple of years. Those days are gone forever. Besides, home ownership is really about putting down roots, getting involved in the neighborhood, the schools, etc. Your parenthetical phrase is right on the money – “and adjust, if necessary”
Ken Montville´s last blog ..You Mean My Garage is for my Car?

Comment on Buying a Home with an Older HVAC Unit? by Ken Montville

Ken Montville — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:33:03 +0000

This is a great reminder. I actually need to start budgeting for this myself. My outside unit was replaced when I bought my home in 2005 but the inside unit is probably 16 years old and counting. It’s a big expense but the $1,500 tax credit will help offset it a little.

Sigh.

The joys of home ownership. Sure beats paying the landlord, though.
Ken Montville´s last blog ..You Mean My Garage is for my Car?

Comment on The REALTOR’s role as a Buyer’s Agent by Mark Wisterman's Paradise & Lake Oroville Real Estate Blog » Blog Archive » Insist On Your Disclosures-Part 2

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:42:52 +0000

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