THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HOME INSPECTOR AND A "COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTOR".

MISLEADING HEADLINES SHOW NEWSPAPER IGNORANCE OF THE HOUSING INDUSTRY!

A staff writer for THE DENVER POST, has a very misleading headline to an important article about a tragedy involving a contractor and a MUNICIPAL INSPECTOR. 

This tragedy did not involve a HOME INSPECTOR and by writing the headline as he did, the consumer is mislead to believe that a HOME INSPECTOR's negligence, along with the negligence of the contractor led to the deaths of a family of four.

If you read the below headline, what would you think?

Contractor, home inspectors indicted in carbon-monoxide deaths of family  By Jason Blevins

Fact is, there was no HOME INSPECTOR involved in the matter.  The following indictments reveal no mention of a private Home Inspector. 

"Marlin Brown, owner of Roaring Fork Plumbing & Heating, and now- retired City of Aspen building inspector Erik Peltonen were each indicted on four felony charges of criminally negligent homicide. The two, as well as Brian Pawl, a Pitkin County building inspector, also face misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. The indictments were announced Sunday."

FURTHER COMMENTS are enough to send chills down the spine. 

"Mordkin said the home, which was for sale for $8.95 million, had been approved for residency by county inspectors in 2005 or 2006, roughly a year after it was built."

"At some point, the building-inspection process broke down",Mordkin said.

THE ARTICLE FURTHER STATES: "The Lofgren family, in a statement, said the criminal charges and pending civil action "will send a clear message to contractors, and building inspectors and even manufacturers of heating equipment to ensure that such senseless carbon-monoxide deaths are prevented in the future."

Since there was no mention of a real estate agent.  If there was a contract offer for this home, a Home Inspection should have been completed before any prospective buyer spent the night in the property.  Inspecting for safety is paramount for any home inspector I've known.

NOTE TO CONSUMERS, REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND SELLERS.  It's a good idea to NOT rely on municipal building or code inspections for the quality of construction.  HIRE YOUR OWN HOME INSPECTOR AND GET AN OBJECTIVE AND THOROUGH INSPECTION OF ANY HOME YOU PLAN TO BUY. 

And do it BEFORE YOU SPEND A SINGLE NIGHT INSIDE THE PROPERTY. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988

WHEN A HOME INSPECTOR STATES "THE CODE", I suspect that they are relying on those words, "the code", to avoid taking responsibility for their opinions. 

HOWEVER, it's important for home inspectors to be knowledgeable about "the code" where the home owner has made modifications, electrical, plumbing, structural, decking, etc. to the property. 

If we're looking at a resale home, the code isn't going to apply to conditions pre-dating a code implementation.

SAFETY FIRST would suggest that home inspectors write safety defects, electrical, structural, etc.

It's upgrades and alterations that the home inspector should question "the code" to make sure that permits were pulled for the work and that county "CODE" inspection were made.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

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TRACING OUR ROOTS is FUN ON THE 4TH.

My roots go back to Holland, Ireland and France. 

My children's roots go back to Holland, Ireland, France, Germany, England and Blackfoot American Indian.

HA!  If we were canines, we'd be called mongrels.  As humans, we're called Americans.

You gotta love it.

HAPPY 4TH!!

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

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O.K.  I will admit a Love/Hate relationship with the NAR®.  Perhaps Love/Hate is a tad extreme, but you get the point.   There have been a few posts and comments of late by ActiveRain members who don't believe that the NAR is important to our job.  I disagree.  I have always been thankful for the organization managed by the NAR to help us become effecient real estate agents or brokers.

"NAR" as referenced in this article includes state and local associations.

"NAR" as referenced in this article includes state and local associations.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE NAR. 

IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS NO INTERNET!!  When I started my real estate adventure, we didn't have the Internet.  There was no web based MLS.  There was no web based tax record.  Just think of how quickly and easily we can now, 

• search for listings
• access tax records
• produce CMAs from a quick search
• search listing by any number of criteria
• format listing reports for consumers and agents
• produce quick market reports

When I was first licensed, we couldn't search listings, enter listings for more than one small corner of my market area.  Since I have always been inclined to "spread my wings" and develop market information about many areas, not only did I have to be licensed in Maryland and Virginia, I also had to join several Boards of Realtors.  At one time, I belonged to seven Boards of Realtors® (Associations in my area) and one in Northern Virginia.  Can you imagine what my membership fees were for all of those boards.  Even at the modest $350-$400 charged in those days, and even with "associate" memberships, my board fees were more than $1500 a year, plus the fees for key box access.  However, to do business in the areas where I was getting referrals, I couldn't access the key boxes without individual memberships for a number of boards. 

HOW WAS THE STRUCTURE DEVELOPED FOR ME TO ENJOY THE FLEXIBILITY OF A WIDE MARKET AREA???  The National Association of Realtors® was an integral part of the development of the MLS in my area.  Oh, don't think it was anything like we have today with Internet access, color photos, easily edited data, quick printing, personalized customer listing reports, easily produced brochures, quick CMAs and more, so much more.

THE LISTING CARD FILE.  What we did have in those days was a 5 X 8 card file box at the front desk with a listing description of every office listing.   Consumer contacts were from consumers who walked through the front door or telephoned.  The contacts often came from yard signs.  If you wanted tax information for a property, it was available on microfiche, one property at a time.  Listings were entered into the MLS system through a terminal at about 300 BAUD.  With each newly distributed MLS equipment made available, the speed increased.  It was a banner day when we went to about 1200 BAUD speed.  WOW!  Sadly, that terminal had a way of disconnecting us after about an hour into a listing input that generally took about 90 minutes.  No photos either. 

SOUNDS PRIMATIVE DOESN'T IT??  IT WAS.  But, it worked.  A trip to the local Association of Realtors® in my area provided the initial membership processing, access to key box access, forms not stocked by my office, and the most important thing  . . . . .

TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION.  Classes were designed and conducted by NAR trained agent or broker trainers/teachers.  For license renewal, continuing education is a must and required by the states in which I am licensed.  The nice thing about NAR® designed and implemented training is that it is consistant with the license renewal "hours", can be obtained and "saved" until needed.  Or, if you are like I was, available throughout the year for nothing less than the  pleasure of learning more about this exciting new adventure of being a "Real Estate Salesperson", my MD title.

FORMS.  You can't sell it if you can't write it.  The development of the real estate forms made available to brokers and agents are written and distributed by our local and state real estate attorneys in cooperation with experienced agents and brokers.  It's a grueling process and one for which I am grateful.  While many agents and brokers practice in states where attorneys manage the contract phase of the Contract of Sale, in my area, agent fill in the blanks of very complicated, yet easy to read and understand real estate contract forms.  All managed by the state and local Association of Realtors®. 

"NAR" as referenced in this article includes state and local associations.

THE STORE.  Go to your local Association of Realtors® store and enjoy the easy with which we can obtain sign riders, books about real estate, maps, gifts, calendars, software, forms, and more.  Without easy access to these supplies, our job would be a lot more challenging. 

I, FOR ONE, WOULD NOT WANT TO GO WITHOUT ANY OF THE ABOVE.  I have always considered the STRUCTURE made possible by the National Association of Realtors® for managing the development of such a workable system of delivering my real estate services to the nice folks who wish to buy or sell a home. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Realtor® Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

GETTING LEAN and MEAN.  GET TO THE GYM.  THANKS TO AN ACTIVERAIN FRIEND, I WORK HARDER AND SMARTER.

WHAT'S YOUR SECRET FOR . . . . . .

Real Estate Agents:  Showing and selling more homes?

             Real Estate Agents:  Meeting more sellers and listing more properties for sale?

                               Loan Officers:  Speaking with more borrowers and taking more loan applications?

                                               Home Stagers:  Meeting with more sellers and staging more homes?

                                                              Home Inspectors:  Finishing more home inspections?  

IT'S REALLY NOT A SECRET.   About a year ago, I joined a gym in Leesburg.   Oh, I had a treadmill and a rowing machine and a few other pieces of equipment in my basement, but I really wanted more variety.  I also decided that I would like to work out with a professional trainer.  I didn't come up with that idea myself.  I had an occasion to speak with Connie Harvey a little over a year ago.  We were talking about web sites and suddenly she said, "I've got to run, my trainer is waiting for me".

IT'S REALLY NOT A SECRET.   About a year ago, I joined a gym in Leesburg.   Oh, I had a treadmill and a rowing machine and a few other pieces of equipment in my basement, but I really wanted more variety.  I also decided that I would like to work out with a professional trainer.  I didn't come up with that idea myself.  I had an occasion to speak with Connie Harvey a little over a year ago.  We were talking about web sites and suddenly she said, "I've got to run, my trainer is waiting for me".

HIRE A TRAINER?  What a brilliant idea.  When we spoke again, Connie related her experience working with a trainer.  So, the next day, I was off to the gym to find a trainer.  I knew several of the gym staff also worked with gym members privately.  So, I met Jennifer and we've been working together for a bit over a year.  Fabulous.  I love it, I love it.

Meet Jennifer Belik, Fitness Trainer.  Jennifer is a pro.  She's a nursing student and dedicated to fitness.  She works this old body hard.

I WORK HARD on the fitness machines and once a week we work with free weights.  My goal for the routine is muscle, bone density and energy.  Is it working??  You bet!  My usual routine is to (1) walk a mile on the treadmill, (2) do 100 sit-ups and then (3) work with the fitness machines or free weights for an hour.  That's a 1 1/2 hour routine 3 times a week.  I love it. 

Fitness First - www.fitnessfirstclubs.com - 532 East Market Street - Leesburg, VA 20176-4112 - (703) 771-4900
 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

The ActiveRain Realtor Nationwide Survey is not all about points. 

I'm looking for GOOGLE JUICE. 

GOT IT ALREADY IN 18 MINUTES.

My comment to Bob's post was interesting, but the blog post was the most interesting part for me because I saw an opportunity for GOOGLE JUICE.

My blog post went active at 5:26 p.m. and Google had it about 18 minutes later.

                    *****************************************

The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Maryland.

May 23, 2010 ... The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Maryland. The Good News. . . . MARYLAND REAL ESTATE IS SELLING. The Bad News.
activerain.com/.../the-active-rain-realtor-nationwide-survey-about-maryland- - 18 minutes ago

                    ********************************************** 

That's ACTIVERAIN Google Power.  Doubt it as your own risk. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

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The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Maryland.

May 23, 2010 ... The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Maryland. The Good News. . . . MARYLAND REAL ESTATE IS SELLING. The Bad News.
activerain.com/.../the-active-rain-realtor-nationwide-survey-about-maryland- - 18 minutes ago

The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Maryland.

• The Good News. . . . MARYLAND REAL ESTATE IS SELLING. 
• The Bad News. . . . Maryland real estate is selling slowly.
• More Good News. . . . MARYLAND HOME PRICES ARE STABLE.
• More Bad News. . . . Many home owners owe more than the market value of their home and cannot sell. 

For sellers who can and wish to sell and buyers who are ready and qualified to buy, THE TIME IS NOW!

Buyers can benefit from very low interest rates today, 4.75% to 4.875 with ZERO points. 

AFFORDABILITY FOR HOME BUYERS HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER and SELLERS ARE BEGINNING TO SEE THAT,if home owners need or want to sell, the market is as good as it will likely get for the foreseeable future.  With low interest rates and low home prices, buyers are buying.  Sellers are selling and, although they have lost some market value due to falling prices, many sellers are realizing that they will be able to benefit from the low prices when they find their home to buy.

There are about 16,500 detached single family homes offered for sale in the above counties. 

The average price is $494,000 for homes for sale in Maryland within 1 hour commuting distance from the DC, Annapolis or Baltimore employment centers.

The average single family home within 50 miles of Washington DC offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, 3/4 acre lot and is about 29 years old.  Many homes constructed in the past 15 years offer community amenities such as outdoor swimming pools, community centers, tot lots, walking trails, close by shopping and easy commuting routes and mass transit to employment centers. 

TYPICAL HOME IN THE $400,000 TO $500,000 PRICE RANGE in the counties of Montgomery, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Howard, Frederick and Charles. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, VDOT, MAINTAINING ROADS IN RURAL LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - ROAD MAINTENANCE - MAKE SURE YOUR ROAD IS MAINTAINED.

CAUTION HOME OWNERS!  IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING BUYING A HOME IN LOUDOUN COUNTY, MAKE SURE THE ROAD ON WHICH HOMES ARE CONSIDERED ARE VDOT MAINTAINED. 

ADDENDUM:  I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HAS A WEB SITE AND POTHOLES CAN BE REPORTED.  WHEN THE ROAD IN FRONT OF MY HOME GETS BAD, I REPORT THE METTER, ALONG WITH PHOTOS, TO VDOT AND THEN, ABOUT 4-6 WEEKS LATER, ALONG COMES THOSE LOVELY DUMPSTERS WITH GRAVEL AND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO DO THE SCRAPING. 

IF YOU'RE SELLING HOMES IN RURAL VIRGINIA, CHECK WITH VDOT TO FIND OUT WHO MAINTAINS THE ROAD.  IT'S GOOD DUE DILIGENCE.

No, it's not a requirement, but just think about it.  If you are not on a VDOT MAINTAINED ROAD, who's going to repair the inevitable potholes????? 

I get telephone calls regularly from home owners in Loudoun County who inquire about getting the potholes in the their road repaired.  It's easy to check with VDOT to inquire about a specific road.  Not VDOT maintained, hopefully there is an HOA.  Don't have an HOA???  My suggestion is for the homeowners on the road to get together to maintain the road.  Obtain the services of some with the heavy equipment to scrape the road and fill the potholes with gravel and work it in. 

These photos show VDOT at work after a rough winter, the potholes in front of my home were very bad.  VDOT paid us a visit and the road is now fine.  Love it.

VDOT Supervisor managing the work.           VDOT laying gravel.  We got a truck load.

                         THIS WAS THE FUN TO WATCH VDOT AT WORK.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

NEW HOME IN ASHBURN, BRAMBLETON, CONSTRUCTION ON SCHEDULE, WAITING FOR PRE-DRYWALL WALK-THROUGH.

Delivery for this home is end of May to mid-June.  The builder is right on schedule.  They did lose some time due to the extreme snow and cold in February, but have added manpower to this site to stay on schedule.  This is important for the buyers I'm working with because they have to give notice to vacate their rental.  I love builders who stay on schedule and most in this market do.

The last photos of this home in Ashburn- Brambleton under construction was on March 2, 2010.  Just look at the progress in three short weeks.

                                            MARCH  7, 2010 CONSTRUCTION MEETING DAY

                                                           APRIL 5, 2010

                                                   Left side of home with side load 2 car garage.

                                           Model W/Brick Elevation April 2, 2010

                                                 Right Side View - April 2, 2010

ONE ITEM FOUND IN THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING.  The windows on the right side (facing the front) were not cut in when we met the builder for the "pre-construction meeting.  However, the floor plan included 5 windows on that side.  The builder noted the missing windows on the pre-construction meeting and said the windows could still be cut in and would be.

I love walk-through inspections.  It is not unusual to find a builder's mistake and the sooner the better.  I've made it a practice to "keep an eye on homes under construction" during the building process.  Most builders are glad to correct mistakes and the sooner the better.  In the case of the windows, I found that the entire side of the house was in sheathing, but no windows.  Cutting the windows out at this state prior to installation of the siding is the best opportunity. 

There are additional lots available in this community in Ashburn - Brambleton.  Contact Lenn, 800-711-7988, for an introduction to the builder and qualify for the Homefinders.com, new home Buyer's REBATE.

THIS HOME IS PRICED RIGHT AND CAN BE DELIVERED IN 5 MONTHS.   

			MLS#: LO7194944  Price: $549,990  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms:3 full  1 half  Garage:Attached  Zip Code: 20148  City, State:ASHBURN, VA  Community:MARTIN'S CHASE  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

FOR THE BEST NEW HOME BUYING EXPERIENCE, WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED NEW HOME BUYER'S AGENT.  LENN HAS SPECIALIZED IN NEW HOME SALES SINCE 1992.   With over 25 years real estate experience, we can help you buy your home with the confidence that the home you're buying is the very best home in your price range in your area of choice.   We can help.

FOR A TOUR OF THE LOTS IN ASHBURN - BRAMBLETON AND TO MEET WITH THE BUILDER, CONTACT:

Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988

Visit Homefinders.com for information in the Maryland and Northern Virginia real estate market.

Visit our main Loudoun County real estate web site.

Facts about Loudoun County Real Estate.

Real estate in Lovettsville in Western Loudoun County.

Real estate in Leesburg, Virginia, the County Seat for Loudoun County.

New homes in Loudoun County, Virginia - Buyer's REBATE.
New Homes in Lovettsville, Buyer's REBATE. 

New Homes in Hamilton, Buyer's REBATE.

New Homes in Leesburg, Buyer's REBATE.

IGNORE THE "AS IS" TAG IN LISTINGS FOR RESALE HOMES FOR SALE.

ALL RESALE HOMES ARE SOLD "AS IS", subject to an inspection contingency if the prospective home buyer desires to exercise that option.

Bank owned properties are sold "AS IS" and usually will not make repairs.

Short sales are sold "AS IS" and usually will usually not make repairs.

The "AS IS" sales condition is one of the reasons bank owned and short sale properties are discounted. 

The "AS IS" addendum for bank owned and short sale properties specifically state that the buyer agrees to take the property in the condition as of the date of the Contract of Sale. 

Agents can simply advise buyers about the different "AS IS" clauses and if the buyer wants a home in new like condition, they should be looking at new construction.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

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ALERT!  ALERT!  HOW MUCH REAL ESTATE DO YOU BELIEVE WE'LL BE SELLING IF THE ELECTRICAL GRID GOES DOWN??

WHERE WERE YOU DURING THE BLACK OUT DADDY?  Those words are reminiscent of a child's question to a parent for several decades following World War II when (mostly) fathers were sent off to war to fight for the security and freedom enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America.  The question asked of our fathers was "Where were you during the war, Daddy?"  Our country has been secure from foreign invasion due to our location and military strength for all these years.  However, times have changed and the invasion of a foreign army or even rockets raining down upon us is not necessarily the only danger we face today.  Think about the recent black outs and ask yourself, "How much real estate will we be selling if the "grid" goes down?"  Not only will our office or home supply of power be out, the MLS itself would be out.  Are we devoting the resources to protection of the electrical grid needed to protect our national security? 

How often do we in the real estate industry think about the national power grid or the Internet in terms of national security?

HAS OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE BECOME THE PROTECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL GRID??   

Ruthmarie Hicks poignantly describes her quest for bandwidth and battery power during the recent week long black out in areas of the U.S. Northeast.  Ruthmarie wasn't alone in her frustration to get online, to communicate, to work, to simply get through the days without the necessary energy to power our homes and businesses.  Fact is, when there is a massive black out such as that experienced in the most recent shows, rains, winds, it is often a reflection of our neglect and procrastination in upgrading and securitizing the American Electrical Grid.

IS THERE A PHONE IN YOUR EAR?  Gone is the simple life when we could function at work or at home with our appliances or at work with each other.  The lowly telephone was our life-line in past decades.  Today the ubiquitous telephone is almost an extension of ourselves.  Our laptop often means that our business office follows us wherever we go.

ON VACATION?  Is it really a vacation when we have a battary powered laptop providing an office that follows us whereever we can get a signal??

BACK UPS FOR YOUR BACK UPS.  In anticipation of the loss of power on some future date, I have a back-up battery on my sump pump.  I have a supply of wood to burn in the fireplace for warmth.  I keep the gas tank in my vehicle over half full.  I have a supply of food that doesn't require cooking.  I have a shelf full of bottled water.  No electricity, no well pump and no water.  If I believed for a minute that a back up generator would be reliable and easy to operate, I'd have one in my back yard.  I don't have a back up generator because my fear is that it would turn out to be just one more "convenience" that would need a back up, or a service call on my cell from my automobile, as long as the gasoline holds out. 

DSL falls to a broken tree branch.  That was my recent experience when my DSL was out for 3 weeks.  Verizon doesn't communicate well when you report an outage.  It's all done by "select line 2 if" for this or that, when none of the selections relate to your particular trouble.  By the time the repairman got to my house, he reported that the trouble was caused by a tree branch that fell on a power line outside the Verizon building.   I didn't get any comfort knowing that I lost connectivity for 3 weeks because "a tree branch fell".  All that did was emphasis our volunerability to unexpected minor events that cause catestrophic living conditions for thousands or hundreds of thousands or millions of citizens in affected areas.  Fact is, our convenience, our businesses and our security (forget comfort) is at risk each and every day.  Just because you don't see a volunerability, doesn't mean it's not there.   

HOW DO WE INSURE OUR FUTURE CONNECTIVITY?  It appears to me that we need a lot more than just firewood for warmth in the absence of central head.  We need more than just cold edible food or charcoal when our kitchen range isn't working.  Upgrading the capacity, reliability AND SECURITY of the national electrical grid is a matter of our national security.  SEE: . Electric power is essential to modern society. Economic prosperity, national security, and public health and safety cannot be achieved without it. Communities that lack electric power, even for short periods, have trouble meeting basic needs for food, shelter, water, law, and order. . .  MORE.

Ruthmarie caused me to do far more thinking than I had planned for today. 

REAL ESTATE AGENTS MAY BE MORE INFORMED ABOUT "THE GRID".  THAN THE AVERAGE CITIZEN.   The Dulles Area Association of Realtors (DAAR) recently held a seminar in Leesburg, Virginia to educate area Realtor members about the condition of upgrades to the grid in Loudoun County.  Our provider is Dominion Electric, a very consumer friendly utility.  The Dominion representatives provided us with maps and information to help us answer the inevitable consumer questions about electric power lines and their proximity to communities where we list and sell homes. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

CIRO - A WONDERFUL ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN ALDIE, VIRGINIA. 

The food is fabulous, the ambiance relaxing and welcoming and convenient, in Stone Ridge @ Aldie, Route 50, just East of Route 15.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

* * * * * *

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

Serving home buyers in Loudoun County Virginia.  Ask about the Homefinders.com New Home Buyers REBATE.

For a tour of homes in Loudoun County, VA, contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.  Experienced REALTORS helping home buyers in Loudoun County, Virginia real estate.

To search the full database of ACTIVE homes listed for sale in Loudoun, use our convenient Home Search in Loudoun County web site.

http://www.homefinders.com
http://www.loudoun-county-va-homes.com
http://www.loudoun-real-estate.com
http://www.e-homesleesburg.com
http://www.realestatelovettsville.com
http://www.new-homes-loudoun-county.com
http://www.newhomeslovettsville.com
http://www.newhomeshamiltonva.com
http://www.realestateleesburg.com  

Homefinders.com Video

                                   GUESS WHO??                             

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

WE WERE ON PINS AND NEEDLES YESTERDAY AS WE DROVE UP TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE. 

Relocating home buyers, referred by an ActiveRain member, Bill Gassett, Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate, who represented these folks in the sale of their town home near Boston, went to contract a couple of months ago to build a home in Loudoun County, Virginia. 

We had toured every new home builder in the county and these home sites offered the best new home buying opportunity when considering:

• Price
• Location
• Amenities
• Quality Construction

These homes represent THE BEST BUY IN THE COUNTY FOR THE PRICE RANGE $450,000 - $550,000.

I met the buyer at the site yesterday to see what progress had been made considering our weather for the past 2 months which has been the worst winter that I can recall for the past 30 years.  I knew that there would have been weather delays so I've avoided visiting the site. 

It was a lovely day, about 40 F. with a brisk wind, but sunny and very pleasant. 

EUREKA!  There's a home going up for my buyers.  He, the home buyer, was almost giddy when he looked at the site (so was I).

Thank goodness, we should be able to close on time and my thanks (referral fee) will be made timely to the ActiveRain member who entrusted these lovely buyers in my care. 

                                   Garage Left Side Load.  Ready to start the 2nd Level.

                     Garage Left, Center Foyer, Library / Den on the right.  Open 2 Stroy Foyer.

            Community Center with Recreation Area, Kitchen, Tennis Courts, Outside Swimming Pool.

Lovely 4 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath Colonial with a Family Room, Living Room, Dining Room, 2 Story Foyer, Library/Den, 2 Car Garage (side load), full unfinished basement, all on a lovely 1/3 acre corner lot.  Price:  About $490,000.

* * * * * *

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

Serving home buyers in Loudoun County Virginia.  Ask about the Homefinders.com New Home Buyers REBATE.

For a tour of homes in Loudoun County, VA, contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.  Experienced REALTORS helping home buyers in Loudoun County, Virginia real estate.

To search the full database of ACTIVE homes listed for sale in Loudoun, use our convenient Home Search in Loudoun County web site.

http://www.homefinders.com
http://www.loudoun-county-va-homes.com
http://www.loudoun-real-estate.com
http://www.e-homesleesburg.com
http://www.realestatelovettsville.com
http://www.new-homes-loudoun-county.com
http://www.newhomeslovettsville.com
http://www.newhomeshamiltonva.com
http://www.realestateleesburg.com  

Homefinders.com Video

SNOW REMOVAL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA - STAGE TWO OF THE BLIZZARD OF 2010.

WHAT A MONTH IT HAS BEEN.  66 inches of snow at Dulles is the closest official measurement I can find and that sounds about right for my home in Lovettsville. 

The first stage of survival in "The Blizzard of 2010", was February 9.  Enjoy. 

SNOW REMOVAL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA - ADVANCED SNOW BLOWERS - PEACE OF MIND.

THAT WASN'T THE END OF IT.  The snow came down again all day yesterday.  Another 2 feet with winds up to 35 miles per hour and gusts up to 50 miles per hour.  Happily, I didn't lose electricity which was a real concern. 

SO, WITH ANOTHER 2 FEET ON MY DRIVEWAY, Jeremy had to revisit.  Today, one of his guys came in with a plow and cleaned my driveway - again.  The guys are so good.  They are here in the 95 F. summer heat to cut grass, trim flower beds and pull weeds and now ,in winter, to keep my driveway clear so I'm not really a prisoner in my own home.  Not that I have to go anywhere.  It's just good to know that I could if necessary.

That was a lot of snow.  Of course, it's still here.  It's jut been shoveled to the side where I'm hoping it melts before the tulips and daffidils are ready to peek through the mulch in April.  I've got about 4 feet on my deck and 3 feet on the front stoop.  We'll be coming and going by the garage door for the near future.

The snow on the deck is awesome.                         The front stoop is, of course, useless. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

DOMINION ELECTRIC IN VIRGINIA MAPS ELECTRICAL OUTAGES and MORE!

EUREKA!  I FOUND IT!

Whenever I make a discovery, I always feel like Archimedes must have felt when he stepped into the bathtub.

DOMINION ELECTRIC COMPANY which services much of Northern Virgnia, has an online map showing the location of electric outages. 

Phew!  What a relief.  Nothing is showing in my area.  The closest outage is Leesburg.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LOUDOUN COUNTY ELECTRIC OUTAGES.

CLICK HERE for Loudoun County weather alerts.

Other important phone numbers, CLICK HERE.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

LAWS ABOUT THE USE OF CELL PHONES, TEXTING and BROKER LIABILITY.

BE RISK AVERSE.  Folks who know me know that I am very risk averse.  That said, we can't live in a cocoon and we can't eliminate all risk to ourselves or our businesses.  We can, however, take affirmative steps to limit liability. 

This post inspired by June Lewis who wrote a thoughtful article today on this timely subject. 

THE MATTER OF "DISTRACTED RESTRICTIONS" WHEN DRIVING.  This subject came to my attention several years ago.  Granted, it was prior to the introduction of texting.  However, I believe that the risk to real estate brokers when an agent is texting is the same as an agent using a cell phone while on real estate business.

• Cooley Godward, a Virginia-based law firm, was slapped with a $30 million wrongful death suit where an employee of theirs was conducting business on her cell phone when she struck and killed a fifteen-year-old boy with her car.

A good article about this matter can be found at Employers Guide to Cell Phone.

When I read about the Gooley Goodward case in Virginia, I contacted my attorney and, after consultation, we decided that, in order to limit broker liability, which would be similar to the law firm liability in the Cooley case, Homefinders.com would implement a BROKER POLICY to the effect that Independent Contractors who were agents of the brokerage would acknowledge receipt of a NOTICE that it was broker policy that agents would not use cell phones while driving.

Agents signed the acknowledgment letter and it was kept in their employee file. 

I could not control agents' use of their cell phone while driving.  However, implementation of the broker policy served several purposes. 

• It made agents more aware of the dangers of talking on the cell phone while driving.
• It gave some protection to my real estate brokerage and myself as the broker.

WE ARE ALL AN "ACCIDENT ABOUT TO HAPPEN".  To this day, I do not talk on my cell while driving.  Calls go to my 800# and I check messages regularly.  If I make an outgoing call on my cell while in my vehicle, I first pull over to a safe place.  That said, I understand well the pressure for agents to be connected while on the road.  Agents on my network are usually anxious to answer a call from me because they know it's important.  I'm usually calling with a buyer referral.  However, I still would not encourage them to answer a call while driving.  With a "HANDS FREE" device, voice activated agents may have a margin of safety.  However, law enforcement folks claim that simple talking is distracting.  I don't have an answer for that, or anything else for that matter.  I would just like to raise the awareness of the subject for my ActiveRain friends.  When an agent doesn't answer, I assume that they are driving and wait a reasonable time before calling another agent to make the referral. 

"Hey, let's be careful out there."  Sergeant Phil Esterhaus, Hill Street Blues.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

I have an incline (O.K. hill)  behind my home that is perfect for sledding. 

Some folks got all bundled up and headed for my house with their sleds.  No one can drive the driveway to my house, but my neighbor had cleared his and there is parking there. 

UP THE HILL

DOWN THE HILL

The exposure isn't too good because there's still snow coming down. 

Snow accumulation is now about 2.5+ feet but the snowfall has subsided quite a bit.  Unfortunately, the wind has picked up and is predicted with up to 40 m.p.h gusts.  My fingers are crossed.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com 800-711-7988.

OFTEN AMAZED AT THE INGENUITY OF THE HUMAN SPECIES, this morning I amazed myself. 

I was disappointed this a.m. to find that I HAD NO TELEVISION RECEPTION.  It started to go out about 7:00 p.m. last evening.   Not a problem.  However, this morning I wanted to see what the area was like with such a massive snow storm and a snow accumulation of about 2 feet plus and still coming down. 

Now I can be as rugged as anyone when it comes to rough weather and living conditions.  I have tent camped in Yellowstone for weeks at a time in June when it gets down to 25 F. overnight with ice on the picnic table, all to catch a few Cutthroat Trout.  I once hiked a total of 14 miles, 9 miles in and 5 miles out to catch a 6 inch trout in Lake Shoshone.  I'm as tough as anyone.  However, when I'm at home I want my TELEVISION TO WORK. 

NO TELEVISION! . . .   NOW THAT IS A TRUE CATASTROPHE!  

We have a lot of snow, about 2 feet and still snowing in Lovettsville, Virginia. 

The fence in this scene is about 3 feet tall.  It appears that the snow is right up to the top level.

                                               This is my deck.  That's a lot of snow at 7:00 a.m.

I was glad to find my electricity still working this a.m.  I fully expected it to be out and, in fact, still expect to lose electricity as soon as that branch on the tree across the road, laden with snow , to break off and fall on the line with expected results.  It wouldn't be the first time, but, so far so good.  When I realized that the television was out this a.m., I figured it would be that way until the snow stopped and the dish could get a signal.  However, a light went on in my brain!  Something told me this morning that perhaps all that snow on the dish could be part of the problem.  At least it was worth a try. 

Fortunately, the DirectTV dish is right outside one of the windows in my sunroom.  So, after opening the window, taking the screen out, I could access the dish easily.  Now what to do??  The dish is covered with packed snow, a good 6-8 inch layer all over it.  I needed a tool to remove the snow.  I wasn't really thinking high tech.  I just wanted to get the snow off the dish without doing damage to the dish or the parts that made it work.  I also didn't want to cause it to move.  Why?  I don't really know but it made sense at the time.  When coming into contact with a TV Satellite dish, first do no harm.

EUREKA, I FOUND IT!

SUCCESS!  About the second I brushed the snow off the dish, I could hear the TV in the Family Room. 

So far, this is a mighty storm.  However, with my electricity still on and the TV and computer working,

I CAN ROUGH IT!

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

SHORT SALE MISCONCEPTIONS COULD BE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGENTS.

IS KISMET AT WORK IN THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF SHORT SALES??

SHORT SALES HERE, SHORT SALES THERE, SHORT SALES EVERYWHERE.  The significant number of short Sale listings and sales these days have led to the misconception on the part of many agents licensed within the past 5 years or so that Short Sales.

Kathy Schowe writes today about a Gentleman who made $1,000,000 in the past years but now wants to sell his home as a Short Sale.

The ubiquity of Short Sales caused by the mortgage mess is unique to the real estate industry.  However, SHORT SALES are not new and agents with some years in the business have likely been through a few of them in the past. 

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE NOW??? 

• Value of the property - $300,000.
• Owner owes - $450,000.
• Estimated loss - $150,000. 

That's a $150,000 loss that the owner's mortgagee(s) is expected to take.  Further, the mortgagor, the owner who purchased the property, lived in it for some time fully expects to complete a Short Sale transaction and be left with no liability for the deficiency beyond a reduction in credit score.  A reduction in loss of credit score that will be less than that they would experience with a foreclosure. 

The difference in Short Sales now and in years that predated 2004 or so is that the mortgage company or investor is now expected to take the loss. 

SHORT SALES OCCUR ANY TIME A PROPERTY TRANSFERS AND THE SALES PRICE IS LESS THAN THE OWNER/SELLER OWES ON THE PROPERTY.  Over the years, as a Buyer's Agent, I have represented a number of home buyers who purchased homes whereby the seller owed more than that for which they could sell their home.  In order to complete the sale, the OWNER/SELLER came to the settlement table with money to pay the mortgage company the difference in what the home was selling for and that which they owned.  I've had closings whereby the sellers came to the settlement table with $10,000, $25,000 and one time over $70,000.  It was still a Short Sale. 

Short Sales whereby the banks take the loss are a very recent phenomenon.

The thought of a mortgage company taking a loss on the sale of a property was unlikely and foreclosure was the naxt logical step if the owner/seller didn't have the resources to cover the loss. 

SO, WHY ARE THINGS DIFFERENT NOW???  LENN'S EPIPHANY! 

• On the average, short sales sell for more than the same property after a foreclosure. 
• Short Sales result in better public relations for the bank than a foreclosure.
• Short Sales avoid the lengthily FORBEARANCE offered to owners with government backed loans.

HUD (and VA) FORBEARANCE.  Compare the relative short typical Short Sale transaction of 3-10 months with that of an FHA loan and the HUD forbearance of 1 to 2 years.  With a short sale, the owner often continues to make mortgage payments, albeit perhaps not as timely as before, but the band is offsetting their loss.  With a HUD forbearance, the home owner may not make a payment for 1-2 years before accepting a modification of their loan or the property going to foreclosure.

BANKS THAT FORCE FORECLOSURE OF EVERY PROPERTY IN DEFAULT contribute to the serious decline IN market value of communities.  Market adjustments are often good for an inflated market, but severe declines eventually cost the banks, the home owners and the taxing income of local municipalities.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LISTING AGENTS.  Before you dismiss that owner as a Short Sale because the bank doesn't accept their HARDEHIP, it is sometimes possible that a seller will pay the difference themselves.  It will surely benefit an owner with the resources to pay the deficiency themselves rather than have a credit report showing a deed in lieu of or foreclosure or even a short sale with the deficiency taken by the bank.  A good credit report is, after all, money in the bank. 

KISMET.  One thing we've learned about financial institutions that take severe losses in the market place is that profits are enjoyed by the financial houses and their investors.  Losses are suffered by the tax payers.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.