Haymarket Homeowner Fall 2016

Im pr H N o o Di vem me EW! re e ow cto nt n ry & er 20 Se 16 rvi ce

UPSCALE LIVING IN HAYMARKET & GAINESVILLE

Haymarket Homeowner HaymarketHomeowner.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Real Estate Market Trends Haymarket Area Featured Properties Haymarket Area Things to Do & Weekend Getaways Fall 2016 2016 Homeowner Improvement & Service Directory

O

nce again, Haymarket Day was a huge success! Some of you may have had the opportunity to stop by and meet the VRE GHX Project Team at their information booth. For those unfamiliar, VRE GHX is the ongoing Virginia Railway Express Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Project.

Currently in study phase, the VRE GHX is a proposed 11-mile extension of the VRE Manassas Line commuter rail service extending from Manassas through Gainesville to Haymarket near Route 15 and I-66.

"Haymarket Real Estate Guy" Associate Broker

EXIT Heritage Realty Haymarket, VA www.EXITgarcia.com 703-517-2574

2016

2017 JUL AUG2018 SEP

2019 OCT NOV

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Project Activities

Planning Environmental Preliminary Design

Final Design

Current Study

Construction Start Up

Project Phase

Contingent upon Norfolk Southern approval and funding availability.

Miracle or Myth: Bury St. Joseph to Sell

BRYAN GARCIA

the analysis supports continued development, final design and construction would follow.

Actual passenger rail operations could begin in 2022 or later (see chart below), contingent upon state and regional railway stakeholders approval and funding availability. It seems like a far way off, but if approved, the impact to the region could develop even sooner.

The goal of this project is to provide cost-effective and reliable mobility options, accommodate freight operations, add capacity Project Overview to the I-66 corridor and support local and 2015

Around Town: Haymarket Day 2016

Published by

Fall 2016

The VRE GHX Project Closer to Reality

Tips & Advice: Preparing for the Spring Real Estate Market

Market Watch: August 2016

Real Estate & Community News from Bryan Garcia, "Haymarket Real Estate Guy" 703-517-2574

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

REVENUE SERVICE Schedule as of February 2016

The two-year study, which launched in July 2015, should include an analysis that will determine the impact of proposed stations and railroad improvements to the surrounding community and natural resources. It will also include identification of number of stations and locations, necessary improvements to the railroad corridor, development of ridership projections and overall cost estimates. The chart above shows the region being studied in yellow.

The study is one of the first steps towards bringing commuter rail service to our area. If

FEATURED HOMES

COMMUNITY

g Photo credit: Sarah J. Skerker

regional economic development. As a real estate professional, I know a big benefit will be how it affects property values. Not only will home values likely increase, population (home buyers) is projected to as well.

Public involvement and support is a critical part of this initiative and community members are strongly encouraged to get involved.

The third VRE GHX Community Meeting will be held on December 7th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Piney Branch Elementary School in Bristow. Visit www.vre-ghx.org for more details.

HAYMARKET DAY

19

1

Haymarket Home Sales were up

+41.2%

during the month of August 2016 compared to August of 2015.

1

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Market Watch Source: RBI Real Estate Business Intelligence

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REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS

HaymarketHomeowner.com

A National Snapshot for August 2016

A

s we approach the final days to the presidential election, I thought it would be a good time to take a snapshot look at the housing market across the entire nation for the recent month of August 2016 (September data not released until mid-October). Could national real estate market trends be related to the election year?

Furthermore, some say that with our proximity to the nation’s capital and our typically lower unemployment rate, we don’t represent what’s happening nationwide. We know that the housing market will always vary from region to region, influenced by economic conditions, unemployment rates, weather events, demographics and more … but do we really stand apart?

The results are definitely interesting, at least for August. Nationwide in all regions, existing home SALES in August were up just barely, but consistently, compared to last year. However, they have slowed WAY down compared to how they looked last August.

On the other hand, home sale PRICES were up substantially and consistently, with the exception of the Northeast. Still, compared to last August that increase waned too. Are these trends related to the election year or is it the ebb and flow of the real estate market? Is there a hesitation nationwide to purchase? Hard to say.

Either way, a hyper-local look at our region confirms that we are maintaining growth at a healthy pace in both home sales AND sales prices for the month of August. There are some random fluctuations though. Look at Haymarket home sales – up 41% this August, yet a decrease in sales price!

I have mentioned this before, when we take a snapshot of a smaller region, for a single month only, the numbers may be dramatic compared to an entire geographic region just because there are fewer transactions to draw data from. But this still gives us an idea of what’s going on right now.

Existing Home Sales Existing homes sales across the nation are up slightly this August compared to the substantial increase last year. Our local area has a unique pattern of its own.

August 2016 August 2015 U.S. +0.8% +6.3% Northeast +0.0% +9.4% Midwest +0.8% +8.8% South +0.9% +5.4% West +0.8% +6.4% PWC +9.5% Haymarket +41.2% Gainesville +16.7%

+11.2% -20.6% +22.2%

The pie chart below gives us a glance at Regional Home Sales for August 2016 and what regions are affected most – the South (which does include more states) has the Existing Home Sales by Region most activity.

Northeast 13%

West 23%

Midwest 24% South 41%

Sales Prices of Existing Homes The nation shows fairly consistent stats from region to region, except the Northeast. Prince William County as a whole is trending with the nation but our local towns show different patterns compared to the national statistics – again, a smaller area to collect data from.

U.S. Northeast Midwest South West

August 2016 August 2015 +5.1% +6.8% +0.8% +2.9% +5.5% +6.9% +6.7% +7.1% +9.2% +8.3%

PWC Haymarket Gainesville

+6.2% -0.5% +1.4%

-4.5% -4.1% -7.6%

HAYMARKET AREA HOMES FOR SALE

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

FEATURED PROPERTIES

8022 Bonnie Briar Loop Gainesville, VA

7392 Greenwich Road Nokesville, VA

4479 Courtneys Corner Road Sumerduck, VA

5 Bed, 3.5 Baths | .27 Acres | 4,900 SF

4 Bed, 2.5 Baths | 2.3 Acres | 2,584 SF

5 Bed, 2 Baths | 2 Acres | 2,644 SF

Custom-built, all brick Colonial home in Lake Manassas with charming fenced yard that overlooks woods * 3 finished levels with quality craftsmanship and custom features throughout in molding & trim, built-ins and sand-in-place hardwood floors in most rooms * Master suite with sitting room and 3 closets * New paint and carpet throughout * Fantastic gourmet kitchen with quartz, stainless, double oven * 2 home offices.

Very nice Colonial on country road set on pastoral 2+ acre lot * Cherry hardwoods on main level * Nice kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances and double oven * Formal living and dining room and large family room * Fantastic bonus room with built-in shelves and wood-burning fireplace with brick hearth * Spacious bedrooms and closets * Huge master suite * Kettle Run High School district * No HOA.

Imagine the possibilities! Charming Farmhouse is loaded with character and is just waiting for creative renovations * 1.6 acre lot next door is also for sale * Original dark woodwork/trim throughout, wide plank hardwood floors, built-in cupboards & high ceilings * Huge halls & rooms with lots of natural sunlight * Covered front porch * Barn and shed on property * Over 2 private acres of flat, pastoral land.

Improved to $649,900

Text to: 85377 Message: M552439

Improved to $449,900

Improved to $339,900

Text to: 85377 Message: M481617

Text to: 85377 Message: M552482

ST JU OLD S

ST JU OLD S

13982 Chelmsford Drive Gainesville, VA

15321 Turning Leaf Place Haymarket, VA

6720 Jefferson Street Haymarket, VA

3 Bed, 2.5 Baths | .07 Acres | 1,997 SF

4 Bed, 4.5 Full Baths | .27 Acres | 3,872 SF

4 Bed, 2 Full Baths | .63 Acres | 2,240 SF

Spacious attached patio home in lovely Heritage Hunt active-adult golf community with many amenities * Main level master suite * Large family room with gas fireplace and sliders to patio * 2 big bedrooms on second floor PLUS craft room & large loft that overlooks living room * New paint & refrigerator.

Wonderful Dominion Valley Colonial with 3 finished levels is in immaculate condition * Rich cherry hardwoods on main level * Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with huge center island, granite countertops, double oven and stainless appliances * Nice finished walk-out basement with separate office and full bath * Large Master Suite * Lots of storage.

Adorable farmhouse in Haymarket is loaded with charm & character * Huge detached garage with recreation room above and built-in pool in back * Finished hardwoods & new carpet * Fresh paint throughout * Wood-burning fireplace * New windows throughout * Home business & ancillary apartment possibilities * Walk to town.

Listing Price $534,900

Listing Price $449,900

$329,900

Text to: 85377 Message: M552482

COMMUNITY

HaymarketHomeowner.com

Flying Circus Airshow Haymarket Area

Things to Do & Weekend Getaways ~ Fall 2016 ~

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially in our region! You can't beat the weather, the scenery and choices of things to do. From our local town to points east and west, there is always more to choose than there are weekends in our schedule. Here are just a few events and day getaways I recommend.

Halloween Haunt

Weekends through October 30th Kings Dominion Doswell, VA Take a trip to Kings Dominion on weekends through October 30th and combine the thrill of an amusement park with the company of the well-costumed “walking dead”. If you haven’t been, it’s about and hour and a half away and for the annual Halloween HAUNT, they really do a great job of scaring kids of all ages.

These “actors” are not allowed to touch any customer but it may not be appropriate for young children who scare easily. Ghouls of all forms loom throughout designated areas after dark providing bone-chilling scares and screams for all. There are

themed mazes, rides and scare zones as well as live shows throughout the night.

The park is opened Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday until midnight.

There are several packages to choose from – purchase just Fright Lane admission or inclusive packages for the whole park.

Visit KingsDominion.com/haunt for ticket prices and details.

Haunted Happenings

Saturday, October 29 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Historic Downtown Manassas, VA The spirits of Historic Downtown Manassas come alive as ghosts, goblins, and even Spongebob Squarepants come out to play.

Businesses in downtown open their doors to community children for trick or treating.

After the candy has been gathered, there are games and a costume contest with 1st to 3rd prizes in the categories of Scariest, Funniest and Most Original. Pick up a candy bag and register for the contest at The Center for the Arts parking lot.

Visit VisitManassas.org for more info.

Sundays through October 30 2:20 PM to 4 PM Ritchie Road, Bealeton, VA

If you’ve haven’t seen the Flying Circus Airshow yet, you’re in for a treat – this is the real deal! It’s a well-executed, aerobatic show with fully-restored, vintage airplanes and features parachute jumpers and wingwalkers. It’s reminiscent of the old 1930’s barnstorming shows. Meet the cast and crew of pilots and performers after the show. Open cockpit airplane rides are also available starting at 11 a.m. and are sold on a first-come basis. This is great fun for the entire family and a special thrill for children. Bring your own picnic basket or stop by the snack bar that offers good food at reasonable prices – hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, ice cream – the basics! Visit flyingcircusairshow.com for admission prices and more details.

My Way Matinee

Regal Virginia Gateway Stadium November & December Gainesville, VA For families living with autism, Regal Cinemas offers a matinee movie program as a special opportunity for those on the spectrum to enjoy a good movie in a safe and accepting environment. For a comfortable setting, the lights are turned up slightly and sound turned down. There are no previews or advertisements and the movies are typically rated G or PG. The movies start at 10:30 a.m. and coming this fall is Trolls on November 12th and Moana on December 10th. Visit VAgateway/ events.com for more information.

Annual Fall Gallery Walk

Friday, November 4 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Historic Downtown Manassas, VA

Enjoy an evening out with friends or family while supporting our local arts community during the 18th Annual Fall Gallery Walk.

It's a free event for all. The merchants of

COMMUNITY

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

Virginia Film Festival

Thursday to Sunday, November 3 to 6 Charlottesville, VA

Historic Downtown will be displaying artwork by local, featured artists (pictured above courtesy of Gallery Walk organizers) and authors, along with refreshments and live musicians performing in many of the locations. Maps of the participating vendors will be provided – just follow the balloons to each destination! Combine this art walk with dinner at one of the many restaurants in Old Town Manassas.

Visit manassasgallerywalk.com for more information.

September 11, 2001: Manassas Remembers

Through Sunday, November 27 Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Manassas Museum, Manassas, VA “Manassas Remembers” is an exhibit at the Manassas Museum commemorating the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. It tells the story using personal reflections and first person accounts of that day from first responders, eyewitnesses and victims. Displays include historical photographs as well as an interactive notebook that contains written memories that visitors can review and contribute to. The exhibit also features artifacts collected from Ground Zero including a sign from the World Trade Center site, as well as the shirt a firefighter wore in search efforts.

If you enjoy binge watching movies, this makes a great day trip.

The hour and 40 minute ride to Charlottesville provides pretty foliage as a bonus. This weekend is also parent’s weekend at UVA, so hotels may be hard to come by.

Hosted by the University of Virginia, the Virginia Film Festival takes place at venues throughout Charlottesville including the new Violet Crown, state-of-the-art movie theater. Over 70 films will be screened and more than 80 guest artists and speakers are expected to participate. There are a variety of films – documentary, classic, mainstream and independent – as well as panel discussions addressing both high and low budget filmmaking.

The best way to plan this trip is to visit the website and pick two or three films that appeal to you at staggering times and purchase tickets online. Work in a break for lunch or dinner (reservations recommended as well) to complete the day! Visit virginiafilmfestival.org for full schedule of films as well as workshops and children’s activities.

Ten Course Chef Tasting Dinner

Lafayette Inn and Restaurant Call for times and reservations Stanardsville, VA This old, but charming Inn is over an hour away but if you are a foodie, it’s well worth the ride! For the highly-rated Dinner, the chef and staff present a carefully selected culinary experience, from the first appetizer through the dessert. Chef Alan specially selects the wine pairings for each "Chef Tasting" and provides commentary with each offering. Designated drivers get a discounted rate. Also available are Guest Sous Chef 2-Night Packages, which include hands-on cooking demonstrations, accommodations, self-guided tours to local vineyards and more. The Inn is also near the Swift Run Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park, so work in a day of hiking to your getaway weekend Please note, this Inn is not a five star resort, but the owners are extremely nice, the rooms are clean and filled with historical charm and the food is FANTASTIC. Visit www.thelafayetteinn. com for more information or call 434-985-6345.

Pictured at right is Chef/Owner Alan Pyles with a sampling of dishes, and below is the historic Lafayette Inn located at 146 East Main Street in Stanardsville, VA

COMMUNITY

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

Friday to Sunday, November 18 to 20 Hylton Performing Arts Center Manassas, VA You don’t have to be a photographer to appreciate the artistic work on display at the annual 2016 Nature Visions Photo Expo. This three-day event showcases the works of skilled photographers from eight regional camera clubs, including the local Manassas-Warrenton Camera Club, all with a focus on nature – wildlife, landscapes, water, flora and macro. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. vendor booths, the Nature and Student Exhibits and the Photo Arts Exhibit are open and free to browse.

If you do have an interest in photography, workshops and lectures for all levels are offered with purchase of the Expo pass.

For more information and the workshop schedule and fees, visit www. naturevisions.org. For more information about the Manassas-Warrenton Camera Club visit www.mwcc-photo.org.

This award-winning photo titled Here She Comes was taken by Sarah Skerker, a resident of Heritage Hunt in Gainesville and active member of the Manassas-Warrenton Camera Club. This fantastic image won first place in the Nature Category: Wildlife in the 2015 Nature Vision Photo Expo.

Prince William Turkey Trot Thursday, November 24 Turkey Trot 5K at 8:30 AM 1 Mile Run/Walk at 9:30 AM Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center Manassas, VA

Get ready for your turkey feast by participating in this family-friendly event and celebration of Thanksgiving Day. You don’t have to be an avid runner to participate, come out and do your best.

The one mile race is geared towards the youth but all ages and abilities are welcome – beginners are encouraged.

Get creative with themed gear – turkey attire, pilgrimwear, feathers and frocks – which makes this run all the more fun. The festivities include DJ music, best costume awards, and the world famous finish line envelopes featuring the random “Golden Ticket Award”.

Please note that this race is not timed. All registered runners will receive a custom race bib and short sleeve t-shirt.

In addition, all youth race finishers ages 14 & under will receive a race medal.

Registration does fill quickly so register now if you are interested. For more information and to sign up for the race, visit www.funrunracing.com.

Go Cart Racing

Autobahn Indoor Speedway Manassas Mall, Manassas This is actually a year-round thing to do but I am including it because, as the weather gets colder, it’s a fun and thrilling activity for families (ages 8 and older) and friend groups. Experience the exhilaration of driving a high performance vehicle in a safe and comfortable environment. This indoor speedway is equipped with state-of-the-art, Italian-made electric karts for Juniors or Adults on professionally designed Grand Prix-style tracks. And they go fast – race at speeds up to 50 MPH! Performance features dual disc brakes, smooth turning and instant acceleration on a track with a high-tech timing system. Lap results are printed at the end of each race.

Helmets and instructions are provided.

Arrive and drive, reservations are not necessary. Special events and parties can also be booked. Visit www.autobahnspeed. com for more information. Photos above courtesy of Autobahn Indoor Speedway.

NEW!

HOMEOWNER IMPROVEMENT & SERVICE DIRECTORY

2016

Email BryanGarcia@ExitHeritage.com to be included in this directory.

FENCING

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING LANDSCAPE & GARDEN

Beitzell Fence Company

Air-Right Energy Design Inc.

4665 Sudley Road Catharpin, VA 20143 Phone: 571-754-0011 Email: beitzellfence@aol.com www.beitzellfence.com

12167 Livingston Road Manassas, VA 20155 Phone: 703-530-0166 Contact: Rick Graham, Owner www.air-right.com

FINANCE & LEGAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES

EverBank

Benjamin Moore Paint

12150 Monument Drive, Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22033 Curtis Scott, Home Lending Sales Manager Phone: 571-332-6575 Email: curtis.scott@everbank.com www.everbank.com/cscott

New Penn Financial

15100 Washington Street Haymarket, VA 20169 Jackson Farr Phone: 571-359-4465 www.newpennfinancial.com/jfarr

FLOORING Kemper Carpet & Flooring 7937 Stonewall Shops Square Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 571-222-4838 www.kempercarpet.com

7466 Limestone Drive Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 571-222-7900 www.viennapaint.biz

HOME INSPECTION Matt Lloyd Pillar to Post

5501 Merchants View Square, Suite 701 Haymarket, VA 20169 Phone: 703-520-1440 Contact: Matt Lloyd, Owner/Principal Inspector www.pillartopost.com/mattlloyd

Macon Piercy & Son's Inc. Warrenton, VA Phone: 540-435-7903 Contact: Macon Piercy III, Owner/Inspector

INTERIOR DESIGN & HOME STAGING Bridgett Wilson Designs

Please note: While these businesses are recommended

by Bryan Garcia, they are paid advertisers in this publication.

Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 703-477-0899 Contact: Bridgett Wilson, Principal/ Owner www.bwilsondesigns.com

Gateway Home & Garden Center

4208 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187 Phone: 554-341-4006 Contact: Ryan Anderson www.lumberjake.com

Stonewall Landscaping Services LLC Amissville, VA 20106 Phone: 540-219-1613 Email: stonewalllandscape@hotmail.com www.stonewalllandscapes.com

MOVING & STORAGE Able Moving & Storage

8050 Wellingford Drive Manassas, VA 20155 Phone: 703-898-8182 Contact: Shawn Neal, Account Manager Email: sneal@ablemoving.com www.ablemoving.com

Ace Moving & Storage Inc.

14205 John Marshall Highway Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 703-707-9400 Contact: Melissa Cote, Move Coordinator www.acemoversinc.com

REMODELS & ADDITIONS On the Level Contractors

14720 Flint Lee Road Chantilly, VA 20151 Phone: 571-375-1700 (Office) Phone: 571-233-4820 (Cell) Contact: Georgia Psihas, Owner/President Email: sales@onthelevel.contractors www.onthelevel.contractors

TIPS & ADVICE FROM BRYAN

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

Preparing for the Spring Real Estate Market

A

s you glance at the headline above you may be thinking that it's not even Halloween yet, why are we talking about Spring? You’re right, Spring is technically five months away. However, if you are considering selling your home after the new year, during the Spring market, now is the time to start preparing.

Furthermore, many of us consider the Spring market to be late March and April, when the flowers start to bloom. But, the real estate Spring market actually blossoms in February, sometimes sooner.

I pulled some data to show you the influx of new listings to the market in our area over the past couple of years. It is true that the bulk of new listings hit during the months of March, April and even May and June. However, you can see in the chart below that compared to November and December, new listings do pick up in January and February. And, I know from experience, that unless there is a major snow event, the buyers are already out previewing.

If you are serious about selling and can be prepared in advance, it might be to your advantage to get a head start before the competition hits the marketplace in full force.

Getting Your Home Ready In previous issues of Haymarket Homeowner and on my blog, I talk a lot about preparing your home for sale to maximize your advantage over the competition. I can’t stress it enough but the number one thing to do is to declutter – get rid of excess toys, photos, overflowing closets, cluttered garages, etc. This tedious job takes time and the fall and winter months are the best time to tackle it.

Other good improvements include painting, even if it's just refreshing a room or two. A grey palette is trendy now and also a good neutral choice. Other things include cleaning or replacing carpet and replacing appliances if feasible. The BEST appliance sales of the year are in November!

If you are looking for a reliable vendor, email Bryan Garcia at BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com for his list of trusted vendors and contractors.

Number of NEW LISTINGS for each month during past 3 years (all home types) HAYMARKET GAINESVILLE

2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 January 55 62 42 65 69 52 February 71 62 62 79 86 57 March 120 97 80 133 105 98 April 110 139 90 136 133 113 May 77 118 97 98 131 127 June 101 92 83 103 117 101 July 65 91 70 114 86 101 August 51 61 73 100 89 71 September 71 55 55 94 79 79 October 54 48 48 74 88 88 November 33 39 39 43 58 58 December 37 29 29 49 41 35

UNCLUTTERED CLOSET SPACE

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When you’re ready to move, we’re ABLE to move you.

Able Moving & Storage, Inc. is a full service moving company specializing in residential and commercial moves. With over 50 trucks, 150 full time employees, and over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art warehouse facilities, Able can help you with any of your moving needs.

Please call us at 703-330-3772 for a “Free Written Estimate”, and be sure to mention Haymarket Homeowner.

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AROUND TOWN

HaymarketHomeowner.com

HAYMARKET DAY September 17, 2016

Each year, I get a renewed sense of pride for this town. So many folks come out to celebrate the local schools, businesses, organizations and families that make Haymarket what it is – a small town with great community spirit. Once again EXIT Heritage Realty was in the center of all the action handing out balloons and free, cold water bottles.

Best 2016 of HAYMARKET

Thank you for your votes and your support! For another year, EXIT Heritage Realty was named first runner-up for Best Real Estate Agency in Haymarket by Haymarket Lifestyle Magazine. We may not be the biggest shop in town, but we sure do work hard to earn your vote!

EXIT HERITAGE REALTY

ASK BRYAN GARCIA

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

What is a Good Selling Price for my House?

Find out today at:

Homes that have just come on the market

MyHaymarketHouseValue.com Sold Price versus Listing Price

Are you interested in what's happening with real estate and home sales in YOUR neighborhood? Get a free, current MARKET SNAPSHOT emailed to you as often as you like you with full details about all the homes for sale or recently sold, the prices they sold for and how long they were on the market.

3 Easy Ways to Get Your Report: Homes that have just sold

1. Email your request to: BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com

Email alerts for price changes

Type subject 'Market Report' and include your name and address in the email, or 2. Text MARKET REPORT to 703-517-2574 Bryan will contact you for your neighborhood details, or

Number of Days on the Market

3. Go to MyHaymarketHouseValue.com to sign up

Mortgage Rates are Falling with the Leaves!

Your Local Hometown Lender.

At New Penn Financial, we are passionate about what we do. We want our customers to brag about their mortgage.

Our Specialties: • • • •

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Call Jackson today to take advantage of these historically low interest rates before it’s too late!

JaCkSON Farr Mortgage Specialist (571) 359-4465 JFarr@newpennfinancial.com newpennfinancial.com/jfarr NMLS ID# 1372599

All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply. New Penn Financial, 4000 Chemical Road, Suite 200, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. NMLS ID # 3013 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender. ©2016 New Penn Financial, LLC. All rights reserved.

JUST FOR FUN

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

Miracle or Myth?

Will burying a statuette of St. Joseph help sell your home?

F

or years I have heard varying accounts of the effectiveness of this ritual, which is performed by homeowners hoping to sell their home quickly. In fact, some Realtors will swear by it. The details differ depending on who you ask, but the basic premise is that you bury a plastic statuette of St. Joseph outside your home, say a prayer – with genuine enthusiasm – and your home should sell quickly.

Discrepancy comes in with the actual placement of the statue. Some say it should be placed upside down near the For Sale sign, claiming an upside down St. Joseph will work extra hard to get out of the ground. Others say right side up, or three feet from the rear of the house, or pointing to the house like an arrow, or exactly 12 inches deep.

How did all this originate?

This too is vague. One legend claims that an order of European nuns in the Middle Ages buried a medal of St. Joseph while asking the saint to help in its quest for a convent. Others say it may be connected to a practice of German carpenters who buried the statues in the foundations of houses they built and then said a prayer to the saint. Yet, others trace it to a chapel building effort in Montreal.

However historic lore has it, the modern practice started in the U.S. around 1990 when it became the “thing to do” and Realtors started buying these statues in bulk. The custom has now become so widespread that multiple retailers sell St. Joseph Home Sale Kits in stores and online. Kits include the plastic statue, a prayer card and instructions

Try a new style for the holdiays * His & Her Cuts * Color & Highlights * Karatine Smoothing * Perms * Blow Dry & Style * Facials * Waxing * Walk-ins Welcome * Gift Certificates Available 30 Years in Business!

– whatever they may be.

So, does it really work?

It depends on who you ask.

Obviously, there is no way to prove whether it works or not.

If you believe in the power of prayer, and get results then yes, it can work. Like Santa Claus, if you believe, the magic is there.

However, I tend to be a little more skeptical and realistic.

Therefore, I will continue to rely on tangible ways to sell your home like pricing it right, good preparation and marketing.

However, I am always open to trying new things, and I can’t see any reason why this practice could fail to sell your home. If you have had good results with this ritual, please let me know.

Email BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com. and I will consider printing a follow-up to this story.

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HOME SALES

Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574

Year-to-Date Real Estate Sales Here are the real estate sales results for ALL home types in Haymarket and Gainesville for the Year to Date (January 1 to August 31, 2016).

Year-to-Date 2016

HAYMARKET

GAINESVILLE

Number of Properties Sold % Change from same period in 2015

389 +15.29%

539 +14.68%

Median Sold Price % Change from same period in 2015

$473,000 +5.12%

$425,000 +4.42%

DOMP (Median Days on Market) % Change from same period in 2015

75 +11.94%

53 +3.92%

Haymarket Homeowner UPSCALE LIVING IN HAYMARKET & GAINESVILLE

Haymarket Homeowner is published quarterly

by Bryan Garcia, RealtorÂŽ. It is printed and mailed to over 11,000 households in Haymarket and Gainesville, Virginia. Design and production by Shalvey Creative.

For information about advertising or articles, contact BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com.

Community Watch The year is past the halfway point and a generally slower Summer market has ended with the Fall market picking up a bit. Below are the real estate market stats for some of the larger, upscale communities in Haymarket and Gainesville.

You will notice that the data shows exceptional differences between communities.

Keep in mind that there are fewer homes within a subdivision to collect data from and sometimes there may be an extreme sale (high or low), that can affect the average.

Consistent in most neighborhoods, with the exception of Dominion Valley and Lake Manassas, is a substantial increase in Median Sold Price. Home sales are strong too. Piedmont and Evergreen are showing great market stats!

Š Copyright 2016 Bryan Garcia | Exit Heritage Realty. This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for legal, financial or tax advice. Real estate market information is obtained from third party sources. Publisher is not liable for accuracy of any data or statistics.

If your home is currently listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing.

Haymarket Subdivisions YEAR TO DATE (JANUARY through AUGUST)

DOMINION VALLEY*

EVERGREEN

PIEDMONT

Number of Properties Sold % Change from 2015 YTD

103 +27.16%

8 +166.67%

84 +14.75%

Median Sold Price % Change from 2015 YTD

$564,100 +.91%

$694,500 +17.71%

$538,495 +8.67%

DOMP (Median Days on Market) % Change from 2015 YTD

94 +67.36%

127 -76.4%

55 -15.3%

LAKE MANASSAS

VIRGINIA OAKS

OAK VALLEY

Number of Properties Sold % Change from 2015 YTD

20 +66.67%

23 -8.0%

13 +8.33%

Median Sold Price % Change from 2015 YTD

$589,950 -5.83%

$486,900 +10.83%

$635,000 +6.28%

DOMP (Median Days on Market) % Change from 2015 YTD

184 +37.31%

58 -3.33%

40 -39.39%

*Does not include Regency at Dominion Valley.

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Dominion Valley

Scan this QR Code to see ALL the homes for sale TODAY in Dominion Valley:

Gainesville Subdivisions YEAR TO DATE (JANUARY through AUGUST)

Don't See Your Neighborhood?

Email Bryan Garcia at BryanGarcia@ExitHeritage.com and he will promptly send you all the data for your community.

~ In Business Since 1995 ~

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Haymarket Area

eekend Getaways Things to Do~&FaW ll 2016 ~

Haymarket Homeowner UPSCALE LIVING IN HAYMARKET & GAINESVILLE

b

BRYAN GARCIA Associate Broker EXIT Heritage Realty www.EXITgarcia.com BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com

Real Estate & Community News from Bryan Garcia, "Haymarket Real Estate Guy" 703-517-2574

703-517-2574

EXIT HERITAGE REALTY

15030 Washington Street Haymarket, VA 20169 703-753-9100 Independently Owned and Operated

Visit us at: HaymarketHomeowner.com

WE DON’T JUST CLOSE LOANS,

WE OPEN DOORS

FIND A TAILORED MORTGAGE FOR YOU FROM EVERBANK.

Contact me to learn more

Call 571.332.6575 © 2014 EverBank. All rights reserved.

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