UPSCALE LIVING IN HAYMARKET & GAINESVILLE
Haymarket Homeowner HaymarketHomeowner.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
g A Year in Review: 2017 Real Estate Trends EXIT Heritage Realty Featured Properties Weekend Getaways & Events 2018 Homeowner Improvement & Service Directory 2018 Daytime Real Estate Seminars & Training 10 Reasons to Call Bryan Garcia for Selling a Home Get Organized in the New Year with Instagram Spotlight on Haymarket Regional Food Pantry Market Watch 4 Quarter 2017
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Published by
BRYAN GARCIA Principal Broker
EXIT Heritage Realty Haymarket, VA www.EXITheritage.com 703-753-9100
Real Estate & Community News from EXIT Heritage Realty and Bryan Garcia, Principal Broker
Winter 2018
My Real Estate Predictions for 2018
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s we approach the Spring market, I’d like to share a few real estate predictions for 2018. I don’t have a crystal ball, but based on recent trends and expert analysis, here are some things I believe are worth watching. 1. Rising Interest Rates. Potential home buyers should expect to encounter a slightly higher interest rate environment as the year progresses. Experts are predicting mortgage rates will fluctuate between 4% and 4.75% during the year, and close out on the higher end. These are still historically low, but if they do reach 4.75% that will be the highest rate of the past five years, which has averaged around 3.75%. 2. Rise of Automated Loanapplication Services. We are seeing more automated options in the lending industry pop up like Quicken Loans’ Rocket Mortgage® and loanDepot®. These services can help by turning an intimidating process into a more simplified one, offering tools that help buyers navigate through tough decisions. These innovations might be helpful, but I’m still finding that most people want to
FEATURED PROPERTIES
interact with real people, especially during stressful transactions that have deadlines and contingencies. This generation is techsavvy but I think first-time home buyers will continue to rely on personal service. 3. Decline in Housing Inventory. The last, and probably the most relevant prediction I'll make for this year, is a continued decline in inventory. This is happening nationwide, but the shortages I’m seeing locally are with the kinds of homes that first-time home buyers are in search of. Right now, first-time buyers make up about 34% of all buyers. Even some of the area's new construction townhomes are out of price range for many. One of the reasons may be that builders are still building more expensive houses than they are entry-level houses. They are also catering to the rising Baby Boomer market with upscale active living communities. Another reason may be that people are just staying put. They’ve gained some equity, are doing home improvements like making better use of space and energy, and the local economy is good. It will be interesting to see how the year unfolds. I will keep you posted!
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TIPS & ADVICE
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HOME SALES
increased by 8.63% in Haymarket and 5.37% in Gainesville for the year of 2017 compared to 2016.
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DID YOU KNOW? Moving soon? According to a recent blog on Realtor.com, movers hate to move these 5 items and the move may cost you more because of it: 1. Foam mattresses 2. Sofa beds 3. Over-packed, large boxes 4. Packed dressers 5. Exercise equipment And, did you know that if a moving company packs for you, they use a whole box for a lamp shade? That could cost more than the value of the shade in the end.
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You've got to love technology! Download my NEW MOBILE BUSINESS CARD! It includes links to my Facebook and Twitter, featured properties, website, email, phone and more. Try it: Text GARCIA to 85377
REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS
HaymarketHomeowner.com
2017 Year in Review
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elow are the real estate market trends for 2017 – the full year in review. You will see at first glance that the column on the right (Difference) is all green. That means it's all good! Rarely is there positive data in every single category of my report. Last year was a good year for real estate in our region. The market was also good nationwide. Existing Home Sales across the nation have been rising steadily since 2014, and are at the highest since 2006. Last year in the U.S., there was an increase of 1.1 percent above 2016. However, that statistic is still modest compared to the increase of Sold Homes here in Haymarket and Gainesville as shown. Our region fared better than the country as a whole for Home Sales. The Median Sold Price for all housing types in the U.S. was up a strong 5.8 percent, marking the fifth straight year of year-over-year gains. We are lagging behind slightly in that statistic, but we
still had impressive growth. Lawrence Yen, NAR chief economist, attributed the nationwide pricing increase in part to declining inventory. “The lack of supply over the past year has been eye-opening and is why, even with strong job creation pushing wages higher, home price gains – at 5.8 percent nationally in 2017 – doubled the pace of income growth and were even swifter in several markets.” Looking at home sales last year, and the real estate market so far this year in 2018, I think we will find increasing inventory shortages and quicker home sales – which may bring our Median Sold Price up even more in the coming months. You will also notice in the chart below, we are continuing on our trend for increased sales in the Attached Units, especially in Haymarket. This is likely a result of the high percentage of first-time home buyers now in the market.
2017 YEAR IN REVIEW - January to December 2017 - All Home Types Gainesville Median Sold Price Sold Homes Average Days on the Market Attached Units Sold Detached Units Sold
2017 $438,000 804 46 308 496
2016 $419,000 763 56 299 463
Difference +4.53% +5.37% -17.86% +3.01% +7.13%
2017 $485,000 604 52 192 412
2016 $476,880 556 76 172 384
Difference +1.70% +8.63% -31.58% +11.63% +7.29%
2017 $350,000 7,679 40 3,367 4,312
2016 $335,000 7,391 50 3,207 4,183
Difference +4.48% +3.90% -20% +4.99% +3.08%
Haymarket Median Sold Price Sold Homes Average Days on the Market Attached Units Sold Detached Units Sold
Prince William County Median Sold Price Sold Homes Average Days on the Market Attached Units Sold Detached Units Sold
FEATURED PROPERTIES 2018
Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574
EXIT HERITAGE REALTY FEATURED PROPERTIES
3815 Delashmutt Drive, Haymarket Listed by Jason Grant $1,475,000 ~ Text E31028 to 85377
15749 Rothschild Court, Haymarket Listed by Bryan Garcia $679,500 ~ Text E1759 to 85377
7261 Trap Hill Way Listed by Bryan Garcia $317,000 ~ Under Contract
6290 Old Auburn Road, Warrenton, VA Listed by Bryan Garcia $369,900 ~ JUST LISTED
11353 Crest Lane, Bealeton, VA Listed by Bryan Garcia $325,000 ~ JUST SOLD
6700 Hunting Path Road, Haymarket, VA Listed by Gerry Kennedy $895,000 ~ Text E58428 to 85377
New Construction in Downtown Haymarket
6736 Bleight Drive, Haymarket, VA 20169 4 Beds * 3.5 Baths * 2518 SF * 2 Car Garage Listed by Bryan Garcia This stunning, brand new Craftsman Ash Model home is loaded with upgraded features and is move-in ready. It features 3 finished levels and is walking distance to parks and town.
$510,293 ~ Text E1757 to 85377
6740 Bleight Drive, Haymarket, VA 20169 5 Beds * 3.5 Baths * 2738 SF * 2 Car Garage Listed by Bryan Garcia This brand new Craftsman Sycamore Model home features 3 finished levels, and is ready to be finished to buyer's taste. Both homes overlook the Haymarket Community Park and distant mountains.
$495,537 ~ Text E1759 to 85377
All the information and photos for these properties is ONE CLICK away. Just text the property number to 85377 and you'll get an INSTANT text with the full listing and listing agent contact information.
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Weekend Getaways & Events Annapolis Restaurant Week Sunday, February 25th to Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 Annapolis, MD Here’s a good excuse to spend a few nights in picturesque Annapolis, a perfect getaway for couples or friend groups. During Annapolis Restaurant Week, 40 restaurants in Historic and greater Annapolis will be offering threecourse, price fixed dinner selections. Foodies of different tastes can prep their palates for a plethora of savory dishes. Advance reservations are encouraged. Free transportation aboard the City Circulator makes it easy to get to and
from participating restaurants. Pair your culinary experience with a stay one of the several quaint Bed and Breakfast Inns that Annapolis is known for. Tour the impressive Naval Academy and kick back at the Middleton Tavern or Rams Head on Stage with live music and performances. Learn more at visitannapolis.org.
Virginia Wine Expo Tuesday, February 27th to Sunday, March 4th Main Street Station, Richmond The annual Virginia Wine Expo (VWE) is a dream destination for wine-lovers,
foodies, craft beer enthusiasts and whiskey fans. Considered to be one of the best wine and food events in the eastern U.S., the Wine Expo is a sixday destination showcasing premium Virginia, Oregon, New Zealand and Australian wines, Virginia spirits, craft beer, global smoked cuisine, native Virginia cuisine, artisan burgers, ethnic cuisine from Richmond's best chefs, gourmet foods and more. Enhancements to the Expo this year include a new world-class venue and the introduction of more signature events. At the Walk-Around Grand Tastings, you'll have the opportunity to taste a well-curated assortment of over 450 wines with a complementary crystal wine glass. Also, for the first time, the VWE will feature Virginia distilled spirits and tastings at no additional cost.
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Over six days, there will be 23 events, including Master Class seminars, wine pairing dinners, thematic food, and craft beverage events. The VWE benefits Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, the premier performing arts organization in Virginia. To buy tickets and for more information and schedule of events, visit virginiawineexpo.com.
The DC Environmental Film Festival Thursday, March 15th to Sunday, March 25th, 2018 Various Venues The DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) at the Nation’s Capital is the largest green film festival in the world and the longest-running in the United States. Since 1993 the mission of DCEFF has been to celebrate Earth and inspire understanding and stewardship of the environment through the power of film. The Annual 2018 Festival features more than 180 documentary, feature, animated, archival, experimental and children's films from around the world. Film topics range from animal species and habitats, food evolution, climate, ocean life, threats to environment, wildlife, national parks, farming, natural resources and more. The films will be shown at more than 40 venues around Washington, DC, including museums, embassies, libraries, universities and local theaters. Filmmakers and special guests will discuss their work at the festival. Most screenings are free to the public and include discussion with filmmakers or scientists. Visit dceff.org for schedules and more information. Photo above: Image from 2017 film Seasons, an awe-inspiring tale of the long and tumultuous shared history that inextricably binds humankind with the natural world by award-winning filmmakers Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud.
A Family Weekend in Charlottesville Charlottesville, VA Charlottesville is a short, easy ride, just under two hours south on Route 29. Even though it's still cool outside, there are many attractions that will keep a family busy all weekend. Hotels in and around Charlottesville offer decent rates during this time – before the spring and summer months. Check out the schedule at John Paul Jones Arena. Upcoming events include Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic and country singer, Luke Bryan. Take a tour of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, the former primary plantation of America's third president. This astounding home reflects Jefferson's skills as an architect as well as his curiosity in his many endeavors. Take a stroll through the Historic Downtown Mall and you'll find a variety of restaurants, many locally sourced, as well as unique shops and galleries. While you’re there, visit the hands-on Children’s Discovery Museum, recommended for
children under 8 years of age. The kids can explore rotating exhibits, a sensory studio, art stations, a music studio, and even a beehive. Or, make reservations at The Escape Room – a mystery game room featuring real-life quests, recommended for ages 10 and older. Each group is enclosed in a room and has 60 minutes to win the game by looking for clues, solving puzzles, opening locks and using strategy, creativity and logic. Catch a movie and snacks at the Violet Crown Cinema (pictured below), a neat movie house with flip-top tables, which features both independent and mainstream movies and a chefprepared café and bar. Or, look up the schedule at the historic Paramount Theater, which offers a diverse array of performances ranging from live music, vintage movies, comedy and more.
COMMUNITY Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA & Philadelphia, PA This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, which can open up some possibilities for day trips or weekendlong excursions. Not all parades are held on that day, but other related celebrations are taking place. There’s the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in D.C. on Sunday, March 11th at noon. This annual affair has grown from what used to be a leisurely stroll by a few hundred participants on Mass Avenue, to a mile long celebration of Irish culture along Constitution Avenue. Also on that day is The National ShamrockFest, a Saint Patrick's Day street festival held at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, roving entertainers, craft vendors, an Irish Village, carnival rides and games. It features more than 30 bands and DJs on 5 stages. This year's headlining bands include Gaelic Storm, Blues Traveler and Reel Big Fish. Located just south of the nation's capital, the city of Alexandria celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with family events including a classic car show, a dog
HaymarketHomeowner.com show, and a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Alexandria on Saturday, March 3rd. Following the parade, many spectators head to one of the several nearby Irish restaurants to continue the celebration and enjoy some Irish cuisine, beer, and music. For a weekend-long getaway to celebrate, take a trip to Philadelphia. The folks in this city really know how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! The street party starts the weekend before and lasts all week leading up to the 17th. As one of the oldest parades in the country, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia is not one to be missed. It will be held on Sunday, March 11th at noon.
Explore Hampton Roads Williamsburg, Newport News & Virginia Beach, VA The Hampton Roads area is also a wonderful place to visit off-season. There is still plenty to do for all ages and hotel rates are definitely better offseason. Just in time for Prince William County Schools Spring Break, Busch Gardens opens March 24th. For the adventurous ones, The Battle for Eire
Action Ride is opening this season. Nature lovers will enjoy the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. Check out The Art & Science of Arachnids exhibit running through April 10th. This Museum also features multiple hands-on, living exhibits native to Virginia – from the mountains to the lakes to the sea. The nationally-recognized Norfolk Botanical Garden is another popular destination. Known for its deep-rooted history and celebrated for its blooms in every season, the 175 acre garden is home to 53 distinctive themed gardens, 95 species of birds and 30 kinds of butterflies. LanternAsia will take over the grounds from March 9th to May 13th. This magnificent Asian lantern exhibition (photo above) will transform the Garden’s landscape with colossal works of art by day and glowing colors by night. Finally, venture on to Virginia Beach for a Winter Whale-Watching Boat Trip. In the winter, these waters are traveled by humpback, fin and sometimes right whales as they complete their Atlantic migrations. These giants of the sea are occasionally spotted lunge feeding, slapping their tails and flippers, or even breaching to check out their surroundings – giving viewers the unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Spottings are best before the end of February. Two-and-a-half hour narrated trips leave from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, another favorite among families.
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Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574
A Family Weekend in Hershey Hershey, PA Take a family trip to Hershey, the "chocolate capital"! It’s about a two and a half hour drive north on Route 15 (mostly). There are many hotel options but one upscale favorite is the Hershey Hotel. This resort features an indoor pool complex, fitness room, five restaurants, a luxurious spa and a gift shop filled with chocolate treats. Of course the sweet attraction in town is Hershey’s Chocolate World (shown). Take a factory tour, taste chocolate, create your own treats and shop for goodies. Coordinate your trip with a performance at the Hershey Theater or catch a Hershey Bears hockey game at the Giant Center. If you travel after March 30th, Hershey Park– an amusement park featuring 70 rides and 13 roller coasters – is open and offers Spring specials. Lastly, be sure to visit the highly-rated Antique Automobile Club of America Museum, which houses a massive collection of vehicles set in a variety of historic scenes. Explore numerous vintage displays and interactive exhibits featuring cars, buses, motorcycles, and other automobiles from the 1890s through the 1980s. On current featured exhibit is the National Corvette Restorers Society Exhibit running through April 23rd. The kids will love the model train display and many more interactive opportunities.
Ahhh! A Spa Weekend If a relaxing, low-key weekend away is on your wish list, a romantic couples weekend or girlfriend getaway might just be in order. One favorite destination is Berkeley Springs in West Virginia. This historic spa and art-filled town nestled in the West Virginia mountains is just 90 minutes from Haymarket. Best known for its warm, natural mineral springs and whirlpool spas, it also boasts worldclass dining and shopping. Stay at the quaint Country Inn in the center of Berkeley Springs to experience the full ambiance of this charming town.
For a complete weekend of luxurious pampering you may like The Omni Homestead Resort – an expansive, state-of-the-art facility where guests experience wellness activities, decadent treatments and unique features, including an Aqua Thermal Suite and a year-round, adults-only Spa Garden. Finally, if you prefer to stay local, book a treatment at the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg. The luxurious, nature-inspired services include aromatic steam rooms, sun-lit relaxation spaces, and a secluded spa courtyard with infinity-edge pool.
HOMEOWNER IMPROVEMENT & SERVICE DIRECTORY
2018
NEW! 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: 703-754-0011 Email: beitzellfence@aol.com www.beitzellfence.com
12167 Livingston Road Manassas, VA 20109 Phone: 703-530-0166 Contact: Rick Graham, Owner www.air-right.com
FINANCE & LEGAL
HOME INSPECTION
Caliber Home Loans
Matt Lloyd Pillar to Post
Prime Lending
Macon Piercy & Son's Inc.
4050 Legato Road, Suite 100 Fairfax, VA 22033 Curtis Scott, Sr. Loan Consultant Phone: 571-332-6575 Email: Curtis.Scott@caliberhomeloans.com www.caliberhomeloans.com/cscott 11130 Fairfax Blvd, Suite #303 Fairfax, Virginia 22030 James Bell, Production Manager NMLS# 455846 Email: James.Bell@PrimeLending.com lo.primelending.com/james.bell
FLOORING Kemper Carpet & Flooring 7937 Stonewall Shops Square Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 571-222-4838 www.kempercarpet.com
5501 Merchants View Square, Suite 701 Haymarket, VA 20169 Phone: 703-520-1440 Contact: Matt Lloyd, Owner/Principal Inspector www.pillartopost.com/mattlloyd
Gateway Home & Garden Center
4208 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187 Phone: 554-341-4006 Contact: Ryan Anderson www.gatewayhomeandgardencenter.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.
Warrenton, VA Phone: 540-435-7903 Contact: Macon Piercy III, Owner/Inspector
14205 John Marshall Highway Gainesville, VA 20155 Phone: 703-707-9400 Contact: Melissa Cote, Move Coordinator www.acemoversinc.com
HOME SELLING CONSULTATION
REMODELS & ADDITIONS
EXIT Heritage Realty
On the Level Contractors
15030 Washington Street Haymarket, VA, 20169 Phone: 571-753-9100 (Office) Phone: 703-517-2574 (Cell) Contact: Bryan Garcia, Principal Broker Email: bryangarcia@exitheritage.com www.exitheritage.com www.exitgarcia.com
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
Please note: While these businesses are recommended by Bryan Garcia, they are paid advertisers in this publication.
Spring is right around the corner.
Find everything you need for your yard, garden and patio at Gateway Home & Garden Center * Trees & shrubs * Annuals & perennials * Soils and mulches * Turf care, tools and hardscapes
We’re at the yellow house at Route 29 South and Vint Hill Road.
15% Off
All Plant Materials with promo code: HaymarketHomeowner Not good with any other offers or prior purchases. (Expires: 5/1/18)
540-341-4006 www.GatewayHomeandGardenCenter.com 4208 Lee Hwy, Warrenton, VA 20187
When you’re ready to move, we’re ABLE to move you.
Carpet You Can Depend On
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.
Carpet
Ask About Special Discounts & Services for BRYAN GARCIA Clients
Wood Flooring
We are the only Stainmaster® flooring center in Northern Virginia. Our customers always get the “you stain it, we replace it” warranty!
Wood Refinishing Tile Laminate Vinyl Tile Woman Owned Business
7937 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville, VA 571-222-4838 • Kempercarpet.com * Located in the Wegmans Plaza *
You're Invited to a
FREE INFO SEMINAR Learn all about what it takes to be a real estate agent and get all your questions answered. Wednesday, March 6th or Wednesday, April 4th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EXIT Heritage Realty 15030 Washington Street Haymarket, VA 20155 Visit EXITCareerNight.com to sign up or RSVP to Bryan Garcia BryanGarcia@EXITHeritage.com or Call Bryan Garcia at 703-517-2574 EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE AGENTS: Ready for a change? Call Bryan to schedule a confidential information chat.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOMETHING NEW? How about a career in Real Estate? If you're looking for a new challenge, extra income and a business you can control, a career in real estate may be for you. We won't fool you, real estate takes work, perseverance and patience – but, if you're ready, we're ready to help you get started!
REAL ESTATE LICENSE TRAINING STARTS IN MARCH Consider a new career with EXIT Heritage Realty in Haymarket. We offer 8-Week Real Estate License Training by Moseley during the weekday in our convenient Haymarket office. The next session starts in March. • 8 Week Sessions start March 20th & July 17th • Classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With EXIT Heritage Realty, you'll get the tools and technology EXIT Realty International provides, combined with a personalized environment that nurtures and supports new agents and encourages experienced agents to succeed even more. Get all the information you need at our FREE INFO SEMINAR, held in our office in historic Downtown Haymarket. This location is not only convenient for our agents, but ideal for our clients. And, the charm of our historic home converted to office makes you feel like you are truly coming home. This seminar is open to anyone who has wondered about a career in real estate. Tuition reimbursement available. Please register to attend. We focus on the individual, not the numbers.
TIPS & ADVICE
Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574
TOP 10 REASONS
to call Bryan Garcia if you are thinking about selling your home Here are 10 good reasons to consider selling your home with Bryan Garcia.
1. Years of Experience I have been selling real estate since 2002 when I joined my mom, Cheryl Garcia, an accomplished Realtor/Broker. We opened Heritage Real Estate of Haymarket in September 2003 and in August of 2006 we joined EXIT Realty, one of the fastest growing real estate firms in the region. I now manage a group of highly professional agents serving the Northern Virginia area.
2. Local Knowledge Born in Virginia, I grew up in several different countries but returned to Manassas/Haymarket where I graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. With a BS from Clemson University and seven years of management experience in the restaurant industry, I decided to get into real estate back here in Haymarket. I have now lived in the Town of Haymarket with my wife and two children for about fifteen years. I know this area inside and out. I work in the center of town, my kids go to the local schools and I am active in the community. Also, you'll meet our team of agents each year at Haymarket Day. This year we handed out thousands of free balloons and cold water bottles to area residents.
3. Expertise My dedication to perfection and commitment to excellence is why I have successfully closed over 100 million dollars in real estate. I have years of experience working with both buyers and sellers, residential and commercial properties, conventional and unconventional transactions, and training real estate agents. I am very familiar with the entire transaction process.
4. Professional Support Team I work with team of professionals who assist me in administrative, training, marketing and showings. I also have a growing network of professional affiliates whom I have worked with and am confident to recommend, including contractors, staging consultants, mortgage professionals, inspectors, appraisers, moving companies and more.
5. Full Time Career Real estate is a full-time career for me, and then some. This business requires constant communication with clients and colleagues and work beyond the 9 to 5. I do manage to sneak away for a round of golf, a ski trip or to coach my son’s soccer games, but I am quick to return a call or an email.
6. State-of-the-Art Website My real estate website, EXITGarcia.com prominently displays our Featured Properties as well as all current MLS listings in Northern Virginia. My website offers distinct additional features that are designed for serious house hunters, like a search filter for Subdivision and even High School.
7. Mobile Friendly & Social Savvy Buyers today want information about properties INSTANTLY. Both my website and my blog, HaymarketHomeowner. com, are mobile friendly. All my listings have an interactive digital promotional page, a mobile landing page, and Smart Technology signs with instant access and text codes for detailed listing information. I’m also very active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. I share my listings on targeted social media outlets because we all know that is where potential buyers are today.
Bryan Garcia accepting "Most Creative" award for the Town of Haymarket Holiday Door Decorating Contest from Mayor Leake and members of the Council.
8. Home Preparation I work with clients BEFORE their home goes on the market to make recommendations for getting it ready to sell, which includes tips for photography. My best advice for selling a home is to make sure it's "camera-ready" and to photograph it professionally.
9. Featured Listings Not only do I promote my listings through the traditional outlets, social media, and email, I also feature them on HaymarketHomeowner.com, which gets hundreds of hits daily from folks interested in the Haymarket area. AND, each listing may be featured in this print newsletter as well, which mails to 11,000 Haymarket and Gainesville households quarterly.
10. Honest and Trustworthy I pride myself on my honest and friendly approach to relationships with clients as well as with agents on the other side of a transaction. Working with a Realtor requires trust, and it also requires patience on both ends. Some transactions are quick while others can take months, even years, from start to finish. I understand this and am willing to work with a client until they are satisfied with the end result.
JUST FOR FUN
HaymarketHomeowner.com
Getting Organized in the New Year with Instagram
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anuary has come and gone, and yet those New Year resolutions of finally buckling down and getting organized aren’t coming to fruition as easily as you’d hoped. The home décor seems dated, the walls need repainting, and the endless clutter is close to driving you out of the house (See Weekend Getaways on page 4). It seems like an impossible task – but it’s not too late to start the year off right and get down to it. Effective organization is a hoop that we all struggle to jump through, but there are many resources with ideas on how to declutter and simplify your home easily, and with beautiful results. If you're not on board yet, Instagam is a big trend for creative inspiration – it's not just for the tweens, teens and hipsters. We've found a handful of motivational Instragram accounts to follow that might give you the creative boost you need!
Organization @neatmethod - NEAT Method offers tips on how to organize pantries, closets, kids’ corners, and more. With new tips every Tuesday from organized people across the country, you’ll learn the best ways to organize and minimize! @thehomeedit - The Home Edit is just what you’ve been looking for – an edit to your home, not a total rewrite! Keeping
the essentials is what this is about, and The Home Edit will help you re-organize in a way that creates order with the things you have, making them easily accessible and aesthetically pleasing. @simplyorganized - This account, run by a professional organizer, specializes in decluttering and organization. Follow, and you’ll be better equipped to tackle spaces in your house, like the garage and closets, that seem otherwise unmanageable.
Painting Inspiration @housebeautiful - If you want to change things up and try decorating in a way that feels fresh and different, inspiration can be found from the amazing home décor images from around the world at House Beautiful. @benjaminmoore and @sherwinwilliams For all interior color trends and ideas, these house paint companies have very comprehensive and inspiring Instagram profiles – just look and see what new and innovative approaches you could take to brightening up a room, door or piece of furniture this year.
Interior Decorating @erikabonnell - A Northern Virginia decorator, Erika posts beautiful photos of her projects in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. It’s great inspiration for bold new trends! @shanty2chic - These sisters are HGTV hosts and furniture designers, and along with photos of their renovations and DIY adventures, their YouTube channel features how-to videos, so you can find ways to get crafty with your home decoration and organization too.
@thehomeedit
@shanty2chic
@lizmariegalvan - This home and garden pro shares her journey fixing up an 1800s farm house – the photos are incredible! See the journey to this beautiful home and her decorating additions. Read her blog to get inspiration for your own!
Simplify and Beautify @finishingtouchdecorbyjenny - Follow Jenny to see spaces transformed as the finishing touches are put together. She shares tips in the stories for affordable ways to get a beautiful look. @simplifywithstyledecorating - This Nashville based company shows the ways simple décor can make a big statement, and also offers tips on organizing and simplifying your home. A key step to completing the organization process is getting rid of unnecessary items. Whether it’s cleaning out your closet of those clothes you never wear, retiring the jackets your kids don’t fit into anymore, or cleaning storage spaces of old furniture and books, you’ll feel better once your home is clutter free and simplified. If you do take these steps towards organization, here is a list of nearby places to donate unwanted items: • Prince William County Library System • Habitat for Humanity Prince William County & ReStore • ACTS of Prince William County for Thrift Store donations • Salvation Army Manasass • Goodwill of Greater Washington • Prince William County Electronics Recycling & Disposal Program
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574
Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is in Need
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id you know that after the holidays, the winter months can be the slowest time for donations to food pantries across the nation? Now more than ever, our local Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is in need of support. The volunteer-based Haymarket Regional Food Pantry (HRFP) provides food to over 500 area families in Haymarket, Gainesville and surrounding areas. The HRFP relies entirely on food and financial support from donors and fundraisers.
need of items like soap, toothpaste and diapers. Donations can be delivered to the Pantry between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday to Friday. 2. Fundraisers. Check the website for upcoming events. The next event is Fanny Pack Weekend at Tin Can Brewing in Gainesville. From Thursday, March 8th to Sunday March 11th, bring canned food in a fanny pack and exchange it for cans of TCBC beer.
3. Monetary Donation. Taxdeductible donations can be made online or by mail. 4. Volunteer or organize a food drive. Volunteer opportunities include food distribution, food acquisition, maintenance crew and support positions. Any local business, organization or individual can organize a food drive. The Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is always grateful for your donations of food and needed supplies. Visit haymarketfoodpantry.org.
There are several ways to help: 1. Food donations. The Pantry accepts all non-perishable food items like canned goods, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, baby food, etc. They are also in
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HOME SALES
Bryan Garcia, EXIT Heritage Realty | 703-517-2574
4th Quarter 2017 Real Estate Sales Here are the real estate sales results for ALL home types in Haymarket and Gainesville for the Fourth Quarter of 2017.
October to December 2017
HAYMARKET
GAINESVILLE
Number of Properties Sold % Change from same quarter in 2016
119 +2.59%
161 +5.92%
Median Sold Price % Change from same quarter in 2016
$497,000 +2.05%
$395,000 -4.24%
DOMP (Average Days on Market) % Change from same quarter in 2016
45 -47.06%
44 -34.33%
Community Watch
UPSCALE LIVING IN HAYMARKET & GAINESVILLE
Haymarket Homeowner is published quarterly by Bryan Garcia, Principal Broker. 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.
Below are the real estate market stats for some of the larger subdivisions in Haymarket and Gainesville. They are for the full year of 2017, so it is an annual snapshot. Unlike the Haymarket and Gainesville Real Estate Market Watch Report for 2017 on page 2, there are some neighborhoods in the red. As I always say, there are simply fewer homes in these communities to gauge by. Nonetheless, there are some positive trends especially in home sales for Dominion Valley, Lake Manassas and Virginia Oaks – three communities with higher priced homes. The Median Sold Price in Lake Manassas for the year was impressive too, higher than Gainesville as a whole for 2017 (page 2).
Haymarket Subdivisions 2017 YTD (JANUARY to DECEMBER)
Haymarket Homeowner
Š Copyright 2018 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.
Don't See Your Neighborhood? DOMINION VALLEY*
EVERGREEN
PIEDMONT
Number of Properties Sold % Change from 2016 YTD
156 +17.3%
6 -33%
94 -14%
Median Sold Price % Change from 2016 YTD
$550,000 -2.7%
682,000 -2.6%
$565,750 +7.8%
31 -48%
73 +18%
37 0%
Contact Bryan Garcia or any of the EXIT Heritage Realty Agents and we'll provide a free, no-obligation Competitive Market Analysis.
LAKE MANASSAS
VIRGINIA OAKS
OAK VALLEY
Number of Properties Sold % Change from 2016 YTD
37 +42%
40 +21%
17 +0%
Median Sold Price % Change from 2016 YTD
$635,000 +6.3%
$476,000 +.4%
$660,000 +4%
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61 -62%
28 -39%
18 -25%
DOMP (Median Days on Market) % Change from 2016 YTD *Does not include Regency at Dominion Valley.
Gainesville Subdivisions 2017 YTD (JANUARY to DECEMBER)
DOMP (Median Days on Market) % Change from 2016 YTD
Email Bryan Garcia at BryanGarcia@ExitHeritage.com and he will promptly send you a comprehensive report about all the recent home sales in your neighborhood.
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Weekend Getaways & Events 2018 Haymarket Homeowner UPSCALE LIVING IN HAYMARKET & GAINESVILLE
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BRYAN GARCIA Principal Broker EXIT Heritage Realty www.EXITHeritage.com BryanGarcia@exitheritage.com
703-517-2574
EXIT HERITAGE REALTY
15030 Washington Street Haymarket, VA 20169 703-753-9100 Independently Owned and Operated
Call me, Bryan Garcia, "Haymarket Real Estate Guy" at 703-517-2574 if you're ready to sell your home.
Visit us at: HaymarketHomeowner.com
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