Daily Traffic Reports Ready for You!

Loudoun County is now offering daily traffic reports to help you with your area commuting. Visit www.loudoun.gov/traffic. If you've never visited the Loudoun County or Fairfax County websites, I encourage you to do so. Both websites have a wealth of information regarding local news information, tax assessments, school info and much more. They also offer a free news alert service to inform you of breaking area news. I subscribe to both and it's an outstanding service!

Loudoun County '08 Foreclosure Numbers

The Washington Post (Aug. 6) reported that from January through June, there were 956 foreclosures in Loudoun County and there were 1,172 permits authorized for new construction during that same period. Just to give you some perspective, there were over 6,600 building permits in 2003! As many area residents know, Loudoun County was the fastest growing county in the nation in 2004. Some view the drop in building as a positive because of their fear of overcrowding but clearly a rise in foreclosures is not a good thing. Foreclosures have affected just about every neighborhood throughout the county and even if you are not selling, it affects you because it brings neighborhood property values down. The good news is there are some indictions that home values are creeping higher. The article gives viewpoints that I totally agree with which emphasize that Loudoun's proximity to the area's job centers, Dulles Airport, and the proposed rail extension will help Loudoun bounce back. The future is good in Loudoun County and now is the time to take advantage of a great buyer's market! Call me today :)

Must See TV on HGTV: Designed to Sell

I do not watch a lot of TV but TIVO is a must for me because every now and then I find a show that I just can't miss. My new favorite show that I highly recommend to everyone is "Designed to Sell" on HGTV. We've all seen lots of makeover-type shows but this one is the best of the best. It profiles everyday homeowners who are getting ready to sell their homes and it shows how with a few minor modifications, they will greatly increase their chances of selling for the best price possible. The homes profiled are in the Washington D.C. area which is fun if you are from the area because you will probably know the neighborhoods. Yet anyone can relate to how these homeowners get so used to "their things" that they don't always realize how a buyer will see their home. With a sharp Realtor and dynamic design team, the home is improved and the results are amazing....all on a very nominal budget! If you are considering selling your home, watch this show. You'll get great ideas and it not only takes the fear out of getting your home ready to sell, but you'll be so excited to see how you can get a great financial return on your efforts! Plus, the hosts are fun and they make you laugh so it's as entertaining as it is informative.