Matt's Blog

Per an email I received from a loan officer I work with, Well Fargo's CDMP loan program will now be available with as low as a 2% down payment.  If you would like more information on this program and how it may fit into your purchase of a home, feel free to conact myself and/or your local Well Fa...

We've all been there.  You're either still living with family or renting a place that reminds you everyday that you don't own it.  Every time you stare at the white walls or sleep in the same room you grew up in the questions crosses your mind: Should I finally "grow up" and buy a home? Well, it'...

The more competitive real estate market and the wealth of information that buyers have at their dispoal make it that much more important for home sellers to be one step ahead.  Having your home inspected before you list is one of many things that can help. Basically, the sellers orders a home ins...

It ceases to amaze me that in this day in age of digital photography we still have to discuss the importance of the quantity and quality of photos used in marketing a home.  As i browse through the MLS it blows me away at the number of listing where there are not photos or just one of the front o...

My inspiration for this post is all the TV commercials for www.pbpipe.com and the replacement settlement they are advertising.  Click here to view the official notice Polybutylene pipes were used by many home builders in the 1980s and early 1990s.  It was touted for being easier to install/work w...

I wanted to contemplate on this issue since many of my neighbors have or are considering replacing the original windows in thier homes. History:  My neighbohrood is comprised of colonial style homes built by Richmond American in 1987.  the windows used were double-hung dual pane wood frame window...

So you see the new listing that just seems too good to be true.  The pictures look good it has everything you want and it's below the other active listings.  You talk to your agent and the four words you hear are "it's a short sale". What is a shot sale?  It is when seller owes more on a home tha...

I wanted to discuss this subject because I feel is a one of the most contentious issues discussed between potential sellers and real estate professionals. Many sellers feel their home is fine the way it is and a potential buyers will love the existing wallpaper or the vinyl floor in the kitchen t...

My analysis of the market will mainly focus on Northern Virginia and in particular Prince William County/Manassas City/Manassas Park.  The area is a bedroom community about 25-40 moiiles south and southwest of Washington DC.  Commuter optins including interstate highways, commuter rail, and commu...