January 2015 Fairfax County Real Estate Statistics for Single Family homes

Here is the Link to the January 2015 Fairfax County Statistics from Mris MLS.

For interpretation purposes, let go through the report together:

New listings are up 6.9 % compared to January of 2014 ( no surprise since most homeowners do not want to market their homes during the Holiday season) and the 5 year average listings are around 591 which is exactly what January depicts.  Some of this inventory is a "hold over" from 2014 since the market "softened" during the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2014.

New Pendings are up 28.9% from the previous month (December ) and up 18.9% from January 2014.

Closed sales is an interesting statistic.  I attribute the 7.8 % rise to pent up demand from a "softer" 2014 market and a milder winter than 2013-2014.

Interestingly enough, the Median sold prices are up 4.6% from January 2014.  Amazing that the median sold price can be higher after a period of slower sales.

As it stands today, the market is very much a sellers market in the lower price ranges ($600,000 and under) and the upper price range properties are moving in the buyer's favor.  Interestingly enough, the average days on the market is 85.  Just about the time one thinks they can offer a bit lower than asking price on a property, other offers can appear on the table as well!

Hope this makes sense.  Call me anytime with questions.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today for expert advice.  I keep track of the market statistics and inventory so I can point you in the right direction!

                                                             Thank you,

                                                            Carla Brooks
                                                            703-577-4960
                                                        brkslong@aol.com

Winter Update from Dulles Metro Rail Construction

I will not be able to post the Fairfax County Statistics for January 2015 today, due to technical issues.  Hopefully, I will get to that tomorrow.

Let's talk instead, about the Silver Line....

Its always interesting to read what is happening with the Silver Line Metro Project which is now in Phase 2.  The newsletter is the best way to understand the latest in the construction project and to get a read on the ridership progress at Tysons Corner the Reston/Wiehle stations.

The newsletter can be read here.


If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help with the latest in real estate technology and information.

                                                         Thank you

                                                        Carla Brooks
                                                       703-577-4960
                                                    brkslong@aol.com

Latest Market Statistics

Smart Charts is a feature (service) offered by Mris Matrix, the local MLS that realtors subscribe to.

The value in the Smart Charts is that the sales data in MLS is tracked, analyzed and presented in the form of charts and graphs.  This data is used by homeowners, professional realtors, appraisers and so forth to gain an understanding of our current real estate market.

These charts aid in compiling real estate appraisals, setting listing prices by homeowners and realtors and guiding buyers in their asking prices.

One can find a peek into the local 22182 market here.

One can see that new listings are up from the previous year (January 2014) by 36.8%.  New pendings (those properties that are currently under contract with a buyer) are the same as last year (January 2014).  There were 42.1 % fewer sales than last month than in January 2014.  Some of the decrease can be attributed to the cold weather.

The chart goes on to say that the median price sold is $819,000.  Now, keep in mind, this figure encompasses all sales in 22182 (i.e. condominiums, townhomes and single family homes).  The median price sold is $890,450 for single detached homes.   Quite a difference....

 Remember, also, that there are a variety of single family homes in 22182.   There are properties built from the 1960's to new construction today.  Most new, single family homes in Vienna are priced $1,299,000 and above.  They are state of the art construction with energy efficient appliances and HVAC systems. There is quite a variety to choose from!

I hope you enjoy the chart.  Call me directly with questions pertaining to this chart.

I will post the chart for Fairfax County tomorrow.

Call me today with real estate questions.  It is never to early to start planning your home sale/purchase.

                                                                 Thank you

                                                                Carla Brooks
                                                               703-577-4960
                                                           brkslong@aol.com

Color Trends

Benjamin Moore is spotlighting the color trends for 2015 here.  Guildford Green is at the top of the list. I have used this paint in a bathroom with dark cabinetry.  The result was fantastic!

For the most part, it is a good idea to present a neutral palette to prospective buyers.  Painting  a room here or there in a popular color can't hurt however and will bring some excitement to the property.


If you are thinking of selling a property this year and need some guidance on paint colors, call me today.  I have a vast knowledge of the color trends and am ready to help.

                                                                 Thank you,

                                                               Carla Brooks
                                                              703-577-4960
                                                         brkslong@aol.com

Where are people moving to?

Always interesting to see where people are moving.  The KCM blog has a map of the United States of America on its post today.  You can find it here.

In other news, it might reach 60 degrees on Sunday!  Wouldn't that be a treat?

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help and will make the transaction an enjoyable process.

                                                           Warm regards,

                                                            Carla Brooks
                                                           703-577-4960
                                                        brkslong@aol.com

How does America view Real Estate?

Americans attitude toward real estate is changing once again.  This time the attitude is in the positive direction!

This is really good news.  For the simple reason that a positive attitude toward real estate means more buyers of homes versus renters and more long term investors in real estate.

The KCM blog has graphed the history of American attitude toward real estate here.  It is a fun article and more good news for our economy in general.

Have a great day and if you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help.

                                                               Carla Brooks
                                                         brkslong@aol.com
                                                               703-577-4960

Home Security

Gone are the days when Home entry doors are left unlocked and car keys left in the car overnight....

Privacy is a thing of the past in many respects.  One comment on Facebook regarding a day trip to the mountains can alert a potential burglar that you will not be home.   Home security, personal safety & electronic safety should be top priorities in everyone's life.

Not to be obsessed with it of course, yet, to give security careful consideration.

Here is a great post on home security.  A few tips to think about and possibly implement.

Call me today if you are thinking of buying or selling a home.  I am here to help.

                                                      Warm regards,

                                                      Carla Brooks

                                                     703-577-4960

                                                 brkslong@aol.com

PS the photo above is a courtesy of free digital photos