Monthly Archives: November 2011

Absorption Rates – November 2011

by Nouman Mirza
“Bring more buyers!”
Absorption rate are a calculation of supply and demand. Absorption rate is calculated by dividing the total number of active sales by the number of homes sold in a month. The resulting answer let’s us know how many months it will take to sell the entire inventory of homes. I love numbers and have started to calculate the absorption rate for the DC Metro Area, more specifically, I will be focusing on Northern Virginia since that’s my area of expertise and state of licensure.

The numbers used for my calculations Continue reading →

8 Solutions to Common Wet-Basement Problems

by Nouman Mirza

Solving wet-basement problems is one of the most important things you can do to protect the value of your home and health of your family.

Some wet basements are easy to cure simply by clearing gutters and by diverting gutter water away from the foundation. But if the problem comes from other sources—water flowing toward the house on the surface, seeping in from underground, or backing up through municipal storm drains—you must take more aggressive action.

Here are eight strategies to keep water out of your basement:  Continue reading →

Lots to Be Thankful For!

by Nouman Mirza

Last week was a very eventful week for Congress and we’ve got lots of things to be thankful for. The obvious is health, family, happiness, etc. However, there is much more had happened in  the real estate world last week that we should all be thankful for. Here is a list of all the great things that took place last week:

CONGRESS RAISES FHA LOAN LIMIT
As you know, in late September the FHA, Fannie Mae; and Freddie Mac loan limits were reduced in 42 states pricing potential home buyers out of the American Dream of home ownership and holding back the housing recovery. Congress restored the loan limits for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for two years. The reinstated FHA loan limit formula and cap change will help make mortgages more affordable and accessible for hard-working, middle-class families in 669 counties in 42 states and territories, where Continue reading →

Friday Night Fundraiser!

by Nouman Mirza

It’s Friday and Thanksgiving is only a few days away! All of us have a lot to be thankful for: from the food on our plate, a roof over our heads and most importantly the love and joy of friends and family! However there are many of us that are not so fortunate. Shine Humanity and GMU PSA are conducting a special fundraiser to help provide for disaster relief and other health projects for Pakistan. SO COME OUT TONIGHT FOR SOME GOOD FOOD, MUSIC AND A GREAT CAUSE!!!

Ehsaas - Fundraising Dinner

How to Seal Out Drafts and Seal in Comfort!

by Nouman Mirza
Caulking and adding new weatherstripping can make old windows more efficient.

Caulking and adding new weatherstripping can make old windows more efficient.

An average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. The most significant air leaks tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air leaks and prevent your home heating and cooling dollars from vanishing in the wind, it’s important to seal any air leaks around windows and doors.

Check for air leaks
With windows and doors closed, hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where drafts might sneak in. Watch for smoke movement. Note what sources need caulk, sealant, and weather-stripping.  Continue reading →

Approved Short Sale : 4670 Charlton Ct

by Nouman Mirza
4670 Charlton Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193

4670 Charlton Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193

BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2.5
SQUARE FEET: 1,920
YEAR BUILT: 1979

PRICE: $149,000 with 3% closing cost assistance.

DESCRIPTION:
APPROVED SHORT SALE AT $149,000***EXPERIENCED AGENT***3 LEVEL, 3 BED, 2.5 BATH TOWNHOUSE IN A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! SEPARATE DINING AND LIVING ROOM! LARGE KITCHEN WITH SPACE FOR BREAKFAST TABLE!! NEEDS NEW CARPET, PAINT AND TLC TO MAKE IT SHINE!! FULLY FINISHED BASEMENT WITH DEN AND KITCHENETTE!! MINUTES DRIVE FROM SHOPPING, DINING, MALL AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO LIVE!!

For more details, visit

http://www.pwrealty.com/properties/Woodbridge/Charlton-Court/2723111

Short Sale Superstitions

by Nouman Mirza

It’s 11/11/11 and this was posted at 11:11 am. Yes, I actually waited all morning to post this at the right time :-) . I’m not a superstitious but I did it for all my superstitious friends out there and to THANK OUR VETERANS (remember Armistice Day). Today is a day the arrives once in a century so why not take full advantage of it! There is a long list of superstitious beliefs that people follow are the world, but over the last few years, I’ve noticed more people have pre-conceived notions about short sales in the housing market. Some of these “beliefs” about short sales are almost superstitious and I’ll try to demystify them.

But before I begin, today is Veterans day so a SPECIALS THANKS to our Veterans who have worked so hard to make sure we get to enjoy the freedoms that we have today…Thanks for serving our great nation!

If you could like to learn more about he history of Veterans Day, visit the military website at www.military.com/veterans-day.

As the housing “crisis” continues more and more are foreclose on their homes, rather than try to workout a solution with the banks. Here are some common superstitions about short sales:

Continue reading →

10 Ways to Prevent Costly Mold Damage to Your Home!

by Nouman Mirza

Fixing mold damage is an expensive and time-consuming home repair. But you can save time and money by implementing these 10 ounces of prevention.

Mold spores are always present indoors, particularly in humid areas. You can minimize mold growth, however, by buying a humidity monitor, which helps you keep track of home moisture that lets these spores colonize.

Here are 10 more ways to control and combat mold in your home. Continue reading →

Don’t Forget to Vote!

by Nouman Mirza

Please do not forget to vote today! Polling stations will be open from 6AM to 7PM. It is a possibility due to redistricting that your polling station may have changed, please use to link below to check your polling station.


https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT2/PublicPollingPlace.aspx

Your vote is not just your own but represents a commitment on your part to show our leaders the presence and strength of our community!