Northern Virginia Real Estate: Vienna, Oakton, McLean, Great Falls, Reston, Fairfax, and surrounding areas.

Wow, when they called today’s real estate market a “shifting market,” they were right on target. It keeps shifting, and shifting, and shifting … Every time we turn on the news there’s a new development that affects our economy and therefore the ability of buyers to “buy” and the sellers to “sell.”

SHIFT, the most recent book by Gary Keller, co-founder and Chairman of Keller Williams Realty Inc., begins with the following paragraph: “The Real Estate Market has shifted drastically and dramatically. Sales volume and the number of transactions have dropped significantly. Inventory has reached an all-time high. Buyers have never been more reluctant. Fear is rampant, anxiety is high, and people are getting out of the business left and right. Sounds familiar? Sure it does. The year was 1979!”

Does it make us feel better to know that this has happened before? What did we learn from it in 1979? Fast forward to 1987 and it happened again. Changing tax laws this time had a disastrous affect again. Well guess what? History repeats itself. Now we are faced with this again, in 2008 but this time there are real differences.

In 1979 mortgage interest rates topped 18 percent. Last week buyers were still getting approved at under 6 percent through local lenders. That is a huge difference! Today’s sellers, with the help of their real estate agents, are becoming realistic with today’s pricing, bringing our market back on track.

The real estate business is “cyclical.” An experienced real estate agent and a mortgage lender will understand this and be prepared to give counsel that is in tune with the current market. Remember though, the news you heard last week is “old news,” so stay in touch with your local, trusted real estate team (The Belt Team!) for updates on this ever changing market.

Not only have we assisted our clients in navigating the markets of the 1979 & 1987, but we are participating in seminars, conference calls, webinars, and many other training events to stay on top of the game to better assist you.

Real estate remains your single most valuable asset if handled correctly. Please don’t hesitate to call The Belt Team for all of your real estate needs. (703) 242-3975

Your real estate experts,

Terry Belt & The Belt Team

A few weeks ago, we were able to brag about Pauline…actually, her clients bragged about her. This week, we received another wonderful letter we’d like to share with you. It’s from a client we recently represented in selling their home in Oakton. Here’s what he had to say:

Dear Terry,

I sincerely appreciate the professional services you provided which resulted in the very timely sale of my residence in Oakton, Virginia. As you know, I interviewed several other listing agents before selecting The Belt Team, and believe your focus in reaching targeted and qualified buyers is a major reason for your success. In a challenging home sales environment, you were able to secure a near full price contract on my house in less than two weeks. As impressive as that was, the follow through guidance we received from The Belt Team to direct inspections and pre-closing events was invaluable.

Thanks very much for making this transaction so easy. The sale of my residence was driven by my need to relocate to Florida for a new job. I can tell you that having the sale of my house taken care of so quickly and professionally made my relocation a lot less stressful.

I wish you continued success and appreciate your efforts on the sale of my property.

Sincerely,

Mark Langer

We are so proud to get letters like this one from Mark Langer. It’s why we like to say that “The Belt Team Specializes in Success Stories”. Our favorite “success story” is a happy client!  

We feel very blessed to have one of the best Buyer Agents in the business as a part of The Belt Team. Today, we happened to get both an email and a survey from two different clients Pauline represented. And they say it better than we can. Here’s what they said:

5/14/08

Hello Terry and Alicia,

I wanted to let you know what a great Realtor Pauline has been for us.  I feel fortunate to have worked with her.  She not only helped me find a great house but has helped me with the whole process of transferring.  She spent extra time showing me different areas and schools and continues to help me through the moving in process. I have always gotten immediate responses from her even though I am out of state and she has gone out of her way to do things for me that I could not handle myself from a distance.  I will continue to recommend Pauline and your company whenever I have the chance.

Regards, Amy McShane

(Amy & her husband Bill recently bought a home in Vienna with Pauline & The Belt Team)  

****************************************************************

And the Survey Says….

(Responses provided by Ed & Jen Doe who recently bought a home in Oakton with Pauline & The Belt Team): 

Q. What could The Belt Team have done better to aid you in the process?

A. Nothing! Great experience! Thank you Pauline! 

Q. Is there any member of The Belt Team who deserves particular accolades?

A. Yes, Pauline Knipe! What a great resource! She worked hard and was always available to us!

If you would like Pauline & The Belt Team to represent you, please contact Pauline at (703) 636-7328.