PERFECT FALL DAY FOR MANASSAS!!

WoW!! What a Saturday we were blessed with today, here in Manassas and Northern Virginia! These kind of days bring the best out in people and put everyone in a better mood. Just like hitting the perfect tee shot on the 18th Hole....The feeling is so good...... that it can carry you through your work week! Today my son and I shopped at the Farmers Market in Old Town Manassas......where we saw Manassas City Councilman Andy Harrover and his family buying fresh home grown vegetables. We also met Kevin from the Potomac News & Manassas Journal Messenger who always seems to have a smile on!!! Life is Great when you live this close to our Norman Rockwell picturesque city! If you know of anyone who you think might enjoy this kind of life, please do not hesitate to call the Best Local Real Estate Team in the area, Bassette Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Realty @ 703-530-1100.

Next Saturday, Oct 6, 2007 will be part of another annual tradition, as Washington Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs will be hosting his 22nd Annual Benefit Country Fair & Auction. This "Family Fun" festival takes place at the Youth For Tomorrow Campus which is 2 miles south of Manassas off Rt. 28 and Linton Hall Rd in Bristow, Va. Attractions include: free activities for children, free parking and bargains galore for auction lovers (NASCAR Packages & more!!!).

After you have supported the Joe Gibbs Country Fair, continue on down Linton Hall Rd to Haymarket where you will be able to participate in the Custom Builders Parade of Homes. You will be able to see some of the most luxurious homes in the area and meet the Award Winning Builders themselves. For more info, please call the Bassette Real Estate Group at 703-530-1100.

Enjoy the Week!!!

Peggy & Jim

Secrets of the Multiple Listing Service, Revealed!

Technology, originally created for businesses, has been implemented to enhance the ability of the consumer who is interested in obtaining current Real Estate market conditions. This advanced technology will allow the consumer to see real time, up to the minute Real Estate in their areas of interest. Therefore, when someone is curious about the values of a specific neighborhood, or even a targeted address, all they need to do is log onto their computer on Thursday at noon. They will then have access to the local Multiple Listing Service. The technology implemented by the Bassette Real Estate Group is called a webinar. Every Thursday anyone can log into the system, and at noon the consumer will be able to see straight into the secret world of the MLS.

If the consumer is curious about the price of a house, the values of homes in a neighborhood, or the rate of increase or decrease in a particular area, they will be able to see the MLS system on the screen of the Realtor on the other end of the webinar. They can ask or type questions, and discover the answer, immediately, right along with the Real Estate agent. This fantastic technology enables the consumer to see exactly what is on the computer screen of the Real Estate consultant who is holding the webinar. (All this while the consumer is in the privacy and comfort of their own home or office!)

Imagine how much time and energy this technological advancement and implementation is going to save! No more cumbersome searching with out of date technology! Now, you, the consumer, can find out what the house down the street actually sold for! Actual addresses revealed while you watch! The search engines currently available to the consumer don’t give out sold information, nor addresses. The frustration can be over. Just go to www.BassetteHomes.com and click on the link to Real Time Market Search. Log on any or every Thursday at noon for a peak into the wonderful world of Multiple Listings.

Don't Miss Your Opportunity!

So much to tell, and so little time and space in which to tell it! First and foremost, don't miss your opportunity to take a look at a GREAT HOUSE! Come visit us on Saturday at 3012 Jenny Lane in Woodbridge VA for a peak at a Great Big Colonial...completely refurbished (granite counters, new paint & carpet) it's GORGEOUS!! And, it backs up to 28 acres of woods for total PRIVACY! To top it off, it's located in a super desireable neighborhood just minutes from I95!

When you come visit (or you could send an email) we would love to discuss the amazing changes taking place in our Real Estate Market (interest rates lowered by the FED by 1/2 a percent, and the brand new Bill just passed by Congress that will give borrowers the opportunity to borrow up to $700,000 with just a small down payment, backed by FHA)

You may also have the opportunity to pay this house off in as little as 8 to 11 years! Sounds too good to be true, but we have a brand new program, and it's for real! We totally love this new program, and you will too, once you understand it. Just close your eyes for a moment. Imagine, owning (not the bank, YOU) this beautiful home...Not having a mortgage payment to make every month. Well, we would love to have the opportunity to consult with you, and to help make this dream come true! Just stop by and see us on Saturday at 3012 Jenny Lane (You can also register to win tickets to the REDSKINS vs. Chicago game, and enjoy some yummy snacks!)

U.S. House of Representatives Averts Housing Crisis of 2007!

The "Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007" was overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives, yesterday. This comprehensive bill to reform the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) is designed to revitalize this federally insured loan program. This measure will enable the FHA to help more subprime borrowers at affordable rates and terms. This means that our government is coming to the aid of buyers who have been forced to turn to predatory lenders in recent years.

A couple of the provisions of the bill allow for lower down payments for borrowers who can afford the mortgage payment but don't have cash for the required down payment, as well as funding for credit counseling for subprime borrowers who are late on their current mortgage payments. Additionally, higher loan limits for buyers in higher cost housing markets such as our area (Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Manassas and Prince William County).

The bill also directs FHA to refinance loans to existing homeowners who may loose their homes due to mortgage market conditions. Add this new bill to the Fed's directive to lower interest rates by 1/2 a percent (please see previous blogg for more info) and our housing market should begin to bounce back from it's current slump! So, if you have been contemplating buying, give us a call! Prices are as low as they are going to get! For additional information on the housing bill, just send an email, and I'll be happy to email ALL of the details. Peggy@BassetteHomes.com

Fed Slashes Interest Rates...What a Buyer's Market!

Yesterday, Tuesday September 18th, the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by 1/2 a percent! This bold move was designed specifically to bolster our sluggish housing market. NOW is the time to buy a home!!! The housing prices are still down in Prince William County, Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, Fairfax, Woodbridge, Nokesville and Bristow Virginia. So, how can it get better? We haven't seen interest rates this low in years. It's the perfect time to get a great "deal" on a house (lots of foreclosures in our neck of the woods) and to be able to afford the minimal payment, calculated on such low interest rates.

Just contact us, and we'll be happy to schedule a free, no obligation, buyer consultation. Spending a little time up front to become educated about our local housing market will enable you to find the best house and pay the least for it. Give us a call or send an email before the decreased interest rates start to push the price of homes back up. As always, we look forward to hearing from you! (O) 703-530-1100 or Peggy@BassetteHomes.com

Visit Open Houses and Win 3 Redskin Tickets!!!

The Bassette Real Estate Group is running a contest! For every person who visits us at our weekly open houses, we will put their name into a drawing to win 3 tickets (lower level & under cover!) to the Redskins vs. Chicago Bears game played on December 6th, 2007! Just come out (our next Open House is being held on Saturday September 24th from 10am 'til 2pm....Check out the pictures of this absolutely beautiful and upgraded colonial! (The pics are on this website, along with a virtual tour in one of the blogs.) The address is 3012 Jenny Lane, Woodbridge VA 22192.

We're really excited about the fantastic buyer's market in Prince William County Virginia! Now is the perfect time to buy a home!! Interest rates are still low and prices have just about hit rock bottom! This property is in wonderful condition! If you're looking for a great big colonial in a very private setting backing to woods....you've found it!!! Come out and check this home out...we would love the opportunity to meet you! See you Saturday! Hail to the REDSKINS!!!

Hail To The Redskins!!

Have you received your Redskin Schedule? They were mailed out last week and should be posted prominently on your refrigerator by now! We have received some concerned messages from some of our favorite people...they have been worried we weren't going to be sending out their schedules this year...At this point, your fears should be allayed! If not, please just give us a call or send us a quick email, and we will be happy to put your Redskin Schedule in the mail for you.

I'm sure you all (or at least most of you in our corner of Virginia) enjoyed the game on Sunday! Jim, Eric and Trent sure did!!! They had a blast at Fed Ex Field, watching their favorite team finish victoriously over the Dolphins...Sorry, Scott :o( In this fraternal battle, Trent wins!!

Bassette Group Supports CASA at Evening Under The Stars

This past Saturday night, September 8th, we, The Bassette Real Estate Group (Jim and Peggy) had the opportunity to join John and Kimberly Irving of Irving and Irving, Attornies at Law, in Old Town Manassas, in support of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children) at Evening Under The Stars. This event, held annually, raises money to help local children. It is "The Night of a Thousand Stars shining lights of hope over the abused and neglected children...for we ae a community that cares."

This wonderful event, held first in 1998, is supported by the local businesses, restaurants (such as Okra's Foundation Room) and citizens. The retro music, by Doc Scantlin & the Imperial Palms Orchestra, is remiscent of the 1940's. The twinkling lights in the background showcased the many local celebrities in attendance. Among the attendees were: Manassas Mayor Doug Waldron, City Councilman Andy Harrover and his wife Sarah (who own Matrix Computer Consulting in Manassas), Prince William County Supervisor Corey Stewart, and Supervisor Wally Covington with his wife Connie, Sheriff Glenn Hill, and 50th District Delegate Jackson Miller were among the supporters of this very worthy endeavor.

The many CASA volunteers worked hard to put such a lavish event together, and to those in attendance, it seemed to come off without a hitch. We had a wonderful time, thanks to the 100 volunteers who labored to make Evening Under the Stars a success! (And the invitation from our good friends the Irvings)!!!