Chip and Becky Miller's Northern Virginia Real Estate Blog

2011-12-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Just Listed - $399,000
10233 Raider Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030
Charming 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home located on one of the best lots - 2/3 of an acre on a level lot with trees behind for added privacy. Just minutes to the Vienna Metro.

Gleaming hardwood floors on most of the main level. Bright and sunny!!

This house was designed for entertaining with a spacious rear deck and patio.

Look at these views!!!

2011-12-02T07:52:00.001-08:00

Coming Soon!! 15259 Avens Creek Drive, Haymarket, VA - This lovely townhome style condo will be listed the first week in January for $275,000. With almost 2400 square feet, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home has a bright and open floor plan. Nicely upgraded with hardwood floors, this home was designed for entertaining. Conveniently located in Market Center, the community is located near Route 15, Route 29, Route 55 and I-66 with easy access to downtown Haymarket, the new Heathcote urgent care center, and much more. For more information, please contact Miller Properties at (540) 347-5277 or e-mail us at info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

2011-12-01T12:24:00.001-08:00

Coming Soon - 6186 Library Lane, Bealeton, VA - this 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, 2 half bath home will be coming on the market within the next 30 days. This home has hardwood floors on two levels, has a nice rear deck, and easy access to nearby shopping, schools, banks, library and more. For more information about this home and others in the area, please call the Miller Properties Team at (540) 347-5277 or e-mail info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Coming Soon in Broad Run, Virginia

2011-10-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Coming soon in December, this custom built home is located on the DC side of Warrenton on 10+ acres with amazing 360 degree mountain views. The 3/4 bedroom home has a traditional floor plan with charming living room, formal dining room, eat in kitchen with french doors to screened in rear porch. The spacious master bedroom has a large walk in closet. Two other nicely sized bedrooms share a hall bath. The walk out lower level includes a den/4th bedroom, family room with wet bar, and full bath. Outbuildings on the property include a detached garage and workshop/home office. For more information, please contact our office at (540) 347-5277 or info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Curious About Windy Hill in The Plains?

2011-09-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

Windy Hill is made up of 16 units of affordable workforce housing currently under contruction by the Windy Hill Foundation. It is located in The Plains on Fauquier Avenue and Lee Street. There will be 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units available including some handicapped accessible units. Units will be available early in 2012 and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to families and individuals who meet income and other eligibility requirements. Priority will be given to those who currently live or work in The Plains or in Fauquier County within 10 miles of The Plains. Priority will also be given to teachers, police officers, and rescue personnel who serve this same geographic area. All applicants for a unit must pass both a credit and criminal background check.

To get onto the waiting list, you must complete and return a signed application. Contact TM Associates Management, Inc. at (800) 922-3720 or rentals@tmgateway.com and ask that an application be sent to you for Piedmont Lane. Visit http://www.windyhilltheplains.org/.

Miller Properties Acts as Drop Off Location for Operation Diaper Doodie

2011-09-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Beginning Tuesday September 6, 2011, our office will serve as a drop off location for Operation Diaper Doodie, a Keller Williams Cares community service group that focuses on giving back to the areas in which we live and work. For the next 30 days, we'll be collecting diapers and baby wipes for Fauquier County shelters. Familes especially need diapers for toddlers in sizes 2-5. Our office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 and is located at 77 W. Lee Street, Suite 103, Warrenton, VA (across from the sheriff's department). We can be reached at (540) 347-5277 if you'd like to call ahead of time to let us know you're coming. Please help us as we try to reach out to families in need.

You're Invited to a Credit Class

2011-08-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Please join us Saturday September 24, 2011 for a fabulous, free 1 hour class all about your credit score. Learn about what makes up your score, how to improve it, and what lenders are looking for when you apply for a mortgage or refinance. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 9:00 AM with class to begin promptly at 9:30. You'll be out the door by 10:30 for your weekend festivities. The class will take place at 8100 Ashton Avenue, Suite 103, Manassas, VA 20109. Please RSVP at (540) 347-5277 or info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Just Reduced - 8184 E. Main Street - Marshall

2011-07-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

This charming circa 1889 farm house is located in historic Marshall, Virginia and is conveniently located just minutes from I-66 and Route 55 for easy access to points east. Recently reduced to $319,999, this home is nestled on over an acre of land. Although the home is over 100 years old, it has been carefully renovated so you enjoy the charm of yesteryear while living with modern amenities and finishes. The kitchen has been remodeled with new cabinets, counters, and ceramic tile floors. The main level features a flexible floor plan with ample space for formal dining and living rooms. All 3 full baths have been completely redone. Hardwood floors are located throughout the main and upper levels. Unlike other "old" homes, the 3 upper level bedrooms are spacious with plenty of storage and closet space. New windows, HVAC, and stamped concrete patio complete this fabulous home. Truly a move in ready home. For more information or to arrange a private tour, please contact Marina Marchesani at (540) 347-5277.

Please Welcome Natalie Martinez To Our Team

2011-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Natalie Martinez to our team. Natalie brings a wealth of local knowledge having grown up in the Northern Virginia area. She has a strong background in contracts and exceptional attention to detail. If you'd like to contact Natalie, please call (540) 347-5277.

You're Invited to an Open House Tuesday from 11:30 to 1:30

2011-06-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Please come out and enjoy dessert this coming Tuesday June 21, from 11:30 to 1:30 and tour our fabulous listing at 10206 Wesley Chapel Road, Marshall, VA. We're the 4th home on a 5 home tour in the Orlean area of Fauquier County.

10206 Wesley Chapel is a custom built 4/5 bedroom 4.5 bath home with over 8,000 square feet. It's situated on 27+ private acres. The home was built with entertaining in mind. The formal entry has marble floors and leads to dramatic 2 story family room with stone hearth and floor to ceiling windows. Brazilian cherry floors gleam on most of the main level. The gormet kitchen was designed with a chef in mind. There is ample prep area and upgraded appliances. Upstairs the master bedroom awaits you. Enjoy the cozy fireplace and luxury master bath and his/hers walk-in closets. 3 more bedrooms and 2 full bath complete the upper level. The walk out lower level has a spacious wet bar, fireplace, huge recreation room, disco/dance hall, full bath, and more storage than you would ever need.

If you have questions about the open house or would like to schedule an appointment to tour this beutiful home, please call Marina with Miller Properties at (540) 347-5277.

Chip Miller Electric to 2011 GPAAR Board of Directors

2011-06-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our very own Chip Miller who was nominated and elected to the Greater Piedmont Area Association of Realtors Board of Directors. Candidates are nominated and voted onto the Board by their peers. We are so proud of Chip and know he will represent our team, Keller Williams Realty, and the Realtor community well. Congratulations Chip!!

6096 Misty Ridge Road, Broad Run, VA 20137

2011-05-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Please join our team for a fabulous afternoon of fun and food. Tour 5 amazing homes in Broad Run and enter to win a chance at $100.00 cash price. The progressive Broker's Open will be held on Tuesday May 31, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For more information please contact Miller Properties at (540) 347-5277 or info@MillerPropertiesOnline.com.

You're Invited to an Open House Tuesday from 11:30 to 1:00

2011-05-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Please join us for an Open House Tuesday May 17, 2011 from 11:30 to 1:00. Lunch will be served. Tour this home and two others in the fabulous community of South located just 10 minutes from Warrenton. For more information, please contact us at info@MillerPropertiesOnline.com or call (540) 347-5277.

2300 Somerset Drive, Jeffersonton, VA - priced at $399,900.

May is National Barbeque Month!!

2011-05-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Whether you like pork or chicken, rub or sauce, on the grill or in the oven, I hope you will be enjoying some great barbeque this month. Hope this brings you smiles and thoughts of fun spring days with family, friends, and co-workers. Happy Spring from the Miller Properties Team!!

Open Sunday 5/1 - 1:00 to 4:00 PM 2300 Somerset Drive, Jeffersonton, VA

2011-04-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Sunday May 1, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for an Open House. This stunning executive home has been recently updated with new flooring to include hardwood floors, ceramic tile in the kitchen, and new carpet thru-out. The bright and sunny kitchen has 42 inch cabinets, granite counters, and leads to the huge rear deck. This is a regular, healthy sale with immediate settlement available. For more information, please contact Becky Miller at (540) 347-5277 or becky@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Miller Properties Receives Recognition in March

2011-04-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Our team was the Top Listing Group with almost $1.2 million in listings and we were also the Top Sales Group with over $2 million in sales. Congratulations to our amazing team and our fabulous clients for all their hard work and dedication. Let's continue our momentum into April and May!!

Coming Soon in Jefferstonton, Culpeper County

2011-04-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon - Priced in the upper $300s. 5 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with 3 finished levels in charming South Wales. Nestled on an ultra private lot, this brick front colonial has side load garage, 3 finished levels, and spacious rear deck and patio. Recent updates include hardwood floors in the 2 story foyer, formal dining room, and formal living room. The gourmet kitchen has ceramic tile floors, huge island, and granite counters. The master bedroom suite includes a sitting room, walk-in closet and luxury master bath with double vanities and soaking tub. The lower level has been partially finished with 5th bedroom, rec room, rough in for full bath, and tons of storage space. For a private showing, please call Becky Miller at (540) 347-5277 or e-mail becky@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Great New Listing in Warrenton, VA - Waterloo Farm Road

2011-04-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our team just listed a fabulous Cape Cod on over 11 acres conveniently located just a few miles from the Warrenton town limits. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home has a spacious floorplan with more room to expand in the unfinished walk-out basement. The rear deck overlooks the expansive yard with rear deck and patio. The master bedroom has its own private deck with hot tub. For more information on this beautiful home or to schedule a private showing, please call Marina at (540) 347-5277 or visit http://www.millerpropertiesonline.com/.

Financial Crisis Workship - March 26, 2011

2011-03-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Please join us on March 26, 2011 from 8:30 to 11:00 AM for an informative, no obligation, and confidential financial crisis workshop. We've put together a panel of well respected professionals to answer questions you didn't even know you should ask.

Becky Miller will start off discussing the short sale process and what you can expect if you've been unable to work with your lending institution to obtain a successful loan modification.

Following Becky, John Goetz, a local bankruptcy attorney with John Carter Morgan, Jr., PLLC, will answer questions about when and why to file for bankruptcy as well as the ramifications once you decide it might be a solution for your debt.

Loretta Flynn, a successful Bank of America loan officer, will be spending a few minutes talking about the real estate market, what you can expect in the next 5 years, and how your credit will be affected.

And closing the workshop will be Sarah Atkins with Edward Jones. Sarah will give you some great ideas and tips for saving for the future and how to rebound from a dire financial situation.

Even if you're not experiencing a financial hardship, please feel free to attend. It will be a fascinating and informative panel. Breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 AM with the first speaker to start at 9:00. Please RSVP to info@millerpropertiesonline.com at which point we'll e-mail you with additional details.

Bank of America Short Sale Approved in Manassas, Prince William County

2011-03-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our team has come through again and just received HAFA short sale approval on a Bank of America loan. This approval process was a little more difficult due to the HAFA restrictions, but it was well worth the wait and negotiation process as the Sellers will receive a $3,000 relocation payment at settlement - something they desperately need to help them start over.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty making ends meet, please contact us for help. You can reach us via e-mail at info@millerpropertiesonline.com or at the office (540) 347-5277.

Do Your Finances Keep You Awake At Night?

2011-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Save The Date!! On Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, we will be hosting a Distressed Homeowner Workshop for anyone interested in Warrenton, VA - location to be announced shortly. Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:30 AM. The tentative schedule is as follows:

1. Housing Options - what's best for you - Short Sale, Loan Modification, Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure?

2. Legal Options - does it make sense to file bankruptcy?

3. Credit Scores & Purchase Requirements - will you ever be able to buy again after you've done a short sale or filed bankruptcy?

4. Financial Rebuilding - just because you seem overwhelmed right now doesn't mean you don't have the opportunity to start saving for the future.

We've put together a fabulous team of experts to answer your questions including a bankruptcy attorney, loan officer, and certified financial planner in addition to our own Becky Miller, who has successfully closed more than 50 short sales in the last 2 years. If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please RSVP to info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Knowledge is power!!

Wells Fargo Short Sale Approved in Bristow, Virginia

2011-02-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Wells Fargo proves once again to be very user friendly when it comes to getting short sales approved. We just received full approval on an investor owned single family home in Bristow. After some pretty intense negotiations over the owner contribution, we were able to bring the number down to $10,000. With the $10,000 contribution, the owner was released from all current and future liability for the deficiency which brings some much needed peace of mind. As many of your have heard me state over and over again, the key to getting short sales approved is to accept an offer that is at or close to fair market value and to be able to prove a legitimate hardship. If you or someone you know, is having financial difficulty with your real estate investments, please give us a call. There is no reason to have to liquidate your other assets and throw good money after bad. Let us work with you to evaluate your entire portfolio and come up with a game plan for the future. Please call us at (540) 347-5277 or info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Bank of America Short Sale Approved in Rapidan, Culpeper County

2011-01-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

Our team is expecting to close another Bank of America short sale on Monday, January 31, 2011. We received a contract in October and had full approval in December - less than 60 days into the short sale process. This homeowner had a legitimate hardship and there was only one loan - that makes a huge difference. The short sale was approved with no counter offer from the bank because the final sale price was within fair market value. The seller was not asked to contribute any money towards the deficiency. If you or someone you know has questions about real estate, please feel free to contact me at (540) 347-5277 or info@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Wells Fargo Short Sale -- The Best Ever

2011-01-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, we closed another Wells Fargo Short Sale. Of all the short sales we've done, it was definitely one of the easiest. The Seller had a VA loan and I thought it might cause a problem, but everything went as planned. Again the key to a successful short sale is getting a fair market offer and having a Seller with a legitimate hardship. We received a contract in mid October and had full approval within 60 days and went to closing within 30 days - less than 90 days from start to finish. If you or someone you know is looking for an experienced short sale agent, please feel free to contact me at 540-347-5277 or e-mail at becky@millerpropertiesonline.com. Our office is located in Warrenton, but we service clients throughout Northern Virginia and the Greater Piedmont area.

Another Bank of America Short Sale Approved

2011-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

Last week we finally closed on a short sale listing that we had been working on since April, 2010. I normally prep my sellers to be prepared to wait 3-6 months for their sale to be approved. Occasionally we run into problems and it takes longer. In this case, the buyers kept backing out and we ended up selling the property 3 different times which meant 3 different contract negotiations. And this was also an investor owned property which is always a little more difficult to get approved. Fortunately the seller was able to walk away without having to bring any money to the table (other than past due HOA/COA fees) and did not have to sign a note payable.

The key to getting short sales approved is to make sure you have a price that's considered fair market value, you have a seller willing to provide all the necessary documentation, and you have buyers willing to hang in for the long haul. All parties - agents, buyers, and sellers need to be committed to the final outcome. If you or someone you know has questions, please feel free to call (540) 347-5277 or e-mail info@millerpropertiesonline.com. We're always ready and willing to offer our advice.

Happy New Year!!

Becky Miller Appointed Chairwoman of the 2011 GPAAR Legislative/RPAC Committee

2010-12-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

It is with great excitement that Miller Properties announces that one of its own will be leading the 2011 GPAAR Legislative/Realtor Political Action Committee as their Chairwoman. Becky Miller graciously accepted the nomination and is looking forward to a productive year. RPAC works with local, state, and national representatives to make sure the concerns of Realtors and Homeowners are heard. The most important issue facing the residential real estate industry right now is the possible termination of the mortgage interest deduction. In an already soft housing market, this could be catastrophic. This interest deduction is a deciding factor for many people who are deciding between buying and renting. If you or someone you know is interested in more information about the mortgage interest deduction, RPAC, or has other real estate concerns, please contact Becky Miller with Miller Properties at (540) 347-5277. You can also reach Becky by e-mailing her at becky@millerpropertiesonline.com.

Many Thanks to the Great Folks in Warrenton VA

2010-11-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

On behalf of our entire team, we just want to thank the people of Warrenton, Virginia who graciously donated to The Salvation Army on Friday morning. Even in these uncertain economic times, folks gladly opened their wallets and donated with a smile. By the time we left, the kettle was overflowing. Thank you!!

6048 Colt Lane, Warrenton, VA 20186 - Bring Your Horses!!

2010-11-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Enjoy country living with your horses on this beautiful 21 acre farm just minutes from Old Town Warrenton. Beautiful views with pond, board fencing, and rolling pastures. The 4 stall barn also has a tack room, water, electric, covered aisle way, hay loft, and huge machine shed. The well built all brick rambler has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The unfinished basement and oversized 2 car garage add even more storage/future living space. Although in need of some cosmetic updating, this home is move-in ready. Easy to show - just contact http://www.chipandbeckymiller.com/.

We're famous . . . well kind of.

2010-10-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

It seems as if we've finally received our 30 seconds of fame. According to another Keller Williams agent, our signs are in the movie "Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps". No one from our team has actually seen the movie although we're thinking of using this as an excuse to take half a day off and see the movie, eat popcorn, and drink large quantities of soda.

We've also seen the same clip in recent news reports about the foreclosure debacle on CNBC, MSNBC, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. So from now on, we think our tag line will be, "As featured in the blockbuster movie Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps with Michael Douglas". We're just hoping that old saying is true - any publicity is good publicity.

Wachovia Short Sale Approved!!

2010-09-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

After negotiating for 90 days with Wachovia and getting full approval, the original buyer pulled out. We had to relist the property, but because we had the "approved" price, we were able to get a great offer, resubmit, and get full approval within 5 days. We found Wachovia to be easy to deal with. They requested some additional documentation we were not expecting, but after satisfying their requests, it was a seamless process.

For more information on how we process our short sales, please e-mail info@millerpropertiesonline.com or call (540) 347-5277.

Chase Short Sale Approved in 30 Days

2010-09-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our team just received another Chase Short Sale Approval. This time we received full approval in less than 30 days. From list date to settlement, the entire process only took 90 days - that's better than some of our regular sales. We're finding that if we have our packages completed before they're submitted to the lender and there is a legitimate hardship AND we price correctly, not below market value, we're able to get our short sales approved quickly.

For more information, please contact us via e-mail at info@millerpropertiesonline.com OR (540) 347-5277.

Another Chase Short Sale Approved in Less than 60 Days

2010-06-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today our team just received full approval on a Chase short sale after less than 60 days. When it's all said and done, from the time the property was listed to the settlement date, the transaction will have taken less than 90 days - about what a "regular" sale takes. Our team considers Chase to be one of the best banks to work with. As long as the offer is a fair market price and the hardship is legitimate, Chase processes the approval in a timely manner. The new HAFA guidelines seem to be helping.

If you or someone you know could use some help or advice, please feel free to call or e-mail. We feel confident that we're in a "short sale" market for at least 3+ years.

Looking for Land?? New Home for Sale in Fauquier County

2010-06-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our team just listed this 23+ acre piece of property at $565,000. It's located 1.5 miles from downtown Warrenton right in the heart of Hunt Country. There are 2 parcels. The 13+ acre parcel with home site can be purchased for $340,000 or the 10 acre land listing can be purchased for $225,000. With some updates, the home will be a show stopper. It's a 1920s brick colonial with over 1700 square feet. For more informaiton, contact us at (540) 347-5277.

Chase Short Sale Approved

2010-05-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we received full approval on a Chase short sale. We are especially happy with the approval because the property was investor owned and took less than 60 days. The owner was fully current on the mortgage and the sale will have very little, if any impact on credit scores. Chase is by far one of the best companies to work with when they are the only bank involved in the sale. For more information, feel free to call or e-mail.

OneWest/Indymac & Chase/Citi Mortage Short Sale Approval

2010-05-17T11:21:00.003-07:00

We just closed on another short sale. This time the first trust was with OneWest Bank, FSB (formally IndyMac), but the sale had to be approved by Freddie Mac. The second trust was with Citi Mortgage. Due to several reasons, this was one of the most difficult short sales I've ever been a part of. First off - because Freddic Mac was overseeing the first trust, the sale had to meet Freddic Mac guidelines. The second trust, Citi Mortgage, was unwilling to approve anything less than 10% of what was owed. Freddie Mac absolutely wouldn't approve anything more than $3,000 so the seller had to do a principal buy down. This was the first time I have ever had a seller do a principal buy down, but it actually worked out really well and once Citi Mortgage was in receipt of the money, we received full approval within 4 hours and closed later that day.

If you have a similar situation and are concerned because there are two different banks involved, feel free to give us a call. Typically these types of sales take longer, but they can be done. We are always looking for innovative ways to make the banks happy.

Mortgage Rates Fall To Low in 2010

2010-05-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Although the first time home buyer credit expired on April 30, 2010, there is some good news in the housing market. Interest rates for 30 year fixed rate mortgages fell to 4.93% from 5.0% one week before. This should continue to act as an incentive for buyers. Low interest rates are also helping fuel the refinance market as existing home owners try to take advantage of record low interest rates.

If you are in need of a referral to a good loan officer for a refinance or if we can be of service to you or someone you know with regards to buying, selling, or renting a home, please let us know. Our team would be honored to assist with your housing needs.

Welcome to Chip and Becky's Northern Virginia Real Estate Update!

2009-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Watch this space for the new real estate information blog for Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier Counties and the surrounding areas including the fine communities of Warrenton, Broad Run, Marshall, Bealeton, Nokesville, Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow, Manassas, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Aldie, Hume, Middleburg, Delaplane, The Plains, Fairfax, Prince Williams and Faquier, VA from Realtors Chip and Becky Miller. Look to us for timely news, market updates, hot new listings and more!