This month’s Military Appreciation Monday’s dinner will be supporting the Yellow Ribbon Fund.  This is our second time raising money to help out this great grassroots organization.  Please be sure to click on the above link to learn about what they are doing to support our nation’s bravest men and women.  They do us proud.  As always, the dinner will be at the Old Brogue in Great Falls with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30.  Be sure to call from reservations since we have had overflow capacity at several of the dinners.  Last month we had a 110 percent match.  Please let me know if you would like to sign as a co-sponsor (10 percent match) of the dinner tab.

Current cosponsors are:

Baran Family

Nelson Family

Norman Family

Carillon Capital

The Old Brogue

Julius Fleishman

Grossman Family

Gary Kaihara, DDS

Chris Melnick – LSA Title Services

Taylor Allgyer – First Savings Mortgage

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

As I have been saying (and writing about) during the past two years, our local real estate market will likely be the first to return to normalcy.  This is based on the fact that our local economy continues to be a fairly strong once.  A recent Washington Post Article entitled, “In Throes of Recession, D.C. Stands Apart”.  I have also been warning that we may well see a spike up in prices for both first time home buyers and move up buyers.  This due to what I believe will be a severe lack of new homes coming into the local inventory.  Many first time buyers have been looking at foreclosures as a means of getting into the market.  This is beginning to wane as those opportunities become less and less.  While the number of foreclosures currently at 179 for Fairfax County may seem high, a total of  225 sold in October alone in 2009 compared to only 113 for September 2010.  If you or someone you know is contemplating a purchase in the near term, I would suggest they consider doing so during the next three to four months.  I fully believe that once our spring market kicks in, we may well see a spike in prices as the inventory gets eaten up quickly.  This has already begun to happen with homes located inside the beltway in Virginia with homes receiving multiple offers and in some cases offers that include escalation addenda.   We also have record level interest rates for 30 fixed mortgages.

While nationally, the real estate market continues to barely limp along, locally we have been quickly moving towards a greater balance between buyers and sellers.  This, of course, depends on where you are considering buying or selling.  The general feeling among my co-workers has been that the closer to the beltway, the stronger the market.  There have been repeated stories of buyers paying more than asking price for homes located inside the beltway.  While out with some clients on Tuesday, they told of friends who had withdrawn their offer on a home in Mclean once they learned that one of the three other offers included an escalation addendum stating that they would pay $5,000 more than the highest offer.  Anyone familiar with the market during the 2003-2005 period may recall that this was very much the norm at that time.  I have been saying for the past year that Northern Virginia may well be headed for a severe shortage in housing in the not too distant future.  We have slowly been edging towards this potential shortage since builders have essentially stopped construction on new homes.  This despite the fact that Northern Virginia continues to grow in population.

Whether you are considering selling or buying a home, you really do need to remain focused on the critical do’s and don’ts highlighted in a recent Rismedia article entitled:  Be-Smart:  Dos and Don’ts for Home Sellers and Buyers.

Last month’s Military Appreciation Mondays dinner in support of the Golden Age Games was our most successful event to date.  We ended up raising more than $5000 which will help support the sending of several local vets to the next games which are to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Hope you can make it to this month’s dinner on October 25th which will be raising money for Operation Second Chance.

Thank you again to all of you who came out and a special thanks to our co-sponsors and door prize donors.

Co-sponsors Include:

Nelson Family

Norman Family

Grossman Family

Julius Fleishman

Gary Kaihara, DDS

The Old Brogue

Carillon Capital

Chris Melnick – LSA Title Services

Taylor Allgyer – First Savings Mortgage

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

and our Door Prize donors

Adeler Jewelers

PF Changs Restaurant

Dominion Title

Great Falls Design Build

State Farm Insurance

Great Falls Exxon

Legenter LLC

Neighbors Network

Lodgecliff on the Choptank B&B

B Sweet Home Baked Pies

Romantica Deli

Maison du Vin

National Veterans Golden Age Games

This month I am moving a little outside the norm for MAM by raising funds for our veterans who are over 55 years old. I am particularly excited by this effort since it gives us a chance to say thanks to the Vietnam Era vets and those who came before them. The request for this event came from Julius Fleischman, one of our newest co-sponsors. Julius fought in the European Campaign during WWII.

Date: September 27th.

Where: Old Brogue – Great Falls, Va.

Time: Two seatings – 5:30 and 7:30.

Please be sure to make a reservation by calling: (703) 759-3309.

As always, you simply come out and have dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls. Myself and my cosponsors will each be contributing a 10 percent match (A 100 percent match this month) of your dinner tab to The Golden Age Games.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in becoming a co-sponsor, please contact me at bob@bobnelsonteam.com or call at (703) 999-5812.

You can also show your support through:

A. The purchase of door prize entries. (ALL Proceeds will go directly to The Golden Age Games)

B. Our buy a vet dinner initiative. We hope to have between 10-15 enlisted personnel for whom you can buy dinner.

C. Or you can make out a fully tax deductible donation to Veterans Administration.

Please come out strong to show your support. This is our first time back after the summer and I’d love to have a huge turnout to show our active duty personnel and veterans just how much we appreciate their service.

If you have a chance, please be sure to thank my co-sponsors.

The Old Brogue

LSA Title Services

Gary Kaihara, DDS

The Grossman Family

Julius Fleischman

The Norman Family

The Nelson Family

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Taylor Allgyer – First Savings Mortgage

Carrillon Capital

Previous Co-Sponsors

The Heil Family

Mercury LLC

Knight Point Systems

Shiner Roofing and Siding

and our door prize donors:

Adeler Jewelers           Dominion Title

PF Chang’s                      Lodgecliffe Bed and Breakfast

Elite Fitness                   Fitness Together

Turner Framing           Maison Du Vin

Great Falls Design Build     Pinkman Baseball Academy

Legenter LLC.               State Farm Insurance        Downs & Assoc. Insurance

Please read the following to learn more about the Golden Age Games and their importance to our veterans.

Celebrating its 25th year, the National Veterans Golden Age Games offer sports and recreational competitive events for Veterans 55 years of age and older. It is the largest sports and recreation competition for this age group of military Veterans in the world! The Games continue to serve as a showcase for the rehabilitation value that wellness and fitness provide in the lives of older Americans.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games are an outgrowth of the historic involvement in geriatric programs by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For many years, VA has put major emphasis on health and fitness with the goal of Veterans living healthier, longer lives. Many of the events began as recreational activities at VA hospitals and nursing home care units across the country. Inspired by the health and fitness movement for America’s senior citizens, the Games extend that concept to our nation’s aging Veterans. In 1985, the first National Veterans Golden Age Games took place in Albany, Georgia, with 115 competitors representing VA medical facilities across the United States.

A “fountain of youth” for the rapidly aging Veteran population, the Games provide a multi-event sports and therapeutic recreation program for eligible Veterans receiving care at any VA medical facility. It is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and the only national seniors’ program designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. This event truly reflects VA’s mission – to provide quality programs and health care for America’s aging Veteran population. It has become one of the most progressive and adaptive rehabilitative senior sports programs in the United States and the world.

Over the years, competitive events at the National Veterans Golden Age Games have been adapted to meet specific needs of the participants. The Games have separate age groups and gender divisions. Additionally, because many Veterans also face medical challenges, events were added for those who use wheelchairs and those who have visual impairments. To accommodate the varying degrees of physical conditioning, motor and cognitive skills of the participants, basic competition rules were adapted. The modification of rules and use of adaptive equipment in many events allow non-ambulatory and visually impaired Veterans to participate, in separate divisions where needed and with ambulatory and sighted Veterans when possible. This has made the National Veterans Golden Age Games a truly adaptive therapeutic sports competition that has become a model for other local, state and national senior sports events.

Since 2004, the National Veterans Golden Age Games have been a qualifier for the National Senior Games, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Through this partnership, gold, silver and bronze medalists in certain events have the opportunity to compete further, among America’s elite senior athletes.

The real estate market in Great Falls, Virginia has seen a strong upsurge in sales during the second third of 2010.  During the first four months of 2010, 42 homes sold with a price range of $525,000 – $2.805 million.  Of these, 17 were priced under $1 million, 9 priced between $1.0 – 1.25 million, 13 between $1.25 – $2.0 m and three over $2 million.

During the second four months, a total of 101 homes an increase of almost 2.5 times the first four month.  These had a price range of between $594,900 – $6.5 million.  Of these, 43 were priced under $1 million, 18 $1.0 – $1.25 million, 34 between $1.25 – $2.0 million and six over $2 million.  In addition, another 48 homes are currently under contract.  Of these second four month sales, I have had a total of  $5.3 million either sold or under contract at this writing.

James Gaudiosi with Wells Fargo just informed me that the first time home buyer tax credit is extended for military and certain other federal employees serving outside the U.S.  Myself and I would have to believe most Realtors were not aware of this stipulation in the tax credit legislation.  Please see below for the specifics.

Members of the U.S. military and certain other U.S. federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the credit. Thus, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011. If a binding contract is entered into by that date, the taxpayer has until June 30, 2011, to close on the purchase. Members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community are eligible for this special rule. It applies to any individual (and, if married, the individual’s spouse) who serves on qualified official extended duty service outside of the United States for at least 90 days during the period beginning after Dec. 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010.

In many cases, the credit repayment (recapture) requirement is waived for members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community. This relief applies where a home is sold or stops being the taxpayer’s principal residence after Dec. 31, 2008, in connection with government orders received by the individual (or the individual’s spouse) for qualified official extended duty service. The credit is still allowable even if this happens during the year of purchase. Qualified official extended duty is any period of extended duty while serving at a place of duty at least 50 miles away from the taxpayer’s principal residence (whether inside or outside the U.S.) or while residing under government orders in government quarters. Extended duty is defined as any period of duty pursuant to a call or order to such duty for a period in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period.

If you know of anyone whom meets the above criteria and would appreciate the level of support provided by myself and the Bob Nelson Team, please give me a call or drop an e-mail.  I will be more than happy to help them out.

Neighbors Foundation

This month we will be showing our support to the troops who are on the frontlines of the war on terror.  Military Appreciation Mondays will be raising funds for the Great Falls, Va. based group Neighbors Foundation. NIF has provided over 1,600 care packages to servicemen and women serving YOU AND ME in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Some of the things sent include:

• Snack and food items that hold up well in a combat environment.
• Over 75 current magazines regularly donated by Time Warner.
• Holiday items to bring some seasonal cheer.

This month’s dinner at the Old Brogue will be on May 24th.  As always, we will be doing two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30.  As always, you simply come out and have dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls.  Myself and my cosponsors will each be contributing a 10 percent match (typically a total of an 80 percent match) of your dinner tab to Neighbors International Foundation.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in becoming a co-sponsor, please contact me at bob@bobnelsonteam.com.

You can also show your support through:
A. The purchase of door prize entries. (ALL Proceeds will go directly to Neighbors Foundation)
B.  Our buy a vet dinner initiative.  We will have between 10-15 enlisted personnel for whom you can buy dinner.
C.  Or you can make out a fully tax deductible donation to Neighbors Foundation.

Be Certain to make at Reservation for
Either the 5:30 or 7:30 Seating by Calling
The Old Brogue at:  (703) 759-3309

Hope to See You There

Please come out strong to show your support.  Due to the heavy rain and the Caps game, last month’s attendance only reach 80 people.  While our vets in attendance appreciated this showing, I was hoping to break our previous best of 130.  We did manage to raise nearly $3,000.  This in part due to one of my recent clients who committed to donating $600 to Our Military Kids.  I was also thrilled to learn last month that the March dinner in support of Lift Me Up’s therapeutic horseback riding raised enough money to jump start that program’s efforts and fund three veterans.

Please be certain to thank my co-sponsors when you have a chance.

Last Month’s Co-sponsors

The Old Brogue

LSA Title Services

Gary Kaihara, DDS

The Grossman Family

The Nelson Family

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Previous Co-Sponsors

Mercury LLC

Knight Point Systems

Shiner Roofing and Siding

Danny Ott – George Mason Bank

and our door prize donors:

Billy Casper Golf Adeler Jewelers Toll Brothers Homes

PF Chang’s Dominion Title Lodgecliffe Bed and Breakfast

Casa Noble Tequila Elite Fitness Golds Gym

Turner Framing Maison Du Vin Mr. Wash (Car Wash)

Great Falls Design Build Home Equity Builders Campbell Mechanical

State Farm Insurance Downs & Assoc. Insurance

Military Appreciation Mondays
Supports
Our Military Kids

April is national Month of the Military Child.

I hope you can come out for this month’s Military Appreciation Mondays event at the Old Brogue which will be in recognition of the contributions made by the children of our Servicemen and Women.  I am particularly proud to be bringing back the truly special program – Our Military Kids. These dedicated folks provide support to children of deployed National Guard and Reserve personnel as well as to children of injured service members through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring.  Such activities help these children cope with the stress of having a parent in a war zone or recovering from injury at home.  OMK grants are made to honor the sacrifices that military families make and to ensure that their children have access to sports, fine arts, or academic tutoring programs.
To show your support, simply come out and have dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls.  Myself and my cosponsors will each be contributing a 10 percent match (typically a total of an 80 percent match) of your dinner tab to Our Military Kids.

You can also show your support through:
A. The purchase of door prize entries. (ALL Proceeds go directly to Our Military Kids.)
B.  Our buy a vet dinner initiative.  A minimum donation of $25 to OMK entitles you to purchase dinner for one of our vets.
C.  Or you can make out a fully tax deductible donation to Our Military Kids.

Be Certain to make a Reservation for
Either the 5:30 or 7:30 Seating by Calling
The Old Brogue at:  (703) 759-3309

Hope to See You There

Feel Free to Post the Attached Flyer in Your Office
and forward this email to whomever you think may want to attend.

We Would Love to Break 150 Attendees

I am proud to say that last month’s event in support of the Lift Me Up! therapeutic horseback riding program for our injured vets had approximately 125 people in attendance and raised approximately $4,500. This was our best total to date.  I would like to particularly thank Col. Pete Hilgartner (USMC Ret.) for helping out with a book signing at the last two events.  Let me know if you would like to purchase a copy of Colonel Hilgartner’s book “High Pockets War Stories”.  A $10 donation will be made to OMK with each sale.

Please be certain to support my co-sponsors whenever you have a chance.

Mercury LLC

Knight Point Systems

Shiner Roofing and Siding

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Danny Ott – George Mason Bank

LSA Title Services

Gary Kaihara, DDS

The Old Brogue

and our door prize donors:

Mr. Wash

Golds Gym

Dominion Title

Turner Framing

Maison Du Vin

Adeler Jewelers

Casa Noble Tequila

Home Equity Builders

Campbell Mechanical

Elite Fitness Concepts

PF Chang’s Restaurant

Great Falls Design Build

Lodgecliffe Bed and Breakfast

Join us for dinner at

The Old Brogue in Great Falls

Monday, March 29th

Seatings at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM

Reservations Highly Recommended

(703) 759-3309

Approximately 90% of your dinner bill

will be matched and donated to this month’s charity.

Lift Me Up! Therapeutic Riding

Door Prize Drawings will be held

Also Ask About Our Buy a Vet Dinner Donations

Hosted by

The Bob Nelson Team

Previous Co-sponsors Include:

Bob Nelson

Knight Point Systems

Terry Nelson – Mercury LLC.

Kevin Shiner – Shiner Roofing and Siding

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Danny Ott – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Chris Melnick – LSA Title Services

Gary Kaihara, DDS

The Old Brogue

Previous Door Prize Donors include:

Golds Gym

Dominion Title

Adeler Jewelers

Casa Noble Tequila

Elite Fitness Concepts

Campbell Mechanical

PF Chang’s Restaurant

Great Falls Design Build

Lodgecliffe Bed and Breakfast