Our Military Kids

Christmas Gift Wish List

WE DID IT!!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED OUT

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

The following came in one of the emails we received from a military family responding to our call for their family wish list:  Hello, as I sit here crying and wondering how I’m gonna Pay my bills, I get this email.  All I can say is Thank you!!!!!!

Once again Santa and I are teaming up with Our Military Kids in an attempt to bring some extra holiday cheer to children of our injured and fallen service members and their families.  We’ve compiled a Christmas Gift Wish List for 40 families of these SUPERHEROES.  I’m hoping everyone will check out this list and consider purchasing one item, serving as Santa for an individual child or even sponsoring an entire family. The latter is a great option for a company or office to consider.

 

The list below will be posted until Christmas and will be updated over the next few weeks.  Please follow our progress at my Website: www.bobnelsonteam.com and give me a call or drop an e-mail to: Santa@bobnelsonteam.com to let him know how you would like to brighten a family’s Christmas day.  Once you have done so, we will give you the contact info for the family to contact them and then send your gift(s) directly to the family.  I would also encourage you to visit www.Our Military Kids.org to learn more about this wonderful grassroots organization that does so much all year long for the kids.

 

Last year’s overwhelming response helped not only bring gifts to nearly 100 kids, but several of you stepped up and bought Christmas dinners for some of the families.  Hopefully we can complete the following list quickly and add additional families

 

2011 CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

40 WOUNDED

WARRIOR FAMILIES

 

Family names will be in green until such time as the wish list items have been accounted for.

I have moved all the fully adopted families towards the bottom.  Santa still needs help with those families whose names are in GREEN.

 

Humphrey Family – ADOPTED BY LISA KORY AND FRIENDS

Amanda, girl, 11:  Ninendo DSI XL blue; Michael Jackson dance game for Wii; laptop with WiFi capabilities

Alan, boy, 14:  Assassin’s Creed Revelations ultimate Bundle Xbox 360 game; halo Reach LBox 360; Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary Xbox 360 game; marching snare drum with harness; laptop with WiFi capabilities

 

Bond Family  - Adopted by David Moxley and Bob and Nancy Nelson

Hayden, boy, 9:  Model cars, Buffalo Sabres sweatshirt or jersey, size 10 (being purchased by David Moxley)

 

Dubois Family –  Adopted by Otto Hoernig III – Trace Systems

AJ, 11:  electric scooter or mountain bike

Mathew, 8:  electric scooter or Wii console

Madison, 4:  Dora the Explorer play kitchen w/ accessories ($90 at WalMart); dresses, princess and fairy costumes, size 6-7 or size medium

sses, Barbies, loves  the color pink, size 6 regular clothes

 

Henchell Gower Family – Adopted by Andrea Kammann

Brianna , age 8:  Doley Metal Detector; Air Extreme – the shard; Figets – a purple one, Zoobles, Butterfly pillow pet

 

Sims Family – Adopted by Richard Whaley

Shevaneil Lawrence, girl, 16:  personal computer for school; new clothes, sneakers; electronic store gift card, e.g. Best Buy toward buying a personal compute

 

Lundy Family – Adopted by Otto and Nita Hoernig

Ny’shira , girl, 9:  Kindle or Nook reading system, Razor E100 Scooter Daisy$109 Toys R Us

Jayden boy, 6:  Kinect for the Xbox system, $149.99 at Toys R Us with adventures game; Leap pad Explorer Learning Tablet $99.99 or Vtech Innotab Learning tablet $79.99 at Toys R Us

 

Stephens Family  Adopted by Collingswood Nursing Home

Chloe Earnheart, girl, 10:  Hot pink/silver/black 24” Mongoose girls bicycle

Hali Gipson, girl, 10:  Crosman 760 Pink Air Rifle Starter Kit

Mikey Earnheart,boy, 16:  Bass Pro Shop Tourney Special Baitcase

 

Villapilando Family – Laura Hoernig

5yr old is Tristan likes Pirate of Caribean or Star Wars legos, Wii Mario cart game with driving wheel remote, Razor scooter and also likes the NERF Praxis blaster. He’s a big Marvel fan. Any captain America, Thor, hulk, wolverine, etc.

Aj (14) also likes NERF Vortex Nitron disc blaster, he likes paintball so any paintball gear, gun, or uniform. He wants PS3 video games(God of War 1,2 or 3, Skyrim).

Maryna (12) wants Just Dance 2 for Wii. She likes Kareoke and wants black UGGS in size 8. She loves music so music down loads would be great!

 

Plank  Family – Adopted by Bob and Nancy Nelson

Landon Plank, boy,  8yrs. Old: beyblade extreme top system ir spin control (blue and grey, any would be ok I am sure), spynet audio bug, spynet video glasses, youth boxing gloves, brava soccer goal with targets, hyper active airhogs race car

Caylah Plank, girl, 3 yrs. Old:  Leapfrog tag reading learning system, leapfrog leapster explorer camera, fisher-price smart cycle racer with software (any) anything to do with gymnastics

Kevin, boy, 7 yrs. Old: For the most part both boys like the same toys and would benifit from having the same toys or whatever is chosen for them really. They do pretty much everything together. They play all the same sports and play with all the same toys.  They both also like anything Transformers, legos, spynet, airhogs, hotwheels, and beyblades.

Garcia-Becker Family – Adopted by David and Lisa Lesser

Ryan Hunt Jr., 13 years old: He would like to ask Santa Bob for anything that has to do with the NFL Team Steelers. He would really like to have a Hooded Jacket. It can be found at Steelers Official Online Store. The item is called Youth Momentum Midweight Hooded Jacket (Item SKU: 51-273) Size XL (18-20). Ryan would also like a gift card to shop at Tilly’s. http://www.tillys.com/tillys/gc.aspx

Jacob Hunt, 12 years old: He would like to ask Santa Bob for the following items mentioned below: Xbox 360 Live Marketplace Points 1600 DLC; Madden NFL 12 for XBOX 360; Universal Stealth Game Storage Tower by Level Up (Found at GameStop); Energizer Rechargeable Batteries & Charger AA/AAA

Maryanne Hunt, 9 years old, She would like the following: Barbie Designable Hair Extensions and Doll (Can be found at Toys R US); Crayola Creative Art Supply 70 Accessory Set for Girls, Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven, First Act Discovery Designer Acoustic Guitar – Dragon Fly Design or the Pink Wedged Hearts By: First Act; Unicorn Pillow pet or Zippity Zebra Pillow pet (Can be found at http://mypillowpets.com/), Squinkies with Toy for Nintendo DS.

Jason Becker Jr., 3 years old: Fisher-Price Power Wheels Toy Story Lil’ Quad (toddler version) or similar product; Toddler T-Ball set; “Playful Penguin” Pillow Pet; Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars, Hot wheel car holder/case; Art set (no paints please); Remote Controlled “Cars” car (Lightning McQueen)

Alexis Becker , 7 years old: Exclusive Monster High Ghoul Spirit Fear leading Doll 3-Pack – Draculaura; Cleo de Nile and Ghoulia Yelps (at Toys R Us), Disney Princess: 23 Piece Play Make-Up Set (at Toys R Us or any type of other Play make-up set there is no preference in colors; Monster High 2GB Digital MP3 Player with Video (at Toyrus); Pillow Pets 11 inch Pee Wees – Curious Cat (Toys R Us), Crayola Art Supply Essentials Bundle (Walmart), Zoobles “spring to Life” with toy game for Nintendo DS. (Walmart)

 

Ouart Family – Marie Barresi, Keller Williams and her neighbors

Skylar, boy, 13:  new pair of baseball batting gloves, youth XL; a new football; ITune gift cards, Xbox 360 live games

Brady,  boy, 11:  Xbox Live 360 games; fishing equipment of any kind

Jayden, boy, 8:  a soccer ball; baseball bat for a boy 42” tall; an easybake oven, reading books for level 3; Xbox 360 game; gift card; Kinnex and a Whip Out game for it

 

Salas Family – Ralph Quarles Family

Angelo Quintero, boy, 11:  blue bike; any type of science toy

Adam Quintero, boy, 8:  any Transformers, Hot Wheels Track

Lee Family – Adopted by Chris Melnick and Gina Clough – Double Eagle Title

Laken, girl, 14:  a pair of “Miss Me Jeans”, size 5

Erin, 11:  Xbox games “Black Ops” and “Just Dance”

Bradi, 4:  Leapfrog leap pad and software; Pink

 

Allen Family – Adopted by Rick and Amy Buchanan

Ryann, girl, 6:  *

Deryn, girl, 9:  *Both girls would love Barbie dolls, American Girl Dolls, iCarly and Victorious Barbie Doll that sings when you raise its arms

 

Cintron Family – Adopted by Michael Vandergrift (Washington First Bank)

Joshua, boy, 7:  portable DVD player, black, model Sony DVP-FX970 9: Portable DVD Player

Curran Family – Adopted by John and Chris Yaremchuk and Kerry Digges

Susan, girl, 14:  From Victoria Secrets -  yoga pants, size adult Medium; stocking turrets; “Pink” perfume in different colors with different scents; any pajama bottoms

Jimmy, age 10:  still believes in Santa; he likes basketball and football; he loves sports, so anything that can fit his stocking would be great

 

Gallo Family – Adopted by Nacer Benzekri – NBC Security Group

JOEY: Lego City Police mobile unit, Angry Birds knock on wood game, Mario Kart  7 for DS, Good neighbors @bikini bottom Lego set (sponge bob), Angry bird plush

JOSHUA: Mario Kart 7 for DS, WWE breakdown brawl ring, WWE Triple H & Randy Orton action figures, WWE The Rock action figure, WWE Big Show action figure

WWE Sheamus action figure, Pillow Pet Shark

KYLE: Rocky the Robot Truck, Little Tykes talk to me soccer set, Mickey Mouse clubhouse DVD, Sit n’ spin, Fisher Price fun to imagine workshop project

Mickey Mouse pillow pet

KAYDEN: Leapster Leappad, Fisher Price zoo talkers animal sounds, Pillow pet orca

LORELAI, girl 9: Chocolate mini dot anywhere bean bag chair from Pottery Barn item #3642584, Simon Flash, Scrabble alphabet soup

Hester Family – Adopted by Shiner Roofing and Siding

Carlee, girl, 5:  Nintendo DS

 

Kenney Family – Adopted by Mary Ellen and Mark Hartley

Shelby girl, 14:   Kindle Touch

Emily, girl:  Kindle Touch

 

Martin Family – Adopted by Gene and Laura Smith

Stuart, boy, 14:  Mask, fins and snorkel

*Please  contact the dad; there is a local shop he would like to have Stuart visit to purchase these gifts

 

Matthews Family – Adopted by Shiner Roofing and Siding

Kamran Lee, boy, 17

Kalon Joe, boy, 16:  they would like to get together a basketball goal and a basketball for each of them; a pump for the basketballs and some NBA sweatbands for wrist and head

 

SGT McClendon Family (Adopted by Kathy and Kevin Shea)

Naje, girl, 9:  La La Loopsy doll and clothes (JC Penny, Sears or Justice gift cards)

 

Miller Family – Adopted by Shiner Roofing and Siding

Alyson, girl, 17: Walkables, Dry Erase Board and markers and eraser, AA Batteries, Barbie I can Be .. News Anchor Play set. Play Video camera, CD Boombox… any kind really, but this one is pink and only at Toys R Us. SMS Text Messenger pink or purple, Bratz on the Mic Dolls

Lauren, girl, 15: Walkables, Dry Erase Board and markers and eraser, AA BatteriesHello Kitty MEGA BLOKS, Smurfs DVD, SMS text messenger pink or purple, ZHU ZHU Pets, Moxie Girlz riding club walking horses, Bratz on the mic dolls

 

Mylott Family – Adopted by Shiner Roofing and Siding

Megan, daughter:  LaLaloopsy mini packs/mini dolls, Gift card for Claire’s (a store for girls)
Pink Figit Friend, LaLaloopsy silly hair doll

 

Pulido Family – Adopted by Eric and Nina Brugel

Kaitlin, girl, 10:  Just Dance 3 Wii game, $40; Kirby’s Return to Dream land, $50; Disney Universe, $50

Kinsley, girl, 6:  Barbie 3-story Dream Townhouse, pink, $145.09

 

Rivera Family – Adopted by Christine Wesbrook and Ron Kellogg

Angel  Quirioga, boy, 6:  Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 U-Command Buzz Lightyear (ToysRUs)

 

Ruff-Sloan Family – Adopted by Mary and Chris Fountain

Boy:  Lego Medieval Market Village (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Medieval-Market-Village-10193)

 

J. Stubenhofer Family – Adopted by Jennifer Klaussen and Tim Heil – Keller Williams Realty

Hailey Rice, girl,10:  arts and crafts, ballet

Cameron, boy, 7:  transformers and remote control helicopters

Max, boy, 3:  Power Rangers and Star Wars

 

Sabo Family – Adopted by Dave and Ambre McLaughlin

Lindsey, girl:  Kindle Touch and its case (Duragadget purple genuine leather book stylecase/cover) from amazon.com;  American Girl doll “Julie”

Sarah, girl:  “Molly” American Girl Doll; IPOD Touch; IPOD Nano; Fijit friend purple plus ear accessories

Rachel, girl:  “Ruthie” American Girl doll; IPOD Touch; Fijit friend logan in blue plus the ear accessories

 

Sanders-Easley Family – Adopted by Gina and Doug Jones

Briana, girl, 16:  IPOD Touch or and IPOD, any color; ladies shoe, size 11, a pair of Jordans

 

Schu Family – Adopted by Glynis and Rudy Canto – Keller Williams Realty

Abigail, girl, 6:  Anything Barbie, a Barbie car, Barbie clothes, etc.; Leap Frog Tag reading books, beginner reader level; 3^rd season iCarly DVD; Crayola art supplies/activities

Noah, boy, 4:

Shannon Family – Adopted by Wendy Haig – Iron Horse Interactive

Jessica, girl, 17:  wants to start snowboarding. She is our oldest and a Junior in high school and will be 17 on Christmas day. Anything from a snowboarding outfit, gloves, goggles, etc would be great.

Vanessa, girl, 15:she loves electronics games and listening to music so I might suggest I-tunes machine or any other. I don’t know much about that stuff.

Sarah, girl, 12: she would like her own computer. Those are probably too expensive I would imagine. She also loves listening to music and playing games. We have a Wii, so more games might be an idea.

 

Smith Family – Adopted by Peggy and Tom Styer – Blackbird Technologies

Boy, 16:  Xbox war games or NFL 2012; men’s shirts (large); pants 30 x 32

Boy, 14:  Shirts, XL; pants 33 x 30

Girl, 13:  “primping” stuff; makeup brushes; women’s pants size 4; medium shirts, snow boots, size 7

Jessica, girl, 5:  Princesses, Barbies, loves the color pink, size 6 regular clothes

 

Sparks Family – Adopted by Peggy and Tom Styer – Blackbird Technologies

Katie, girl, 14:  Gift cards, teenager, likes to be able to SHOP

Thad, boy, 11:  Xbox360 MW3, Lego Pirates, and ITune gift cards

Alex, boy, 3:  art supplies

Kason:  12 inch bike

 

Taylor Family – Adopted by Jerry and Jacqui Grossman

Austin, boy,11: Pokemon mini plush stuffed animal Pidove, Pokemon large plush stuffed animal Pansage, Nintendo 3DS, Wii Mario Sports Mix game, Wii Mario Party 8 game. Xbox 360 Forza MotorSport 4 game, Nerf N Force Big Nerf Sword (2), Havoc Heli Control the Skies remote control helicopter, Nintendo 3DS game a) Starfox64 b) Ridge Racer, JLX Fast Lane Matrix Motorcycle, RC Tuner Racer Nissan GT-R, Happy Napper Castle/Dragon, Angry Birds Poster (number C-7), Wii Nunchuk (black), Wii Remote Plus (blue)

Sarah, girl,5 ½: Pokemon mini plush stuffed animal a) Munna b) Sandile, Bobby Jack Monkey/Star Blanket w/ Eye Mask, Disney Princess 3 in 1 Sleepwear Set, Hello Kitty Digital Video Recorder w/ Camera, Nintendo DS Lalaloopsy Sew Magical!  Sew Cute! game, Rapunzel Umbrella, Girlie Nails Little Nails for Little Fingers, Hello Kitty Pilot Case, TM! Purse , Olivia Folding Saucer Chair, Olivia Hearts Handbag, Olivia Plush Back Pack, Fur Real Go Go My Walking Pup, Fur Real LuLu My Cuddlin Kitty, Make-Up Case w/ Accessories, Barbie Slippers (size 12-1), Barbi Designable Hair Extensions and Doll, Orbeez Soothing Spa (kids’ foot bath), 42 inch Lying Horse stuffed animal, Toys R Us Sammie the Pup Veterinary Kit, Kawasaki Barbie KFX 4-Wheeler (pink), Fisher Price Barbie Power Wheels (pink), Schwinn 20″ girls heart cruiser bike, Graco Room Full of Fun (doll accessories), Graco Tea Time High Chair, Graco Travlst w/Canopy (doll carrier), Graco Jogger Stroller (for doll), Barbie Flashlight, Happy Nappers Lady Bug (hot pink), You & Me Bunk Bed (for doll). You & Me Sleep Stroller (for doll), You and Me 4 in 1 Combo (doll accessories), Barbie Glamour Camper ,Hello Kitty Electric Guitar *  All of these items are at ToysRUs; please make choices from the list; the family would also be just as happy to receive gift cards if that helps save on shipping costs, etc.

 

Thomas Family – Adopted by the Legler Family

Tamarah, girl,16 and Deanna Thomas, girl,11:  both would love gift certificates from Charming Charlies or Bath and Body Works

 

Tiani Family – Adopted by Laura Hoernig-Rhodes

Olivia age 14 gift cards to hollister,vans, forever 21

Zeppie age  12 gift card to vans,kohls gift card

Phoenix ( has cp ) age 9 itunes gift card, tbc

Rocco age 7 ninjajago legos, beyblade triple battle set,richochet remote car,car carry case,toy paintball gun

Joiebelle age 5 innotab,ladybug tea set,playdoh,hello kitty jacket, Littlest Pet Shop Blythe Loves Littlest Pet Shop: Look-Alike Ladybugs,Hello Kitty Let’s Go Fishin’ Game

Daxander age 11 months sit n stand learning walker,little people zoo

 

Wilks Family – Adopted by Louis and Chris Wise

Chloe, girl, 11 :  IPOD Nano; Kindle; gift certificates to clothing stores Kohls or American Eagle; any type of drawing/art supplies (she loves to draw with pencil)

 

Youngblood Family – Adopted by Gina and Doug Jones

Haley, girl, 12:  IPOD Touch or Amazon Kindle e-reader

 

 

For the past 2+ years, we have been hearing that housing starts are down. In the shallow way in which our media reports things, this has been presented as something less than desirable. Although not an economist, for the same 2+ years, I have been saying that this is actually a very good thing for the long term health of both our housing market and the U.S. economy in general. Builders and investors got carried away with home construction during 2004 and 2005. They ended up putting way to much inventory into the market place than was needed. We are just now entering into a period where there is beginning to be housing shortages (in certain markets). This in turn has caused rents to increase. This is very much the case in parts of Fairfax and Arlington Counties.

The June 20th issue of the Economist contains an article entitled: “Will housing save America’s economy?” that is discussing the fact that there is a large pent up demand for new housing. To read the full Article, click on the link: Economist Article. Hope you find this of interest.

Five Reasons You Should Sell Your House TODAY!

Selling your house in today’s market can be extremely difficult.  It is for that reason that every seller should take advantage of each and every opportunity that appears.  Each fall, such an opportunity presents itself.  This fall, that opportunity may be just too good to pass up.

Below are five reasons you should consider pricing your house to sell in the next 90 days.  Meet with your real estate agent and mortgage professional today and see whether it is the right move for you and your family.

1. Entering this time of year, the buyers are more serious.

We all realize that buyers are not quick to pull the trigger on the purchase of a home today.  There is no sense of urgency with the supply of eligible properties at all time highs.  However, at this time of year, the ‘lookers’ are at the stores doing their holiday shopping.  The home buyers left in the market are serious and are more apt to make a purchasing decision.  Less showings – but to more motivated purchasers.

2. If you are moving up, you can save thousands.

The Chicago Tribune stated in an article last week that sellers who want to ‘trade up’ should act now:

It could be a bigger house, different neighborhood or a better school district, but it comes with a higher price tag. Do the math; this might be the right time.

A home that was once worth $300,000 may now be worth $240,000 in a market where prices have fallen 20 percent.  Wow, you think, the seller is taking a bath.  But that seller may also be a prospective buyer who wants a house that once was valued at $400,000. With an equivalent market drop and a realistic listing price, that house may now sell for $320,000.  So, in effect, the person is losing $60,000 on the sale of one home but coming out ahead $20,000 on the purchase of another.

Keep in mind the spread may be even greater.  There’s a smaller pool of potential buyers for more expensive homes, so sellers may be more willing to cut their price to get a deal done.

3. Interest rates just fell again – to 4.19%.

Professor Karl E. Case, the founder of the Case Shiller Pricing Index in an article in the New York Times last month actually did the math for us:

Four years ago, the monthly payment on a $300,000 house with 20 percent down and a mortgage rate of about 6.6 percent was $1,533. Today that $300,000 house would sell for $213,000 and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20 percent down would carry a rate of about 4.2 percent and a monthly payment of $833 … housing has perhaps never been a better bargain.

4. You beat the rush of inventory that is coming next year.

Every year there is an increase of inventory which comes to market from January through April as homeowners put their houses up for sale in preparation for the spring market. As an example, here is the number of listings available for sale in each of those months in 2010.

-  January – 3,277,000

-  February – 3,531,000

-  March – 3,626,000

-  April – 4,029,000

You won’t have to worry about this increasing competition if you sell now.

5. You have less ‘discounted’ inventory with which to compete.

This year, sellers of non-distressed properties have been given an early holiday present. With banks declaring a suspension on the sale of many distressed properties (foreclosures), there has been a large supply of discounted properties removed from competition.  No one knows how long this self imposed moratorium will last.  However, while it does, every homeowner has a better chance of selling their property.

Bottom Line

If you are looking to sell in the near future, there may not be a more opportune time than this fall. Serious buyers, great move-up deals and less competition from foreclosures creates the perfect selling situation. Don’t miss it!

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.

As Realtors, we often get asked questions regarding the accuracy of the Zillow website “Zestimates”.  I typically respond by saying that the efficacy of these depends entirely on the neighborhood, location and condition of the home.  The accuracy within Virginia ranges from a best case of 5.2 percent for Arlington to a worst case of 27.8 percent for Caroline County.  Even within these figures, the numbers can really vary from street to street.  Your best bet is to make certain you employ a Realtor who fully understands the local market and can help you establish a true fair market value for the home whether you are buying or selling.  Click on the link to review the Accuracy of  Zestimates.

Please take a look at Zillow Zestimate Accuracy Table by clicking on the link to see how they did with your county.  Feel free to give a call or e-mail if you have any questions on these figures.

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.

With no job too large or too small, Great Falls Design Build does great work.  I have known Jim Cassell for a great many years and have been happy to refer him to others.  Just this month, he has finished a very complicated deck on my home.  I typically try to serve as my own general contractor and do this type of work myself.  Once Nancy and my sister-in-law Pat completed the drawings, I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to tackle.  Once I received the quote from Jim for the work, it didn’t take me long to go ahead and agree to have him do the work.  The deck came out great and really did exceed my expectation.  Take a look at the Great Falls Design Build website to see some of  their other projects.  Please do let them know I have referred you.

A native of upstate New York and a long time resident of the Boston, MA area, Tim Heil came to Great Falls, Virginia in the spring of 1998 while employed as a National Sales Manager for Lucent Technologies. After retiring from Lucent in 2001, he began work as a teacher in the Fairfax County school system teaching Civics and History at the middle and high school levels. He also was a Lacrosse coach for 4 years at Langley High school.

In 2008, Tim started his new career in real estate and has sold homes throughout Northern Virginia and as far south as Stafford County. He specializes in single-family detached homes and townhouses. This former teacher truly enjoys assisting first time homebuyers with: (a.) The home selection and contract process (b.) Helping them understand the complexities of obtaining a mortgage and (c.) Ultimately guiding them through myriad details leading to a successful home settlement. As a member of the Bob Nelson Team, Tim takes particular pride in what we have been doing to help our servicemen and women in their need to find both short-term and permanent homes in the northern Virginia region. We all feel privileged to provide any and all assistance to the members of the U.S. armed services.

Tim recently gained certification in selling “distressed properties” and  would be glad to assist anyone who might be contemplating buying or selling a home under a Short Sale arrangement.

On the personal side, Tim lives in Great Falls with his wife Susan, who is a director at Ernst and Young LLC located in Tysons Corner.  The Heils  have two children, Lily and Gordon. Both children went through the Fairfax County School System and are now attending James Madison University and the University of Mary Washington, respectively. Tim and his wife are members of St. Francis church in Great Falls and the family continues to maintain an active role in the northern Virginia community.

After working for another real estate firm for some time, Tim decided to join the Bob Nelson Team at Keller Williams Realty in August of 2009.  After serious consideration, he made this switch with the firm belief that this will enable him to best serve the interest of all his current and prospective clients. Please feel free to contact Tim at Tim@BobNelsonTeam.com and learn how the Bob Nelson Team difference will make your real estate transactions a pleasurable experience. And Oh by the Way… we are never too busy for your referrals.

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