- Fredericksburg Homes Website Offers Caroline Real Estate Resources
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Caroline County, Virrginia is a beautiful place to reside. Located just south of Fredericksburg,VA., it is a great place for commuters to live. The cost of living is less expensive that it's northern neighbors and home buyers seem to get a bigger bang for their buck. I95 runs through the center of this county.
I designed a website for consumers that are looking to buy or sell a home in Caroline County. The information found on this site is updated daily. The listings found on this Caroline Homes website are pulled directly from MLS with photos, information and even virtual tours.
- View Fredericksburg Homes That Sold Last Week
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The Fredericksburg Real Estate market is hopping. Find out what homes sold over the last seven days in the entire Fredericksburg, Virginia area. Are you curious? How much did your neighbor get? Did they pay closing cost? Find out now. Click Sold Fredericksburg Homes
- Find Equestrian Paradise in Guinea, VA
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Guinea, a once famous railroad stop along the RF&P and
busy during the Civil War is now a quiet place located in Northern Caroline
County, VA. quite near Fredericksburg. General Stonewall Jackson spent his last
days resting at the Chandler Farm after he was mortally wounded by his own men
near Chancellorsville. The site of Jackson’s Shrine is now a National Park
Service property open to visitors at Guinea. A short distance behind this
shrine is a magnificent horse farm I have the pleasure of listing for sale. The
Stucco and Stone rambler with a full finished basement is positioned on a very
private 18 acres with woods that surround a lush green grazing field, paddocks,
three stall barn and privacy. The rear yard faces the west to indulge the
sitting sun from the home in the evening.
This home is designed for entertaining as well as everyday
living. It can only be explained as breath taking. Imagine you are a commuter
that works in the Washington D.C. area every day. All you hear are the sounds
of traffic and the hustle and bustle of the busy life. You see this life style
every day. You want an escape. That escape may be right here. This farm is located
only four minutes from the I95 exit at Thornburg. Your wind down from that busy
day may start when you enter the driveway off Ormesby Road. Large mature
hardwoods offer a blanket from the world. The lush green lawn and mature
blooming landscape back dropped by the gorgeous stately stone and stucco home
awaits your relaxation. Come in and wind down. Pour yourself a
glass of wine or enjoy a glass of sweet iced tea and sit back on the back patio
and listen the sounds of nature, not traffic. Watch your horses mingle in the
pasture.
Later that evening, surprise your family by cooking a chef
style dinner in the gourmet kitchen. Invite them to the movies in the theater
room. Finish your evening in the large soaker tub in the master luxury
bathroom. The two way fireplace shines just above the tub and also from the
large master bedroom.
Enjoy your equestrian hobbies. After taking a ride, come
into your home through the mud room and take a shower there before you enter the
living areas. This home was designed by horse lovers. They’ve already been
there and done that. Every aspect of this real estate opportunity was designed
for enjoyment. The hardwoods floors, Stainless appliances, high ceilings, tile,
granite and corian are perfect. The office-study is located near the front
foyer for those that may bring work home. There’s even enough space to finish
in the basement for several more bedrooms or a very large recreation area. The
upgrades are too numerous to mention. A private tour will reveal everything
this gem has to offer. Contact Tom Smith, a licensed Realtor with Century 21
Adventure Redwood to schedule a private showing. Get ready for this one to
capture your heart. View listing at http://www.fredericksburgagent.com/Woodford/Virginia/Homes/Fredericksburg_VA/Guinea/Agent/Listing_80194297.html
- Fredericksburg State of Real Estate Report
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The Fredericksburg, Virginia real estate market is hot. I
would not be exaggerating to say that it is on fire. The Fredericksburg Home
Sales trends continue to rise, supporting my earlier prediction that we are now
in a seller’s market place.
According to Real Estate Business Intelligence(RBI), the Southern Division that consist of
Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Spotsylvania, Caroline, King
George, Madison, Culpeper and Rappahannock and Stafford are all on a growing
home sales trend. The total real estate
sold volume was $101,805,489, an increase of 12.4 percent
from one year ago and 27.04 percent from one month ago. There were 427 closed home sales, an increase
of 9.16 percent from a year ago and 25.07 percent from one month ago. The
median sold price was $213,000, which is a 12.37 percent increase from one year
ago and 2.64 percent from one month ago. The average sold home price was $237,309,
which shows a 2.73 percent increase from one year ago and 1.57 percent increase
from one month ago. Homes stayed on the
market 73 days on average before being sold that is a 20.65 percent decrease
from one year ago and 2.83 percent increase from one month ago. The average
sold to list price ratio was 94.22 percent, which was an increase of 2.04
percent from one year ago and down .13 percent from one month ago.
The graph below proves that inventory remains low. This
seems to be the driving force for multiple offers, including low interest rates
and spring home shopping defines a hot seller’s market.
- Home Seller’s Market is Back in Fredericksburg
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It’s been five years since the Fredericksburg home sellers
market has been this strong. Low inventory along with sellers holding off on
placing their homes on the market have given sellers the authority to dictate
the market and again be in control. The fuel to this fire is the low home
prices compared to the seller’s market of 2005, interest rates below 4 percent
and the low inventory of homes.
As we enter into the month of April, the Spring Fredericksburg
Real Estate market is heating up. Buyers are increasing. The home inventory
remains low. The homes that are currently on the market are getting multiple
offers. Only one buyer will win the contract. Those that lose are still
looking. More buyers join the race and here we are, in a Fredericksburg Seller’s
Market. Local appraisers should start to see values rise with this market
change. If not, multiple offers above the sales price will lead to appraisals
falling short. This is not good.
If you are a Fredericksburg home owner thinking about
putting your home on the market, stop thinking and put it on the market now. If
you follow your realtor’s advice and price your home to meet the market, it
will sell. If you’re a home buyer, hang in there. Get an aggressive agent that will
act in a moment’s notice. Time is of the essence. Put contract response
deadlines in your offers. 24 to 48 hours should be fair. Any time beyond that and the home is knee
deep in offers and the highest-best seems to always win.
- 2 Story For Sale in Woodford
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Stately Brick Cape Cod Webb Home
• 3,864 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story
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MLS
$369,900
- What a DEAL
Woodford, Caroline County
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Absolutely stunning Stately Brick 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bath Cape Cod “Webb Built Home” located on 3 private mature wooded and professionally landscaped acres of prime real estate. This gorgeous home offers entertaining as well as everyday family living opportunities. Over 3800 finished sq.ft. of luxury living. The shiny hardwood floors throughout the main level are remarkable. Warm kitchen offers recent upgrades like upscale granite counters and a center island, all open to the cozy living room with true brick fireplace. The family room located downstairs offers a unique atmosphere with wood burning fireplace with insert, a full bar with stools and lights for all your friends, and a relaxing enormous family room used in conjunction with a theater. The large covered rear porch overlooks the extensive fenced in ground pool with concrete deck. A very large garden area at the rear of property is used for growing delicious vegetables. Even Berry vines are in place. A very large custom built 3 car detached garage with work shop in a handy man’s dream. The breezeway is inviting with landscape and trellis. A very large shed is used for parking your outdoor toys like tractors and equipment. All this is conveniently located on St. Rt. 2 between Fredericksburg and Bowling Green. This is a very rare opportunity. Act now. This opportunity won’t last long.
Property information
- Prepare for Budget Cuts to Keep your Fredericksburg Homes
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Time is running out for Fiscal Cliff Deadline and it seems
as though our Federal Workers may receive a 20% pay cut across the board. This
will start as early as next month. The proposed strategy is to furlough workers
from all essential departments by one day a week. This may increase to two days
a week by midsummer. Many new positions
and raises will be frozen and many employees may lose their jobs.
Fredericksburg, VA. is heavily populated with Federal workers. Many of these
employees work in Northern Virginia, Quantico, Dahlgren and other federal
agencies. The impacts to our local economy are imminent if these plans go in
effect.
I have read many articles and blogs on this topic. I however
have not read an article focused on the worker, including tips and ideas to
assist them with keeping their home in the upcoming months. I decided to do
just that. Some of the things mentioned here are obvious and some may be very
educational.
First and foremost, start your family budget immediately.
Prepare for the worst, face the best. Make
a list of all your expenses, including the small items that you may purchase
every day. Make a decision on what items are wants and needs. Be prepared to
cut the wants. Trim your expenses more than your actual pay cut to compensate
for price increases due to personnel shortages.
Do you buy breakfast, lunch or dinner? If so, start
preparing your meals at home. Pack your lunch and snacks and turn on the stove
when you get home. Cook your family’s dinners. This spring, consider putting in
a garden. Grow your own vegetables. If you have limited space, try container
gardening. Are you a smoker? Now may be a great time to quit. Save fuel cost. Stop Sunday drives. Only use
your vehicle to go to and from places you have to visit like work, grocery
store, doctor, etc. Turn down your thermostat to 70 degrees in winter and up to
72 degrees in summer. Sell those things you don’t need or seldom use. Cut off
the cable and extra optional phone service if needed. Remember, before our technology, residents
relaxed and read books by candle light. Use coupons and purchase items on sale
while shopping for groceries and clothing. Try to stick to buying only need
items.
Have you refinanced yet? Check with your current mortgage
lender note holder to determine your current interest rate. If you are over 5%,
you may benefit from a refinance to a lower rate or even mortgage extension.
This will reduce your monthly payment. If you follow all the tips and still
feel you can’t afford your home, contact your current mortgage note holder and
explain the situation to them. Ask them if you may be a candidate for a loan
modification program to get you through this rut in the road. If they advise
you that you are not a candidate for any such modification programs, don’t give
up. You may have to sell or even short sale your home if you are upside down
and rent until things get better. Only use this option as a last resort. You
will be surprised at the amount of money you can save and budget just from
cutting every day spending.
My name is Tom Smith. I’m a licensed REALTOR with Century 21
Adventure Redwood in Fredericksburg, VA. I care for our workers and
Fredericksburg residents. The last thing I want to witness are those great
families losing their homes to compensate for mistakes they didn’t make. You
didn’t cause this economical crisis. Why should you be punished? If you prepare yourself for the worst, you may
be uncomfortable, but you won’t lose your home. Hopefully this crisis will end
soon and things will be back to normal. Please contact me if you or anyone you
know needs assistance with any real estate matter. I would love to help.
Author: Tom Smith
Licensed Realtor
Century 21 Adventure Redwood
10601 Courthouse Rd. Fredericksburg, VA.
(540)735-2266
tsmithc21@gmail.com
http://www.fredericksburgagent.com
- What Are They Thinking? Not Now!
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The Federal Housing Administration is raising the mortgage
insurance. This comes on the heels of an announcement that they are in debt for
$16.3 Billion. This increase will be the fifth since 2009. Those that will feel
the pain of this change are first time home buyers, those with average credit
and low income families. This is adding insult to injury for an already
unstable marketplace. FHA has offered assistance to buyers for years. They now
want to take some back.
All FHA loans issued after April 1st of this year
will see a one tenth of a point increase on their mortgage insurance per month.
The most damaging change is slated to occur after June 3rd. The required
mortgage insurance will carry through the life of the loan. For decades, this
insurance payment stopped when the borrower paid in 22% or the balance was 78%
of the loan upon borrower’s request. This will add up to be a very large sum of
money. Other changes coming on June 3rd are mandatory manual
underwriting with FHA loans for purchasers with credit scores below 620 with a total
household debt to income ratio of more than 43%. The larger FHA mortgages over
$625,000 will require the borrower to supply a down payment of 5%, instead of
the current 3.5%.
What are we to do?
What are the alternatives
to FHA Financing? Buyers may save a little longer and opt to Conventional
Financing or shop around to private lenders with portfolio packages. I would
urge Fredericksburg Home Buyers to remain calm. Interest rates should remain
low through this year. The housing market dictates our economy. I will not be
surprised to see revisions to these changes by the end of the year.
Tom Smith is a licensed real estate agent with Century 21 Adventure Redwood in
Fredericksburg, VA. He wants to be your Go-To resource for all Fredericksburg Real Estate matters.
Author:
Tom Smith
Virginia Licensed REALTOR
Century 21 Adventure Redwood
10601 Courthouse Rd. Fredericksburg, VA. 22407
(540)735-2266
tsmithc21@gmail.com
http://www.fredericksburgagent.com
- Get the BEST Fredericksburg Real Estate Deal - Revealed
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Top Realtor Tips to Give You the Upper Hand
Are you a Fredericksburg home seller or buyer
and want to get the best deal? If so, you’ll want to read on further on my negotiation
tactics that you may try for yourself. I am a negotiator. The
art of negotiation should only be left to a professional. It is a very
complicated process. No two real estate transactions are the same. In every transaction,
all parties want to feel they've won. Some just want to feel the offer was fair.
There are rare occasions where the party feels they lost. They may have had no
other choice but to sell or buy. Remember, in real estate, there’s a
complicated road ahead that can be very unpredictable. This world is not always
perfect.
Who owns the Upper Hand?
In Fredericksburg at this current time, inventory is very low. It is not
unusual to see multiple offers on the same home sale. This would indicate to me
that we are in a seller’s market. The seller has the control. CAUTION! Just
because you’re getting buyers competing where the deep pocket usually wins,
leaving you in a very pleasant state with an offer higher than you ever dreamed
of receiving, remember that it has to appraise. I call this technique “Buying
the contract”. The buyer knows good and well that the appraisal will never come
in. When it comes in low, they can ask the seller to adjust price to meet
appraisal or walk away if they don’t want to pay the difference. The third to take it as it lays almost
never occurs. Times where supply is high and demand is low, you'll find that
you may be in a buyer’s market. If the seller wants to play hardball, you can simply
go down the street to another similar property and try again. The Realtor
should advise you of the current market in your area. Sellers favor in a seller’s
market and buyers in a “buyer’s” market. Your home may be in a position to shine in
your opposing market. Is your home unique? Are you in a very desirable
neighborhood? Are you the only home on the market in your Fredericksburg
Community? If so, a buyer may be willing to negotiate more because they really
want your home and there’s no other alternative. Are you a buyer that uses cash
or is your financing all ready approved for a quick sale? Will you need closing
cost assistance from the seller? If not, your competition may. This may give
you the upper hand. Sellers are looking for the sure thing. No seller wants to take a
chance on a deal falling through the cracks because the buyer’s financing was
questionable.
What is the Property
Condition?
Are you a buyer that noticed that the home you like is in need of desperate repair?
If so, you have two shots to negotiate.
The first is with the original offer when it is presented. Will you ask seller
to the repair in the contract or adjust the offer price to reflect the repair
costs? I seem to advise my clients to get a licensed home inspector check the
property and provide a report to the seller along with the request on the
concerned items to be replaced or repaired. This shows proof. If they say no,
you will have to make a decision. Sometimes they can’t say no. Perhaps, if you
are financing, your lender may require the items fixed or you can’t get final
under writer approval. Please keep in mind that the seller may have feelings
for the property. Don’t appear that you are picking it apart. Show concern to
you and your family’s health and safety. Pick your fight. Overlook the simple
items you can fix with ease. I once had a deal that fell apart over a fifty
cent electrical outlet cover that was cracked. Don’t let this be you. As Is properties are just that. Sellers don’t
have to fix anything or negotiate the price on these. The real estate
professional should identify these properties prior to showing.
Who is the BEST Agent?
Pretend you are in need of a heart transplant. Two doctors approach you and ask
to perform your surgery. The first lays out the entire procedure like a map and
provides you with a wealth of information. The second approaches you and begins
with how much cheaper he can do the procedure for you. Who do you want to use?
I hope you decided on doctor number one. Now, think about your real estate
transaction. This is one of the most important times in one’s lifetime. You
deserve the best. The secret to my success is simple. Provide a strong
negotiation skill with proper communications. I make the other party feel
important. I don’t bully them. If the other party to feels they are getting the
great deal, they will negotiate. I’m a top Fredericksburg REALTOR with a back
ground in law enforcement. I know how to get you the best deal.
Tom Smith, the author, is a full time licensed real estate agent
with Century 21 Adventure Redwood in Fredericksburg, VA. Tom knows Fredericksburg Real Estate.
Tom Smith, REALTOR
Centruy 21 Adventure Redwood
10601 Courthouse Rd. #100
Fredericksburg, VA. 22407
tsmithc21@gmail.com
540-735-2266
www.fredericksburgagent.com
- Fredericksburg Housing Market Improves While Sales Decline
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The Fredericksburg real estate market shows signs of
improvement. Home inventory numbers continue to decline, sparking multiple
offers and price increases. This area hasn’t seen a robust buying activity like
this since 2007.
Historic low interest rates are forecasted to remain low
through the year. Home buyers are getting aggressive. In many cases, opting to
build new construction because available homes isn’t there. This new
construction is helping our economy. More jobs are opened and more supplies
sold. Observing this increase in activity in January, which is usually one of
the slowest times of the Fredericksburg home buying seasons, leads me to feel
very optimistic that we are going to have a “Hot” market this spring.
Real estate experts nation-wide still caution that this
increase in activity does not compare to the boom. There are almost eleven
million home owners that owe more than their home is worth. Those owners have
several choices when selling their homes. Stay put and wait for the home sales
prices to increase, pay cash for the difference or list their home with a
hardship as a short sale. These sales are subject to the third party approval.
There are effective techniques you may exercise to find your
Fredericksburg dream home in a low inventory market. Find a very aggressive
Realtor. This agent will stay on top of the market. When a target home hits the market, the agent
should be all over it. I took the words “can’t” and “no” out of my vocabulary.
I will not stop until my clients are in their new home. Get your real estate
agent to put you on their special “hot” search. Check your email often to see
new listings. Time of response is of the essence.
Tom Smith, author, is a licensed real estate agent in the
Fredericksburg, VA. area. He works with Century 21 Adventure Redwood, one of the
largest real estate firms in the area. Tom gained the sought after rare
President’s Award, Centurion Award and the Pinnacle Quality Service this past
year for his home sales. He ranked near the top for the entire Mid-Atlantic
region. He is a retired law enforcement officer and area expert. Find your Fredericksburg Real Estate
today. You deserve the BEST.
- Fredericksburg Homes Sold Over a Million in 2012
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Last year proved to be a
challenging year for Fredericksburg
Real Estate. Home sales took the roller coaster ride. Up one month and down
the next. Several buyers surpassed the
recession to purchase extravagant homes. Three homes in the Fredericksburg, VA.
Area sold in 2012 for over one million dollars.
The first multi-million
dollar home sold was located at 1200 Prince Edward Street in Downtown Fredericksburg.
It was a 5 bedroom – 4.5 baths home built in 2012. It boasted 5800 of finished square
feet in size. It was on the market for 248 days and the buyer used owner
financing to purchase home for $1,000,000.
The second multi-million
dollar sale was at 13608 Fifth Corps Lane, Fredericksburg, VA. 22407. This
enormous home had 6 bedrooms and 7 full baths and 4 half baths. It was built
with all the bells and whistles with a grand foyer and double staircase in 2009.
It had over 17000 Square feet of finished living space. It was on the market
for 36 days and went to auction. The buyer paid cash of $1,595,000.
The last of the magnificent three
was located at 402 Hanover Street in Downtown Fredericksburg, VA. This home had
5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It was built historically in 1888. The size was just less
than 4500 square feet. It was only on the market for two days. The buyer opted
to use conventional financing to purchase at $1,100,000.
Author, Tom Smith, is a
licensed Fredericksburg Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Adventure Redwood. He
knows Luxury Fredericksburg Homes.
- Why Live in Virginia?
-
According to a report
conducted by Fox Business, Americas
Most and Least Livable States, Virginia got a future livability score of a
16.8. It was the ninth best for full time employment and 16th best
for job creation. The outlook on life in next five years is 20th
best.
The State of Virginia
has sustained one of the lowest poverty rates with one of the highest median
incomes in the country. The Virginia housing market is improving at a fast
pace. There was a 4.8% increase in home prices between the 1st
quarter of 2011 and 1st quarter of 2012. The state ranked well in
all categories with the exception to one, obesity, in which it ranked 26th.
The unemployment rate was just 5.7%. This is the 10th lowest in the
country. Virginia has the ninth highest average of residents with full-time
employment.
Tom Smith is a licensed
Realtor with Century 21 Adventure Redwood. His area of expertise is Fredericksburg Real Estate.
- Fredericksburg Home Buyers – Get Ready
-
Are you in search of that perfect Fredericksburg real estate? Did you just start your search or
planning to start soon? I’m a Realtor in
Fredericksburg, VA. My strategy to getting my clients under contract is
simple. Be aggressive and be prepared.
The most important step in your process should be fulfilled
before you even contact the Realtor. Decide with your family on the type of
home you want and where. Discuss the important criteria items and features the
home must have. There are many buyers that wait until the last minute to decide
what they want. This creates confusion and stress and lengthens Fredericksburg home
searches.
You are now ready to contact your lender of choice to get
pre-approved and find out what you can afford in your new home purchase. The
lender will require you to get together information that they will need to
process your loan. If you really want to be a savvy buyer, get that information
together early as well.
Information Needed at
Loan Application:
·
W/2’s for the last two years
·
One month current pay stubs
·
Landlord name and address for last two years
·
Employer name and address for last two years
·
Purchase Agreement or Deed if Refinancing
·
All Banks names, account numbers and balances
·
Last three months all bank statements on all
accounts
·
12 months cancelled checks for mortgage or rent
·
Check for application fee and rate lock
·
Self-Employed: Last 2 years Tax Returns with all
schedules, YTD, P&L
·
Green card for Resident Aliens
·
Social Security Card and License (FHA)
·
Legal Description (FHA and VA)
·
Certificate of Eligibility (VA)
·
Account numbers, addresses, balances/monthly
payments on all open loans
Tom Smith is a full time local Fredericksburg
Real Estate Agent licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is one the
Top Realtors in the Fredericksburg, VA
area based on sales and production. His strong points are communication,
knowledge, expertise and the will to succeed in every transaction. Learn more
about your Fredericksburg
real estate agent.
- Single Story For Sale in Portobago Bay
-
Huge Main Level Living In Portobago Bay
• 4,400 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Wide and open on main level"
-
MLS®
$384,900
- Priced to SELL. RARE
Portobago Bay, Port Royal
-
Back on the market. Contract fell through. Huge Price Reduction for Rare Home. Breathtaking home on all main and lower level living.Gorgeous hardwood and tile.Wrap around porch,rear dual screen porches to entertain or unwind, open floor plan,Huge country kithen, breakfast area,seperate dining room,large living room, recessed lighting,cer tile and columns foyer,master w/luxury bath jac soaker,full finished basement w/den and fplace media,surround sound,rec room,mud,50x50 heated-cooled detached 2 bay 4 car garage with workshop area. 2 car attached garage. Extensive Lscaping . Deeded access to private beach,pier,dock,pavilion and lake. Wide panoramic views of the wide Rappahannock River are remarkable. Watch eagles and ospreys anytime. Recreation is endless. Home situated in view of horse pasture. This is a once in a lifetime find. The closest wide tidal waterfront community to the site of new Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center off Rt 17. 20 mins. to Dahlgren or AP Hill. Come see to appreciate. Portobago Bay is a Upscale exclusive riverfront community in Port Royal. The area's best kept secret.
Property information
- Fredericksburg Single Family Homes Prices Rise
-
The Fredericksburg real estate
news reports based on data retrieved from several sources including Trulia
indicate that the housing market is on a rise. This is welcoming news for a
very soft market. The average price per square foot for single family Fredericksburg Homes was $130. This price
showed an increase of 1.6 percent, compared to the price per square foot one
year ago. The median sales price for Fredericksburg
Homes from September, 2012 to November, 2012 was $222,000. This was based
on the sales on 415 homes. This price showed a 4.3% increase on the median
sales price from one year ago. Fredericksburg real estate inventory decreased
by 4.4 percent from this same time last year. The average listing price for Fredericksburg Homes ending on December
26, 2012 was $352,704, which reflects an increase of $1651.00 from one week
prior.
The Culprit
There are several driving forces that are helping heal our Fredericksburg real estate market. The
decreasing numbers in our inventory are demanding higher prices with multiple
offers. The recent news of the Cliff resolution and stable low interest rates
continue to add hope. Realtors play a big part in our economy. They should study the market on prior homes
sales and remain realistic with their recommendations on home pricing. Leave
your questions and concerns to a Fredericksburg
Real Estate Agent to address. They have the knowledge and tools to assist
you with your home sale. There are many factors the Realtor should consider
like location, condition, recent sales, and much more.