Return to Home Page Visit My Website Real Estate Q&A's Real Estate Glossary
Matt's Real Estate Corner
Matt Wilkins
Compass Real Estate Consulting
12491 Palomino Pl.
Woodbridge,  VA  22192
571.238.6344
Contact Me
Visit My Web Site
Print Newsletter
FHA program funds fixers
Investors have been taking advantage of low interest rates and discounted prices to buy run-down foreclosure properties, sometimes 10 or so at a time. They fix up the properties enough to be rented until the market turns, which could take years. When the time is right, the investor puts the finishing touches on the improvements and hopefully sells for a profit.
...more
Freeze-proof your pipes
As winter temperatures go down, the risk of a frozen pipe goes up. Pipes can freeze in homes of any age and condition, and no matter what type of material your pipes are made from. So don't make the mistake of thinking that because your house is new it's safe, or because your house is older the materials are somehow stronger. The only way to prevent a frozen pipe is to keep it warm, and luckily that's not too hard to do.
...more
The lot-line shocker
DEAR BENNY: I purchased my home in September 2000. My survey indicated that my fence was encroaching on my neighbor's property by three feet. My home was built in 1955 and I am the second owner. The four-foot chain-link fence has encircled this property for approximately 40 years, and my neighbor (who inherited his home from his parents) indicated that he had no plans of erecting a fence because his companion is claustrophobic.
...more
Paying rent during a short sale
DEAR BENNY: I live in a duplex that has recently been listed as a short sale. Since it appears that my landlord has not been making the mortgage payments, what should I do with my rent payments? I have not been contacted by the landlord or the listing agent, so I'm not sure what I should do. Any suggestions? --Chris
...more

Should I Refinance?

Estimate Payments
Fixed or Adjustable?
Should I Make Extra Payments?
Will I Qualify?
How Much Can I Afford?
Matt Wilkins
Compass Real Estate Consulting
12491 Palomino Pl.
Woodbridge,  VA  22192
571.238.6344
Contact Me
Visit My Web Site
Equal Housing Opportunity   
  
No capital gains tax on home exchange?
DEAR BENNY: My husband and I built a townhouse in 1983 for $33,000. We lived there for a few years and then rented it out for 17 years, taking all the tax advantages such as depreciation, etc. ...more
 
2010: year of the turnaround?
A spurt in home sales in 2009, aided by low interest rates and the first-time homebuyer tax credit, has led some economists to forecast a turnaround in the housing market this year. Other forecasters feel this is too optimistic a projection. ...more
 
Solution for icy gutters
With winter's storms comes the problem of ice buildup on the roof. No one relishes the thought of dragging out a ladder and trying to get all that ice out of the gutter. But if you allow it to build up in there, you are essentially forming the foundation that an ice dam will start building on, and once the ice dam takes hold it's a lot harder to get rid of. ...more
 
Rate-lock dos and don'ts
Interest rates dropped at the end of last year after creeping up over the summer, with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with interest rates below 5 percent readily available. ...more
 
Virginia Homeowners Alliance puts money in your pocket

Membership in the Virginia Homeowners Alliance just got even better.

Now, registered members can get access to special ...more

 
Prince William County Public Schools
Prince William County Property Assessment Information
Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Assocaition
PWC Ofice of Housing and Community Development
Prince William County Park Authority
 
Web site Terms of Use Privacy Policy Real Estate Glossary Real Estate Q&A's Visit My Website Return to Home Page