valentinosdcpulse: January 2010

Don't assume that you can't buy a home just because you lack perfect credit, don't have the resources to come up with a 20% down payment, or because you think that affordable housing is out of the question in the DC area. Home ownership is an American dream providing many financial and personal benefits to individuals and families. And with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor^®, you may indeed be able to make this dream a reality

It really wasn't that long ago that for the average low or middle class working couple, finding a decent, affordable home in DC was a challenge if not just a pipe dream. But thanks to the dedicated and hard work of the DC government with a focus on affordable housing within DC, this situation has been turned around, and you may indeed qualify for one of the many government-backed programs in place to stimulate home ownership in DC.

But even today, navigating through the maze of the government programs can be very confusing. These programs can be complex and are continually changing. That is why you'll want to start with a Realtor^® who will take the time to help you navigate through the complicated maze of government backed programs to see if one may be a good match for your circumstances. And right now, there are a lot of good programs available to the DC residents.

 It is a common misconception that these programs are only for those with very low incomes (many are). But actually, there is a great mix of tax credits, low interest loans, down payment assistance and government grant money which is available to a variety of individuals and family's looking to purchase their first home in America's capitol city.

 You may be surprised at the number of state and local programs that are available for homebuyers in DC. For instance, you may have recently read in the paper that Shaun Donovan, Secretary of HUD announced the award of $2 billion of funding to state and local governments.  [January 15, 2009]. Well, that boils down to $193 million being awarded to the local DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA). Read press release. This is money awarded by the federal government to stimulate affordable housing opportunities in Washington DC.

"This is simply good news all around," said Harry Sewell, executive director of DCHFA. He goes on to say "we are also able to reactivate our single-family mortgage program to be competitive with the current interest rate environment. This agency is working hard and is committed to make sure that the dream of owning a home in the nations capital is attainable not just for the upper class residents but for many low - middle income homebuyers. The DCHFA offers free homebuyer education workshops; credit and budget counseling referral assistance; and affordable mortgages. And DCHFA is only one example of the many great programs/ options available to DC residents interested in buying an affordable home.

 Don't miss out on out on the great current opportunities in place to stimulate affordable home ownership in Washington DC. And you don't have to go it alone. Call Rachel Valentino to help you navigate through the home buying process. She will help you step by step from dreaming to holding the keys to your very own home. You can take the first step today by contacting Rachel or visiting her Atlantic Coast Connection website

Tyson's Corner, VA  is only 15 miles from our nation's capital and is considered part of the Metro DC area. Located in the heart of Fairfax county so close to Washington DC, it is hard to imagine the 1950's when this area was considered as rural. Then Tyson's Corner was marked only by a general store at the intersection of Routes 7 & 123.

 The Tyson's Corner of today may currently be defined as "Commercial" or port of the "Urban Sprawl" found on the outskirts of Washington DC. It's currently mostly known for its premier shopping, offices, large malls and auto dealerships.  That is because it is home to the state's largest mall along with 2 other nearby premier shopping centers. With over 46 million square feet of office and retail space, it is the 12^th.largest business district in the country. Being part of the Dulles Technology Corridor has also brought Tyson's Corner some recent notoriety.

 Tyson's Corner is currently undergoing a planned "Urban Renaissance" and is changing rapidly. Right now, about 20,000 residents call Tyson's Corner their home by night where by day the area is home to as many as 120,000 people who work there. But this is about to change and with the upcoming Silver Line already underway, change is happening rapidly.

 Finally, after years of delays and promises, the Dulles Metrorail is now on track to bring the Silver Line through the Dulles Technology Corridor. with 4 stops in Tyson's Corner. The first phase is scheduled to open for service in 2013. This has lead to some major urban planning with sweeping changes being unveiled for a completely newly revived community and infrastructure.

 Tysons Land Use Task Force envisions its future as a livable, vibrant sustainable urban center of the 21^st century. The vision entails a place where those who work here can own a home here, in a community that will sustain its residents and their needs all the way through retirement.

This "new" Tyson's Corner will have a much better balance of housing and jobs. Those who live here will have access to every conceivable amenity from its shopping and dining to increased access to community events and recreational opportunities and facilities.

 Local urban planners envision doubling the jobs, up to 200,000 and having affordable housing available for upwards of 100,000 residents within the coming decades. Envision this: an exciting new sustainable community, home to a new green network that links existing parks with open space, and newly created parks.

This new urban development plan is not just about more buildings, but really is about creating a place where people want to be. A place where people want to be a part of the community and are safe to walk or bike around and enjoy the amenities. It's a place where singles and families can enjoy life and call home. Tree-lined streets are in the plan, as well as more public spaces. More public art and parks are also in the works.

To be a part of this growing upscale community, you  will want to start looking at your real estate options now by working with a top area Realtor like Rachel Valentino. Right now there are some very diverse housing options available in the area. Depending on your needs, you can currently find historic homes, condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes all the way up to luxurious estates for sale in and around Tyson's Corner.

Give Rachel a call today to look over and discuss your options and get started on finding a home in Tyson's Corner before the area housing market explodes. Be part of this exciting new Urban Renaissance" by starting your search at The Atlantic Coast Connection website.

 And don't forget that the First time home-buyer credit has been extended. But taxpayers must purchase or be locked into a contract to close before midnight on April 30, 2010 to qualify.

Are you looking for a way to purchase a condo in DC?  Wishing that you could find a way to buy your dream condo but lack the money for a down payment? Or are you just getting started and the traditional lenders won't give you a chance to buy a condo in today's tightened lending environment.

Well, there's great news for those looking to purchase a condo in the Metro DC area!  The FHA is finally adjusting to market changes and demands and loosening some of their strict condo buying guidelines. View Changes.

These new changes are exciting, making FHA backed loans for condos a popular choice. And it's no surprise considering the current ultra strict guidelines established by conventional lenders requiring higher credit scores and bigger down payments. 

Bottom line, right now you can potentially take advantage of the distressed market by purchasing a condo with a FHA backed loan. This allows you to not only take advantage of the currently slashed condo prices in today's market but to do so with a small down payment. Coupled with the current low interest rate, FHA condo mortgages are not only popular, but also a smart move for potential buyers.

And if this is not enough to make you consider a FHA mortgage for a new condo, here's more to consider:

•  First time homebuyers are combining the attraction of current FHA backed loans with the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Credit which was just extended until April 30, 2010!

 •  FHA credit requirements are not as high as traditional lenders which allows buyers with blemished credit the opportunity to still obtain a mortgage providing they can show they have an established (reasonable) history of paying their bills.

•  If the condo you choose already has FHA approval, you can get a mortgage in as little as two weeks. If it is not on the approved list, guidelines for spot approval have recently been loosened in favor of the buyers.

•  The FHA offers a Kiddie Condo Loan Program allowing young adults to access the market of condo buying by qualifying with a co-borrower.  This is a great way for young adults who may not have a chance otherwise to get started and establish a solid credit rating.

•  The FHA definition of a condominium may include dwelling units in detached, semidetached, rowhouses, garden-type, low- or high-rise structures. This expands the condo market for the buyer who may traditionally be thinking only of the newly constructed condominiums.

With the help of a top Realtor, such as Rachel Valentino, you may be able to find a great home option, an affordable condo in on of DCs prime neighborhoods or suburbs you previously thought of as out of reach.  Imagine living in a neighborhood with great views and with the best school systems - it may not be just a dream, but a real possibility.

Why not call Rachel Valentino today to discuss your options. She can work with you in today's condo market here in the entire DC metro area. Read Previous Article on Buying a Condo.

With reduced prices on condos, low mortgage rates, low down payment options, a FHA Condo Loan may be your ticket to living in a new condo in 2010. But these market conditions won't last for ever as the economy recovers and the First Time Home Buyer Credit is scheduled to end April 30, 2010. Be sure to start looking early and you many still be able to claim the home purchase on your tax returns for 2009. Visit Rachel's Atlantic Coast Connection website today to get started.