With every new year and day in Real Estate there are revolutionary tools that help to advance The Nellis Group methods and allow us to better serve our clients. Recently we experienced one of those moments that could only happen in today's technologically advanced work atmosphere. 

     We had purchasers that fell in love with a home. The only problem was that the decision was made after we had left the area for a family vacation. Rather than losing the home for our clients we acted quickly. Driving South on 95, I pulled out my tablet pc, mifi card and started going to work. I used my iPhone to make phone calls and verbally negotiate with the Listing Agent and discuss options and strategies for negotiating on this home with our clients. While driving 65 mph on 95 heading to Florida I logged into a contract portal all online and drafted the offer for our buyers. By the way, Jim Nellis was driving so I was not typing and driving - although I can not claim innocence everyday while multi-tasking.

       Listen to what our clients had to say just after they signed the deed & documents outside of the Attorney office in Old Town, Alexandria:

Tablet PC: $1,000

MIFI Card: $299.00

iPhone: $499.00

Securing the Best Home for our Clients: PRICELESS

         Vicki Nellis & James Nellis received their CRS designations over 10 years ago. It has been a valuable resource of knowledge, experience and a network of Realtors throughout the Country for referrals. It is an honor that James Nellis was hand-picked as one of the CRS Instructors.

          James Nellis has made a name in technology, online marketing and negotiating in Real Estate. Within CRS there are specific disciplines and James Nellis will be teaching CRS 202. This curriculum focuses on Negotiation, Customer Service & Sales Philosophy. For more information on Nellis check out his bio on CRS.com: James Nellis, CRS Bio

Summer is here and many times that means rising electric bills with fans and air conditioners kicking into high gear in an effort to keep cool. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have access to lots of great ideas for planning ahead to control energy costs this summer.

The following 13 tips are from the experts at Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G):

1. Use ceiling fans in the counter-clockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler. Also, whole-house fans that bring in cooler night-time air can pre-cool a house and reduce energy use in the daytime if heat is kept out by closing windows and shades.
2. Install a programmable thermostat. If health conditions permit, raise the setting from 73 to 78 degrees. You can save 3-5% on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
3. Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. If you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused rooms and be sure to keep filters clean.
4. Plant shade trees close to the house on the South and West sides.
5. Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks between window air conditioners and windows with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
6. Turn off power sources. TVs, computers and other electronic devices draw power when they are in standby mode or turned off but still plugged in. Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.
7. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75% less electricity and burn more coolly than incandescent bulbs. Keep in mind that CFLs are especially handy in hard-to-reach fixtures and won't need to be replaced for about five years.
8. Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
9. Delay heat-producing tasks such as laundry until later in the day. Wash full loads, using cold water whenever possible.
10. Run the dishwasher at night, using the shortest cycle that will get the dishes clean. If manufacturers' directions permit, turn the dishwasher off before the dry cycle or use the air dry feature if your machine has one.
11. Take short showers as they use less hot water than a bath.
12. Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star appliances.
13. Unplug the extra refrigerator in your garage or basement and use it only when necessary. Refrigerators that are only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as new Energy Star labeled models.

     For more information on preparing your home for summer, please contact The Nellis Group. I encourage you to pass this blog along to your friends and family as well. Enjoy your summer!!

   I have had many clients enlist my services after losing valuable time and money attempting to sell their own home. What seems like a relatively easy undertaking at first, can become a time-consuming and overwhelming process. I would like to share some significant snags that often occur when selling one’s own home:

1.  Ineffective Marketing: Most homeowners simply lack the resources necessary to effectively market their own home. Working with a professional real estate agent, however, usually means your home will be marketed to the widest group of potential buyers possible, both through digital and print advertising, virtual tours, and online listing portals.

2.  Mispricing your home: In order to sell your home quickly for the best possible price, pricing your home correctly is critical. This very nuanced process of choosing the right listing price, however, is always best left to a real estate professional. Most who sell their own homes price too high, resulting in their home sitting on the market for an extended period of time. And, unfortunately, the longer a home remains on the market, the less desirable it becomes for buyers.

3.  Missing documentation: These days, a real estate transaction requires more documentation than ever before. It’s virtually impossible for the average homeowner to be aware of all the forms necessary to complete a real estate deal, and missing paperwork will bring any transaction to a grinding halt.

4.  Overlooking legalities: The risk of overlooking important legalities, such as disclosure and compliance regulations that vary from state to state, is high for most homeowners. The average person is, understandably, not well versed in the many laws that govern the sale and purchase of a property.

5.  Dealing with unqualified buyers: If you accept an offer from an unqualified buyer, you can delay the sale of your home indefinitely. A professional real estate agent will take the necessary steps to work with a lender to ensure a buyer is qualified before accepting their offer.

   In most cases, owners end up exhausting more dollars than they would have paid in commission when attempting to sell their own home. If you would like more information on selling your home, please contact us. I also encourage you to forward this blog to anyone you know who might be considering taking on the monumental task of selling their own home.

     Immanuel Bible Church recently hosted a piano recital in the Concert Hall located at 6911 Braddock Road, Springfield VA. It was fun to see the varying age groups and talent levels all perform in front of family and friends. Enjoy the concert from that special night at Immanuel Bible Church:

     I have advised many clients on what renovations will offer the best return on their investment and pay dividends when the time comes to sell their home.

     According to a Consumer Reports poll, the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners are kitchens (19%) and bathrooms (17%). In another survey, however, Consumer Reports asked 6,000 readers to reveal what went wrong when they remodeled their kitchens and baths and how much those mistakes added to the overall cost of their projects. Here's how to avoid their mistakes and save:

1. PLAN AHEAD:  Changing plans is the most common, but costliest remodeling disaster. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product.

2. PREPARE FOR CHANGE: There's a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17% of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10% of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate such problems and help you budget.

3. "LOW-BALL" Estimates cost MORE:  Contractors are lowering their profit margins due to the tight market, but they often make up their costs in labor or other areas. Readers who went for “low-ball” pricing ended up spending a median of $1,500 extra for labor on their kitchens and $1,000 extra on their bathrooms. Don't sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts for products and materials—these are called "allowances," in contractor speak.

4. PAPERWORK, PAPERWORK: Have the contractor attach copies of his or her up-to-date license, insurance and workers' compensation policies to the written contract. He or she should also get permits and provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.

5. It's in the DETAILS: Specifying lighting and placement of trash cans are not much fun, but are critical to the process. For example, the proper exhaust fan will prevent mildew in baths and vent odors in kitchens.

     Following the above advice will help ensure a successful remodel. For more information or for contractor referrals contact The Nellis Group. And please forward this email on to anyone you know in the midst of remodeling—don’t let them make these avoidable mistakes!

      A unique Colonial home for sale in Woodbridge, Virginia. This home on Triad Court is located in the coveted area of Lake Ridge. Lake Ridge offers a Golf Course, Marina, Outdoor Pools, Basketball Courts & schools within the community.

       This home has it all... For more information on the home click here:

       A video on all the details and remodeling done by the current owner:

     Well we find ourselves 6 days from April 30, 2010. It was not long ago that we were near the deadline for the first time buyer tax credit of November 2009. There is a new extension for military and those serving overseas. Do you think we will see another extension for the general public? Will the economy be better if we do get the extension?

      I DO NOT believe they should extend again and here are 3 good reasons:

1. Cry Wolf Syndrome - The US Government and President Obama already extended the deadline once. The current extension will end at the end of April. "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", one of Aesop's Stories can shed light on the outcome if the extension was extended again. "Wolf, Wolf" could be translated today to "Deadline, Deadline". If the Government extends it AGAIN the buying public will no longer believe there is a true deadline and it could have a negative impact on the positive upswing the National Real Estate Market has seen with sales in the last 3 months.

2. Economy's Running Cycle - When running and beginning training it can really hurt and can even cause serious injury if not properly approached. With the economy we have used the band-aid approach up to this point and we have tried to soothe the aching economy. But at this point we must allow it to run its course. The economy is cyclical and at this point we must let it "run". Many of my contemporaries have stated that "the economy has recovered and so has the Real Estate market!" I do not know if I hold the same enthusiasm or insight. I do believe that I am thankful to live and work in the Metro DC marketplace where we are the most resilient area in the US and a great place for jobs and job growth.  

3. Interest Rates are KING - I don't believe the TAX CREDIT ultimately shapes the entire Real Estate market. I have seen it engage first time buyers and buyers that could not move without it, but it has not impacted most of our clients purchasing homes priced over $500,000. Interest Rates and Sales Prices are typically an inverse relationship. The lower the interest rates, the higher the sales prices and vice versa. When interest rates increase it dramatically effects buying power and ultimately the seller's bottom line. There are many people buying homes and refinancing right now because rates are SO LOW. That will not change when the credit goes away. 

        So where does that leave us in the current economy and reviewing the Real Estate Market?

        The tax credit and move-up/down buyer credit is a great tool that you should use if you are already looking for a home. It should NOT be the main basis for your decision to purchase a home.

         I do believe the interest rates will increase in 2011 so if you are thinking about purchasing you may want to do it while interest rates are low and you have a higher buying power.

          With all markets it can be cyclical. The true winners in any industry/investment are those that can control when they buy and when they sell. For more information on timing, rates and the best investments contact The Nellis Group today...

     It seems as though there was always an excuse or a reason not to run. I saw a movie last year called "Run Fat Boy Run" it starred Simon Pegg and was a movie about "running away" - he ran from everything in life and finally ended up running a marathon for a woman in his life in order to recapture her love. Well, I have no romance in mind but our family was deeply affected by cancer and that is why I chose to run this year. I am thankful and humbled by the other runners on the team. Many of them have also been touched by Brain Cancer with friends or family members. Our Team Cure consists of: Thomas Ferri, Michael Rogers, Kristan Cole, Denny Grimes, Nate Martinez, Michael Mulherin, Stella Hanly, Jay Curley, Nate Sady, Dale Pinkley, James Nellis & Meg Winkler.

     In my mind I have probably talked about running at least 3 marathons over the last 10 years. So far most of my training this year has been mental :) I am hoping to really engage and build up a base the next 2 weeks.

      What is a Base? Yes, I am learning all of these runner cult terms as well. Getting a "BASE" means that you run slow and train easy before going into a hard core program. If this is not done typically injury happens with the average runner. I would definitely consider myself average or below.

        As with anything, I have to have a goal in mind when starting out. I spoke with multiple runners and learned about their times. I have friends that have run a 3:20 Marathon and those that were over 5 hours. I expected to run it sub 5 hours but then I heard about Oprah. That's right the media mogul- she ran it in 4:29. WOW, that is a really good time! So my new goal is to run it in less than Oprah Winfrey's time. I am shooting for 4:10 for the Marathon. This is still a lofty goal considering I have yet to run more than 5 miles and the Marine Corps Marathon is 26.2 miles.

          I would LOVE to see you partner with TEAM CURE. You can do it without ever putting on running shoes. If you go to www.NellisGroup.com/MCM you will be able to donate directly to the charity. The Charity is ABC2 - Accelerated Brain Cancer Cure. They will be using 100% of the funds that TEAM CURE raises for research to help cure Brain Cancer.

           Thank you for partnering with me and our Team. If you see me on the road and I look dead or have fallen over- don't pick me up just honk and yell: "Run Fat Boy Run" - see I am running for cancer. Running to find a cure so people that get ravaged with this disease can have options and a fighting chance.

           Let's FIGHT cancer together!

James - newly turned Marathon Man...

      It is with great joy we share the newest video on our updates with Vicki and our family. Many things have happened in the last couple of months but two things have remained constant: our faith & our thankfulness for our clients.

      The emails, cards, calls and real estate referrals have truly been a blessing for our family. Listen to Vicki share about her journey with Brain Cancer and make sure you do not miss your opportunity to partner with TEAM CURE and win Washington Nationals Tickets!!

      For more information on supporting TEAM CURE and Brain Cancer Research go to: www.Facebook.com/MCMTEAMCURE  OR www.NellisGroup.com/MCM

       To find out the current value of your home go to: www.YourHomesValue.Biz

   Yes as a Metro DC resident I am still upset that the Washington Redskins play out in Maryland... I have long sought to bring them back to DC- perhaps not at RFK but a new stadium...

    Today we have GREAT news... The Washington Redskins - with their owner Dan Snyder taking a back seat has allowed for the new GM- Allen to bring in Donovan McNabb for literally PEANUTS... This is a superb pick-up for the Washington Redskins.

     This quarterback pick-up including the new coach - Mike Shanahan is prepping the Redskins for one of their best runs in recent football seasons!! I am proud to be a Redskins fan today!!

    Join Vicki Nellis with The Nellis Group as she walks you through her community in Fairfax County and see what makes Lee Chapel Grove special:

Search for Available homes in Fairfax Station, Virginia

        What is a foreclosure? A foreclosure is a property that is now owned by the Bank. The Bank took the property back typically due to non-payment by the previous borrower. Many times the foreclosure properties are priced "ahead" of the market or at a discount compared to other active homes.

          If you are looking for foreclosures or deals in today's real estate market you will want to watch this video and go to www.nellisgroup.com/deadhouses

This film brought to you by Nellis Group Films. Stay Tuned for the next Short Film produced by the Northern Virginia Studios.

       The home backs to a wooded common area and is near the trail for Huntsman Lake:

          Watch & Listen to the video to learn about the bathroom remodels and what you can find in this coveted community in Springfield Virginia... You can learn more about Glenwood Manor or Lakewood Hills at www.NellisGroup.com

      For more detailed information on short sales go to: www.NellisGroup.com/ShortSales

       If you want more details on a short sale option email us direct at shortsales@nellisgroup.com

    Over the years I have heard that "All Realtors are the Same"... Many times when first meeting with prospective buyers or sellers I get the sense that they view me as a "commodity"... Just another Realtor, let's listen to what he has to say. Well? Is there a difference or are all Realtors the same?

     In this first segment of "MythBusters for Real Estate" I will review Myth #1: All Realtors are the Same... Watch the video to see if this is True or False:

    A special thank you to SO MANY registrants for our first ever Nellis Group "Snow Count" Contest. We had an amazing snow fall throughout the Metro DC area. I heard counts from 15 inches of snow up to 35 inches.

     The contest was based on the snowfall in front of our office in Alexandria located at 120 S. Royal Street, Alexandria VA. Out of all the contestants Amy Fernandez came the closest with an entry of 17.25.

  Amy Fernandez (Winner of the Snow Count)

Here is an official look at the measurement taken in Old Town this weekend- It was 17.75 inches.

          To see more photos of Old Town Alexandria click on the photo below of the man on skis making the most of the weather:

       The Nellis Group is having a Snow Count!! So... Add your comment to the end of this blog in order to be entered into the contest. We will be measuring the amount of inches accumulated by Saturday at 4 pm in Alexandria Virginia outside of one of our Real Estate Offices...

        Make your predictions here- the winner will receive a $25.00 gift card from The Nellis Group - All entries/blog comments must be submitted before Saturday at 330 PM- *** New deadline...

         Current prediction from Weather.com: