Data released this week by Freddie Mac shows that the average rate on a 30-year loan has dropped to 3.84%, while the 15-year is down to 3.07%. The previous record on the 15-year rate was only three weeks old at 3.11%, while the lowest rate on the 30-year loan was seen back in February at 3.87%.

This recent drop, according to Freddie Mac economist Frank Nothaft, is most likely due to easing Treasury bond yields from the slowing economic growth, even though the overall economy is continuing to improve.

The time to purchase a new home has never been better. One Loudoun offers a wide selection of gorgeous new homes set in our unique and walkable community located just outside of Washington DC. To talk to our friendly team about our wonderful new community and purchasing a home in beautiful Loudoun County, contact us here today!

The community of One Loudoun has a unique and varied list of homes options, appealing to a wide range of buyers. As Loudoun County continues to grow and attract buyers of all ages, One Loudoun will strive to satisfy the tastes of everyone from the first-time buyer to the nearly retired. Below are a few tips that may help first-time buyers during their home search.

Basic Initial Steps:

-Understanding your household budget and finances. This almost seems too basic, but sometimes not everyone is aware of each dollar coming in and out of the household bank accounts, so getting a clear picture of your financial situation is crucial.

-Use your most immediate resources – family and friends. Many times the best connections to lawyers, realtors, and inspectors come from recommendations by those close to you.

-Research your market and know what to expect. There’s nothing that could stop a home buying process dead in its tracks quite like the slap of disappointing reality onset by unrealistic expectations. The quality and prices of homes could vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, even block to block. Some basic online research will set realistic expectations from the start.

Tips from Yahoo Real Estate:

1. Buying a home can mean building significant value through the years.
2. Think carefully about how much you can afford to spend and consider borrowing guidelines like those used by Fannie Mae.
3. Pre-Qualifying with your lender is a good way to determined how much house you can afford.
4. You will need cash for a down payment and closing costs. Generally speaking, the higher the down payment, the lower the interest rate and monthly mortgage payment.
5. In addition to your mortgage payments, you will also need to consider the other costs of home ownership. Schools, taxes, services, crime rates, transportation, and zooming are important considerations when selecting a neighborhood.
6. Brokers usually represent the seller, but they can be valuable sources of information for buyers as well.
7. Remember to consider resale value when buying your home.

2. New homes are light, bright and comfortable providing an enhanced living experience.

3. New homes provide new mechanical systems and appliances with manufacturer warranties that will save homeowners substantial aggravation, time and money.

4. New homes typically include builder warranties further saving buyers time, money and grief.

5. New home are “new” – they are fresh and clean and homebuyers can choose the finishes that they want to reflect their individual and unique tastes and lifestyles.

6. New homes have modern kitchens and bathrooms that increase the convenience, enjoyment and psychological benefits of home ownership.

7. New homes are far more energy efficient and provide buyers with substantial financial savings over the term of their ownership while benefitting the environment.

8. New homes are technologically current and ready for the information age.

9. New homes tend to be located in new communities that are planned to provide better living environments.

10. New homes are sold by new home professionals who have complete knowledge about the homes, the community, and the homebuying process and make the entire purchase experience far easier and less stressful.

11. New homes benefit the economy by creating and supporting high paying jobs that stimulate economic prosperity.

12. New homes have historically provided greater appreciation than used homes.

By Dan Levitan
Levitan & Associates

To read the full article by Dan Levitan click:

http://www.residentialmarketingblog.com/2011/06/a-higher-standard/

Also Piggybacking on the news of this affordability index has been this week’s new home sales reports. The Census Bureau reported that January’s new home sales have exceeded initial forecasts, reaching an annual rate of 321,000 according to CNNMoney.com. This increase in new home sales, as well as recent pickups in new home starts by home builders, is further indication of a climbing market. With all of these factors in place, the pace of January’s new home sales actually hit its highest point since home buyer tax credit program of 2010.

One Loudoun is successfully kicking off 2012 with a variety of beautiful new homes for sale, and the with favorable buying conditions nationwide the time to purchase a new home has never been better! Our modern and sophisticated community located in the heart of the nation’s most affluent county is the hottest thing to hit the DC area since cupcakes. We invite you to stop in or contact us for more information on One Loudoun, Loudoun County’s NEW downtown.

Loudoun County boasts exceptionally strong real estate values as well as affordable home prices and a modest cost of living. The county’s housing inventory is very diverse, and new homes communities such as One Loudoun have answered the call to provide gorgeous homes to the growing population. While the county has grown the real estate prices have remained strong, even in the midst of tough economic times. Those seeking an affordable place to live in a healthy, stable real estate market should look no further than Loudoun County.

The county has an extremely strong economy and a vibrant labor market. Its unemployment rate is just 3.9%, the second lowest in the entire state of Virginia, and among the lowest regions in the nation. Employment opportunities in and around Loudoun County are plentiful, and include sectors like government, healthcare, education, media, retail, business, finance and many more. In addition, Loudoun County offers short commutes to Washington, D.C., making it a prime location for workers in the District of Columbia and nearby cities. The county is also renowned for its affluence and economic opportunities, boasting the highest median household income in the entire United State, approaching $120,000.

Loudoun County offers outstanding public and private schools, with the Loudoun County Public Schools district being praised for its academic excellence and efficiency. The county also boasts great roads and public transportation options. Loudoun County is within short driving range of Washington Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Leesburg Executive Airport, and also offers the Loudoun County Commuter Bus service. The county is known for its safe neighborhoods and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, water sports and other activities can all be done with ease in Loudoun County.

With its world-class amenities, thriving labor market and close proximity to Washington, D.C., Loudoun County is one of the top places to live in the United States. Those in search of a safe, affordable place to launch a career, retire or raise a family should strongly consider this county. Whether you’re looking to commute to your new job in the nation’s capital or just want a great community to live and work in, Loudoun County is the place for you.

This news came on the heels of the President’s plans to help make refinancing available to more homeowners. The time has never been better to purchase new homes in Loudoun County, or elsewhere. Just one year ago the 30-year rate was averaging slightly under 5%. At this rate on a $250,000 refinance or purchase loan, the average borrower would save over $1600 a year compared to today’s rates. On the same loan amount, the 7% rates of just a few years back would have cost borrowers over $6000 per year more than what the same loan amount would cost today.

Unfortunately mortgage rate averages are neither linear nor fully predictable. What this means is that with the dropping unemployment rate and shrinking foreclosure market, the 7% rates could return sooner than we realize . As mentioned, the time to purchase has never been better and buyers are being encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity before these record rates start their inevitable climb back upward.

      
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According to the National Association of Realtors, nationwide home sales for the year are up nearly 2%, while December alone saw a 5% bump over November. December 2011 also had a 3.6% increase over December 2010. Current mortgage rates and home prices have have finally tempted potential buyers into taking action before the opportunity is missed.

Other signs of the improving market are inventory and homebuilder traffic. Builders have reported more customer traffic and project contracts in the last few months. Available inventory is quickly shrinking as well, down to 2005 levels, which drives up demand and pricing for many communities.

Needless to say, realtors and builders are very excited over the outlook for the 2012 real estate market.

For more information on the new homes for sale at One Loudoun, contact our friendly sales team today.

Scheduled to start construction in Spring 2012 and open in the Spring of 2013, The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema promises to bring an even deeper dynamic to what will be a very energetic and sophisticated mixed use community of new homes, retailers and businesses at One Loudoun. This new Drafthouse, which is based out of Austin TX, will be Alamo’s first location in the Washington DC area.

So what’s so interesting about a new movie theater? Well, there’s a reason why TIME magazine named it the “Best Theater Ever”. The Alamo Drafthouse combines all the enjoyment of watching a movie in the comfort of your own home with the experience of a big screen theater. The Drafthouse offers dining and drinks… during the film! Cool drinks, hot movies, and great food just a quick walk from your front door translates into one heck of a night out in Loudoun County’s New Downtown.

The Alamo boasts a delicious menu with themed foods paired for many new and classic screenings. As such, the theater often goes beyond your typical popcorn and nacho offerings. In the past the Alamo has served such gourmet dishes as bacon wrapped pheasant during Gone With the Wind, braised lamb during Lawrence of Arabia, and Steak au Poivre during The Da Vinci Code. (They wisely stopped short of serving a nice Chianti and farfa beans during Silence of the Lambs.)

The Alamo Drafthouse, which Fandago named as the “Best Overall Theatrical Experience” in 2010, then takes the dining and theatre experience to the next level by offering drink pairings with every course. Selections such as Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz for Blues Brothers, Cava and Rose during Like Water for Chocolate, and Bordeaux during Pirates of the Caribbean have all been on previous drink menus. As for the less adventurous palettes, the Alamo Drafthouse also serves the basics: beer and burgers!

According to INC Magazine, the Alamo Drafthouse experienced increased revenues in 2011 while nationwide the movie theater industry as a whole had an overall drop in revenues. These theaters have had such success because they help bring communities together in a very unique way. Enjoying dinner, drinks and a movie on the big screen with friends and neighbors without having to get in the car is a rare opportunity that One Loudoun is thrilled to bring to its residents.

See you at the movies. Cheers!

January 9, 2012, McLean, Virginia – One Loudoun Holdings, LLC, a joint venture of Miller and Smith and NORTH AMERICA SEKISUI HOUSE, LLC (NASH) and its retail development partner, Potomac Development Group, LLC, announce today that Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will open a new location at One Loudoun in Loudoun County, Virginia. The 34,000 square foot Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will be the first in the Washington, DC market area. Construction will commence in spring 2012 with a projected opening in spring 2013.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema combines in-theater dining, drinks, films and events, all under one roof. The theaters are world renowned for their unique programming events and high exhibition standards, earning accolades like “Best Theater Ever” by Time magazine and “the coolest theater in the world” by Wired. The theater is the brainchild of Tim and Karrie League who dreamed of opening a neighborhood theater that would provide the community with a great place to come together for entertainment as well as a second home to all movie fans.

“This type of mixed-entertainment venue is rare in Loudoun County and we’re thrilled to bring such a unique experience to the One Loudoun community,” said Bill May, vice president of Miller and Smith. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema announcement comes on the heels of the One Loudoun Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and successful opening event for the Welcome Center. More than 1,000 people interested in living at or opening a business in One Loudoun attended the event.

“This is the first of many retail and restaurant deals we are putting together to create a new downtown at One Loudoun, a place where people can enjoy a variety of quality shopping, dining and entertainment options,” said Tom Maskey, principal of Potomac Development Group and development manager for the downtown portion of One Loudoun.

For more information about retail leasing at One Loudoun, please contact Potomac Development Group at 571.299.4970 or visit www.potomacdevgrp.com. Potomac Development Group will be available at the ICSC 2012 Mid-Atlantic Conference & Deal Making event scheduled for February 21-22, 2012 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, MD.

For more information about One Loudoun, please visit www.oneloudoun.com or call the One Loudoun Welcome Center at 703.724.1111. Follow One Loudoun on Facebook and Twitter.

About One Loudoun:

One Loudoun is a premier 358-acre omni-use, master-planned community in Loudoun County, Virginia that will feature 1,040 residential homes, 702,000 square feet of retail to include fine dining, upscale shopping, luxury hotel and movie theater, three-million square feet of office space, a clubhouse with pool, and an amphitheater – all surrounded by approximately 150-acres of public land and miles of walking trails. One Loudoun will also be home to the World Trade Center Dulles Airport, projected to serve as a powerful economic development engine by promoting both international trade and domestic investment around the world. One Loudoun has completed more than $30 million in public infrastructure including an elementary school and 16 lane miles of new roads. Loudoun County, VA is the fastest-growing suburb of Metropolitan Washington, DC, and enjoys the highest average household income in the United States. Visit www.oneloudoun.com to learn more or follow on Facebook and Twitter .

About Alamo Drafthouse Cinema:

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United States and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed “The Geek Telluride” by Variety. Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood Studios. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s collectible art boutique, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, visit www.drafthouse.com

About Miller & Smith:

Founded in 1964, Miller & Smith is a privately owned builder and developer who is active in both residential and commercial real estate and has earned a reputation for creating innovative and imaginative homes and communities. One of the largest private homebuilders in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, Miller & Smith has built more than 5,250 single family homes, 8,600 townhomes, and 2,100 condominiums and developed 12,500 home sites in 90 communities throughout Maryland, Virginia and Delaware and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. For more information about Miller & Smith, visit www.millerandsmith.com. Follow Miller & Smith on Facebook and Twitter.

About NASH:

NASH is a subsidiary of SEKISUI HOUSE, LTD, Japan’s largest homebuilder. For more than 50 years, SEKISUI HOUSE has been building homes and communities in Japan and throughout the world, with an international reputation for innovative technologies, precise building techniques and eco-friendly homes of the highest quality.

At NASH, we share our parent company’s philosophy of creating environmentally sound communities based on long-held traditions of maintaining ecological balance and sustaining asset appreciation. Our expertise, coupled with our solid performance record, ensures that our projects bring enduring satisfaction and substantial returns for our communities’ residents, neighbors and surrounding institutions, as well as for our company partners.

We believe that prosperity and sustainability are integrally connected. As leaders in environmental design, NASH creates communities that blend mindful planning with design excellence for a dynamic mix of innovation, sustainability and superior quality. We create communities that are vibrant and connected, communities that last for generation after generation, communities that are full of life!

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., NASH is currently invested in developing communities in Texas, Virginia and Washington. For more information, visit www.nashcommunities.com.

About Potomac Development Group:

Potomac Development Group LLC is a privately-owned, Fairfax, VA-based, development, consulting, and investment firm specializing in retail and mixed-use real estate projects. The four principals — Tom Maskey, Peter Hackett, Jeff Parana, and Tony Mehl — have over 100 years of combined experience and have directed the development, construction, and leasing of several of the most successful, highly-acclaimed mixed-use real estate projects in the Washington DC Metropolitan region. For more information about Potomac Development Group, visit www.potomacdevgrp.com.

Media Contact:
Julie Dillon | Miller & Smith
703.821.2500, ext. 190
jdillon@millerandsmith.com

Stephanie Orton Lynch | Delucchi Plus
202.248.5855
slynch@delucchiplus.com

Brandy Fons- Fons PR
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Publicist
310.809.8882
Brandy@fonspr.com