People should not let the Federal Reserve's expected decision to raise its benchmark rate in the coming months exert too much influence over their decision-making when it comes to residential real estate properties.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/21/2016 -- The Federal Reserve will not be raising the federal funds rate in June because of lackluster job creation last month. This is a reversal from more positive sentiments expressed before the jobs data came out. Given the connection between the federal funds rate and other interest rates such as U.S. mortgage rates, it is unsurprising that residential real estate consumers are paying close attention to the Fed's pronouncements. However, a strong case can be made that the extent of the federal funds rate's influence on U.S. mortgage rates is exaggerated.

First, it is important to note that the Federal Reserve is supposed to set the federal funds rate in order to promote the economic well-being of the United States. As a result, it would of course not increase the federal funds rate were that to cause a recession. Thus, its stated intention to do so sometime in the near future is a sign of its confidence in the U.S. economy. And since a strong U.S. economy tends to mean a strong U.S. housing market as well, real estate consumers should not let the prospect of rising interest rates unduly concern them.

Second, even if the Federal Reserve proceeds to raise its benchmark rate, the expected impact on the U.S. housing market may well be limited. In part, this is because the current Federal Reserve is not the Federal Reserve of the 90's under Alan Greenspan, which was willing to raise the federal funds rate by entire percentage points at a time. Today's Federal Reserve is much more cautious, which in turn, means less movement for interest rates.

Furthermore, statistics comparing the federal funds rate and U.S. mortgage rates do not show a perfect correlation between them. For example, when the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate between mid 2004 and mid 2005, the average 30-year fixed mortgage actually fell from 6.3 percent to 5.58 percent. Furthermore, Doug Duncan, chief economist at Fannie Mae, stated in December of 2015 that even if the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by a full percentage point in 2016, the average 30-year mortgage is estimated to rise from 3.9 percent to 4.1 percent, which is a relatively minor change.

As a result, those seeking to to either buy or sell residential real estate should not let the Federal Reserve's possible increase in its interest rate in 2016 play too much of a role in their decision-making. Whether they need to buy a new home to fit a growing family or they need to sell their home because they are planning to move, consumers should expect only a minor increase in the federal funds rate. This should translate into only a small increase in mortgage interest rates, if any. To keep up-to-date on future developments, interested individuals should seek out both a qualified mortgage professional for an appropriate loan product as well as a skilled and experienced real estate agent such as John Seggerman to assist with real estate transactions.

About John Seggerman
John Seggerman is a leading innovator in the real estate industry. He writes about informative tips his clients need in an ever changing housing market. His valuable insight has helped to save his clients' money and time in their home purchases and sales. For more information, visit www.johnseggerman.com.

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A Virginia-based real estate agent hones in on a semi-annual forecast for the real estate market that’s less bullish, while yet still foreseeing continued economic expansion for the next two years.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/08/2016 -- Seggerman Homes is gearing up to assist homebuyers and investors as forecasters foresee continued economic expansion through 2017.

According to a three-year economic forecast from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Center for Capital Markets and Real Estate that was released last fall, the real estate market is projected to continue expanding at healthy and fairly steady levels through 2017.

Seggerman explained that the ULI Real Estate Consensus Forecast, a semi-annual outlook, is based on a survey of 48 of the industry's top economists and analysts representing 36 of the country's leading real estate investment, advisory, and research firms and organizations.

Seggerman, who is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., went on to point out that the US economy and real estate markets are in much better shape than in most other countries, but global economies and capital markets are increasingly inter-related. Still, the vast majority of indicators in the forecast indicate favorable economic and capital markets in the U.S., as well as moderately strong real estate fundamentals and investment returns.

According to the ULI report, the Consensus Forecast predicts that single-family housing starts will increase to 745,000 in 2015, 842,000 in 2016, and 900,000 in 2017, but still remain below the 20-year average. Home price increases are expected to moderate to 5.0 percent in 2015, 4.3 percent in 2016, and 3.9 percent in 2017. Compared to six months ago, forecasts for housing starts in 2015 and 2016 are more optimistic, while the forecast for 2017 remains unchanged.

Regarding real estate capital markets, commercial real estate transaction volume is expected to remain stable at around $500 billion in all three forecast years. Issuance of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) is expected to continue to grow steadily through 2017, with projected increases to $110 billion in 2015 to $130 billion in 2016 and to $140 billion in 2017.

For more information, please visit: http://www.seggermanhomes.com, http://www.johnseggerman.com or stop by Seggerman's Main Office at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101.

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A Virginia-based real estate agent is doing all he can to serve all homebuyers, and looks forward to the increase in millennial homebuyers in the near future.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/29/2016 -- According to an article published by InsideNOVA, millennials are expected to have a large impact on the housing market in the near future. Real Estate Agent John Seggerman is prepared to help this growing number of millennial homebuyers find the home that fits all of their needs.

"There's something special about helping others find a home within which they can build their lives and have cherished memories," said John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes. "I have years of experience searching for homes to best fit the needs of my clients. I provide multi-pronged guidance, which is a source of pride in my business. With much of the millennial generation preparing to enter the housing market, I am excited to help these largely first-time homebuyers transition into the market. However, I of course work with clients of all age groups."

Seggerman, whose four years as a foreign policy adviser in the U.S. Senate was part of his 15 years of increasing responsibility (Legislative Assistant and Legislative Director) in both the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, explained that according to the InsideNOVA article, millennials are more connected than other generations. This increasing connectedness of millennials makes it both challenging and exciting for real estate professionals.

In order to meet the needs of the millennial generation, real estate professionals must be current with social media and technology in general. "Millennials often seek to integrate their tech-savvy way of life with the process of buying and selling real estate," stated John Seggerman.

Seggerman, who is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., went on to point out that among all generations of homebuyers, the first method of choice in the home buying process is searching online for properties for sale.

"Being reliable, trustworthy, detail-oriented and having a strong understanding of the sales contract," Seggerman commented about what's most important to him in the real estate business.

But potential homebuyers don't have to just take Seggerman's word for it. Past clients vouch for his expertise.

"John marketed and sold our home in North Arlington and we could not have been happier with the service and results," two previous clients said jointly, while adding, "Prior to listing the home, he gave us some useful suggestions in preparation while providing complimentary professional staging services. Throughout the time the home was on the market, John was diligent in marketing the home and attended to every detail. John's negotiation skills and hard work resulted in a great price for our home and a smooth transaction. We would certainly recommend him to other home sellers."

A second set of previous clients also endorsed Seggerman's services and results, saying their experience with John is one of the best they've ever had and went on to recommend that anyone in the real estate market contact him.

"We enlisted the services of John, who in 2015 successfully marketed and sold our luxury condo in DC. We knew going in that this would be a challenging transaction, since a previous effort to list it fell short for several reasons. John's experience, deliberate manner, and attention to detail were invaluable in obtaining for us a very good price in a smooth transaction. John didn't just ensure that we had a contract on our unit, but he made sure that it closed - a very important distinction. There are always many hurdles and obstacles with a successful closing, and ours simply would not have happened without John's expertise. We are convinced that many realtors would not have surmounted the challenges of selling this particular property in this particular condo building. We highly recommend John for anyone interested in buying or selling residential real estate in the DC metro area. "

For more information, please visit: http://www.seggermanhomes.com or stop by Seggerman's Main Office at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101

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A successful DC-area real estate agent expresses his view that the Fed's modest action and possible further moves this year should not be a driving force for consumers.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/20/2016 -- An increase in federal rate hikes often times have consequences for mortgage borrowers, but thanks to the services provided and results delivered by a Virginia-based real estate agent, both buyers and sellers can mitigate any consequences and are in good hands.

"Potential buyers and or sellers should reach out me," said John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes.

So what does the Fed's interest rate hike mean, if anything, for residential real estate?

Seggerman, who spent four years as foreign policy adviser in the U.S. Senate and 15 years of increasing responsibility (Legislative Assistant and Legislative Director) in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, reacted to the Federal Reserve's raising of the federal funds rate by 25 basis points last December.

"It seems like it has been endless months, if not years, that we have been warned about an impending rate hike," Seggerman pointed out. "This has compelled some consumers to consider this rate hike in the context of buying or selling a home. People constantly ask me what the interest rate increase means for the market. My short answer would be a twist on a line from FDR: the only thing we have to worry about is worry itself. There are several reasons why I think last month's big news should not be the principal factor guiding people's homebuying and homeselling decisions."

The first reason, according to Seggerman, is that the Fed's increase shows that the body has confidence in the U.S. economy. Accordingly, a sound economy, he said, should induce confidence in the real estate sector.

"The second reason is that if the economy were to take a downturn - which is possible given the recent turmoil in worldwide stock markets - the Fed would be less inclined to continue raising rates," Seggerman noted. "And third, the Federal Reserve benchmark rates do not neatly track with mortgage rates. In fact, Fannie Mae's chief economist expects 30-year mortgage rates to increase only modestly - from 3.9% to 4.1% - if the Fed increased rates by a full percentage point this year. Fourth, this increase and expected further increases in 2016 are quite modest when compared to Alan Greenspan's full point increases of the 1990's."

Finally, Seggerman stressed, some experts speculate that mortgage rates could even go down further following the Fed's increase. Not long ago, from mid-2004 through mid-2005 as the Fed was raising its benchmark rate, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined from 6.3% to 5.58%.

"So my view on last month's big news is that consumers ought to stay the course on residential real estate - there will always be real life reasons to buy and sell a home due to family changes, job changes, etc.," said Seggerman.

Seggerman added that despite the market conditions and rate hikes, he has the knowledge and experience to help both buyers and sellers get what they want.

As to why Seggerman, who is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., is so successful in helping clients and why potential buyers and or sellers should contact him, the real estate agent credited his honesty, intelligence, and understanding of the business.

Past clients vouch for Seggerman's expertise:

"John marketed and sold our home in North Arlington and we could not have been happier with the service and results," two previous clients said jointly, while adding, "Prior to listing the home, he gave us some useful suggestions in preparation while providing complimentary professional staging services. Throughout the time the home was on the market, John was diligent in marketing the home and attended to every detail. John's negotiation skills and hard work resulted in a great price for our home and a smooth transaction. We would certainly recommend him to other home sellers."

A second set of previous clients also complimented Seggerman's services and results, saying their experience with Seggerman is one of the best they've ever had and went on to recommend that anyone in the residential real estate market should contact Seggerman.

"We enlisted the services of John, who in 2015 successfully marketed and sold our luxury condo in DC. We knew going in that this would be a challenging transaction, since a previous effort to list it fell short for several reasons. John's experience, deliberate manner and attention to detail were invaluable in obtaining for us a very good price in a smooth transaction. John didn't just ensure that we had a contract on our unit, but he made sure that it closed - a very important distinction. There are always many hurdles and obstacles with a successful closing, and ours simply would not have happened without John's expertise. We are convinced that many realtors would not have surmounted the challenges of selling this particular property in this particular condo building. We highly recommend John for anyone interested in buying or selling residential real estate in the DC metro area."

For more information, please visit: http://www.seggermanhomes.com - http://www.johnseggerman.com or stop by Seggerman's Main Office at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The real estate market in Washington DC has been strong over the past four years. Looking at recent home sales and unemployment data, John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes expects 2016 to be another strong year with continued growth in the market.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/17/2015 -- The real estate market in Washington DC has been strong since 2012. The market regularly saw year-over-year increases in both the number of homes sold and average home sale prices, with the only two exceptions being small 1-percent decreases in average home prices in September 2014 and June 2015. These outliers were balanced out by increases between 1 and 9 percent in the many other months during that time.

This data has John Seggerman enthusiastic about the District's real estate market in 2016, which he expects to continue to grow. When asked about the housing data, John Seggerman is quick to also point to the unemployment rate in the metro area. When adjusted for seasonal changes, Washington DC's unemployment rate has steadily decreased since 2011.

John Seggerman explains, "Over the past few years, the real estate market has been steadily improving, as has the job market. Homeowners in the district have seen their property values increase, which gives them more purchasing power when they go to buy a new condo or house. Additionally, more people are working, so the number of people who can qualify for a mortgage and bid on a home is increasing. Together, these trends should continue to grow Washington DC's real estate market in 2016."

According to John Seggerman, this growth has many benefits. "Higher prices are obviously good for home sellers," he says. "A growing market can also benefit homebuyers, though, as they can have confidence in their investment in a home. For most people, a house or condo is their largest purchase. When it goes up in value that's a good thing."

For more information, please visit http://johnseggerman.weichertagentpages.com/

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The Virginia Association of REALTORS has released information showing that more homes were sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia at higher prices in October of 2015 compared to the same month in 2014. This is a useful reminder that the Virginia housing market remains strong despite economic concerns.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/07/2015 -- On November 20, 2015, the Virginia Association of REALTORS released its Home Sales report for the month of October, which revealed a couple of interesting statistics. First, the number of home sales rose by 2.83 percent on a year-over-year basis. Second, the median sales price rose by 1.54 percent from $246,200 to $250,000 on a year-over-year basis. Combined, these statistics mean that the Virginia housing market was more active in October of 2015 than in October of 2014, which should come as welcome news for those who are concerned about an economic slowdown.

For homeowners who want to sell their homes but plan to wait out the winter, this could be a sign that selling now rather than later might not be a bad idea. After all, wintertime conditions create both risks and opportunities for home sellers, meaning that the right choices can still lead to the right results even in the coldest season. For example, fewer home sellers in winter means less competition. This may benefit sellers because there will be buyers with time constraints who cannot wait until next Spring.

However, there are other reasons to believe that selling now rather than later might be advisable. For example, many homebuyers are probably choosing to buy homes in the near-term because interest rates on the average 30-year fixed mortgage remain around 4.0%. Moreover, there appears to be some consensus that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates soon. Finally, a falling unemployment rate plus other improvements in long-term market indicators mean that US consumers are gaining confidence in the US economy, which is likely to result in continued strengthening of the US real estate market as a whole.

Those interested in capitalizing on these opportunities to either buy or sell a home can contact John Seggerman for skilled and reliable assistance.

For more information, please visit http://www.seggermanhomes.com/

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December typically is not the strongest month of the year for home sales, because many people are preoccupied with the holidays. John Seggerman, however, recommends sellers consider listing homes in Northern Virginia this December, because data from George Mason University shows potential growth in the real estate market.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/07/2015 -- December is usually one of the slower months of the year for home sales, because many people are preoccupied with the holidays. John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes, however, suggests that homeowners who are considering selling their homes soon might want to list them this December, because data from George Mason University suggests potential growth in the market.

While total home sales in December are unlikely to exceed home sales in June, July or August, home sales this December could easily exceed home sales in December 2014. Recently, average home sales prices in Northern Virginia this past September and October exceeded average home sales prices in September and October 2014, by 2 and 3 percent respectively. Going further back, the number of December home sales in the area has grown each year since 2012. Most recently, December 2014 total home sales were 5 percent higher than December 2013 total home sales.

Past figures are not a guarantee of growth this December, but the patterns suggest that Northern Virginia's real estate market could grow this December. For homeowners who want to sell their home soon, John Seggerman recommends taking advantage of this potential growth and listing homes for sale this December.

"The Northern Virginia real estate market is somewhat linked to the school calendar," John Seggerman explains. "June, July and August, when school's out for the summer, typically see the highest number of residential closings. December and January, though, also often have strong home sales. For homeowners who are selling, listing a home in Northern Virginia between the fall and spring semesters makes sense, and the data suggests this December might be promising."

For more information, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-seggerman-537a651

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Home sales in Northern Virginia decreased from September to October, but John Seggerman of Seggerman homes still sees strength in Northern Virginia's real estate market. He thinks this is simply a seasonal shift, which is to be expected, and the numbers still show strong year-over-year growth.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/16/2015 -- Home sales in Northern Virginia decreased from 3,402 in September to 3,053 in October - a 10 percent decline. This continued a pattern that began in July, when home sales dropped from their year-to-date peak of 4,927 in June to 4,571 in July.

Despite this pattern, John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes still sees strength in the Northern Virginia real estate market. He points to other data from George Mason University that shows growth in the Northern Virginia real estate market and explains that this downward trend in home sales is a normal seasonal shift.

When asked about the decline in home sales in the latter half of this year, John Seggerman first points to year-over-year data that shows solid growth in the market. He points out that every month this year has seen more home sales than the same month in 2014. Most recently, there were 3,053 homes sold in October 2015, compared to 2,955 in October 2014. An increase of 98 home sales in Northern Virginia might not seem significant, but it does show some growth.

Second, John Seggerman points out that there has been a recent increase in average home sale prices. Average home sale prices grew by 3 percent between August and October of this year, which is the highest increase since February.

"The Northern Virginia real estate market has seasonal shifts every year," John Seggerman says. "Market activity is tied to the school year, with the most activity occurring during the summer when kids are not in school. This recent drop in home sales is to be expected, but there are other signs that show the market for homes in Northern Virginia is still strong."

For more information, please visit http://www.seggermanhomes.com/

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The District of Columbia's real estate market shows indications of continued health according to area real estate agent John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/09/2015 -- As compared to a year ago, local real estate conditions in the nation's capital during September showed impressive growth in terms of new listings, new pending sales, and successfully closed transactions according to a report issued by Real Estate Business Intelligence LLC.

Specifically, there have been increases across the board: almost one percent for new listings, nearly ten percent for new pending deals, and an almost fifteen percent bump in successfully closed sales.

"These indications speak to the long-term health of the city's real estate market, and are illustrated by the fact that these data points are all dramatically above the existing 5-year September averages," said local real estate expert John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes.

Additionally, although September's median prices dipped a modest 1.5% from August 2015 (from $520,000 to $512,000) median housing prices in Washington D.C. have increased more than ten percent from the numbers posted during September 2014. This indicates a healthy overall market.

The only data points indicating a slight slowdown is the average amount of time a property is on the market.

"Days on market" is a strong indicator of the vibrancy of real estate, and evidence indicates that the Washington DC market, despite a recent lull, is still experiencing brisk turnovers. Information supplied by Real Estate Business Intelligence LLC shows that properties are remaining on the market for only 38 days on average in 2015.

With overall D.C. sales prices up from this time last year and a reasonably-sized pool of available property, the District of Columbia's residential sales market is showing real signs of strength.

For more information, please visit http://www.seggermanhomes.com/

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A recent report from the Virginia Association of Realtors shows that the residential real estate market in Virginia has improved in the past year. Although sales this past August were down from their peak earlier this summer, John Seggerman is optimistic because they're up compared to last August.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/01/2015 -- A recent report published by the Virginia Association of Realtors showed that the commonwealth's residential real estate market experienced strong growth over the past year. John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes notes several figures in the report -- and he's not overly concerned about a seasonal decrease that's also evident in the data.

Compared to earlier this summer, home sales in Virginia have begun to decline. August is typically slightly slower than the second quarter, though, as summer ends and the school year begins.

John Seggerman explains, "Seasonal shifts, like a slight decrease in activity at the end of summer, are normal in real estate. What is significant about this report isn't the month-to-month figures, but the comparison between August 2014 and this past August. Those numbers show growth."

Seggerman is correct. The comparison between last year and this year shows strong growth. Compared to August 2014, this past August saw:

- a 5.26 percent increase in total sales
- an increase in the median statewide selling price of almost 2 percent, from $262,000 to $266,500
- nearly a 4 percent increase in the total value of home sales

The total value of home sales in Virginia this past August was $3.22 billion.

While increases of 2, 4 or 5 percent might seem small, they show that the market has grown over the past year. These aren't seasonal adjustments, but increases in number and value of sales compared to last year.

According to John Seggerman, a strong real estate market can be positive for everyone. Sellers can get good prices for their homes, and buyers can feel confident in their purchases. "The Virginia real estate market isn't a seller's or a buyer's market -- it's a strong market," he concludes.

For more information on John Seggerman and Seggerman Homes, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-seggerman/1/a65/537

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Sellers in Northern Virginia, and throughout the state, are confident in the Virginia real estate market, according to a recent Roanoke College poll. John Seggerman, a Realtor who also is confident in the housing market, explains why all residents -- not just sellers -- should feel good about Virginia's real estate market.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/24/2015 -- According to a recent poll conducted by Roanoke College, Northern Virginia homeowners are confident in Virginia's real estate market. Throughout the state, 64 percent of residents feel that the state's real estate market has improved since 2014, and 52 percent believe it will continue to improve. Confidence is particularly strong among homeowners in Northern Virginia who are selling their homes. John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes echoes these sentiments, and he explains why.

Residents' confidence in the real estate market isn't just sentimental. It's backed up by data. As John Seggerman notes that:

- Listing prices throughout Virginia have risen by $20,000 over the past year
- Home prices across the state are above their 15-year average
- Virginia's unemployment rate is down to 4.7 percent, which is significantly below the national average of 5.1 percent
- Interest rates continue to remain low

"The housing market has remained strong over the past year, despite a large number of new homes being built," John Seggerman says. "When interest rates go up again, which they will eventually, fewer new homes will be built. This slowdown in new homes could counter-balance any adverse effect that higher interest rates may have on the re-sale market."

These insights suggest that homeowners who are selling aren't the only ones who should be confident in Northern Virginia's real estate market. It's a great time to sell, because housing prices have risen in the past year. It's also a great time to keep a home, because prices may well continue to rise. Finally, it's even a great time to buy a home, before interest rates go up.

John Seggerman is excited about Virginia's real estate market because it's not just a buyer's or seller's market. It's a strong market in which everyone can have confidence.

For more information, visit http://www.seggermanhomes.com/

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As stock markets across the world are on a roller coaster and give investors pause, home prices in the United States continue to rise -- across the country, home prices have increased 6.9 percent in the past year. John Seggerman thinks residential real estate in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia might be an especially attractive investment.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/09/2015 -- Across the United States, home prices are up 6.9 percent over the past year. They rose 1.7 percent from June to July alone. As stock markets see saw across the world, the increase in residential real estate prices in the U.S. has intrigued many investors. For those near the Capital, John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes thinks that the real estate market in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia could be an especially attractive investment.

An increase in home prices is good news for any homeowner, but this increase is especially noteworthy for investors, because it includes distressed sales. Distressed sales often give investors an inexpensive opportunity to get into the rising real estate market. John Seggerman explains that a distressed sale is "a sale in which the seller is forced to sell quickly, and the price is often lower than the potential value of the property." These are the types of sales that investors seek out, because they offer the highest potential return.

In some areas, investing in real estate, even through a distressed sale, can be risky. Florida and California, for example, have notoriously volatile real estate markets.

John Seggerman points out that Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia, however, have comparatively stable markets. The government and military institutions are somewhat immune to private sector economic fluctuations. In addition, the Capital Region continually draws in newcomers, who of course need to buy homes. For investors who can purchase a distressed property in a rising real estate market, a continual influx of homebuyers is good news.

For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-seggerman/1/a65/537

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Virginia's real estate market remains strong, as it has been for the past several years. For homeowners who want to sell their house, John Seggerman recommends that sellers consider taking advantage of the good market and listing their homes in the near term.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/31/2015 -- John Seggerman, a seasoned real estate professional in Virginia, has seen many trends in home sales. He has experienced a strong market in most areas of the DC metro region ever since the economy began to recover from the Great Recession. For homeowners in the area who want to sell their house, John Seggerman suggests now might be the time to list it in order to take advantage of the good market in Northern Virginia.

This summer, residential sales in the Commonwealth of Virginia are up 11 percent over last year, according to an official report published by the Virginia Association of Realtor's. The second quarter of 2015 has been the strongest second quarter since 2008. In all, sales in Q2 totaled $10.6 billion.

This news is good for homeowners both in the DC suburbs and throughout the Commonwealth. In the Hampton Roads/Chesapeake area, home prices have slightly dropped, causing the new median sales price to be $202,000. This is the only area in the state that has seen a decrease, though.

Every other region in Virginia is witnessing an increase in average home sale prices and total real estate sales, and, in some areas, the increase is significant:

- Central Virginia has seen a 13.9-percent increase in sales over last year

- The average price per square foot in Northern Virginia has increased 3.3 percent, up to $380

- Many counties, including Arlington, Fairfax and Alexandria, have an average time on market of just two weeks

- Throughout Virginia, sales-to-list price ratios are 97 percent and higher

All of this, John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes says, shows that the real estate market in most areas of Virginia has become a seller's market. Housing prices have risen over the past year, and buyers are purchasing homes quickly and paying close to the list price. For homeowners in Virginia, it could be an ideal time to sell. With the assistance of an experienced professional like John Seggerman, homeowners can maximize their home's value in today's strong market.

For more information, visit http://www.seggermanhomes.com/

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John Seggerman has his finger on the pulse of the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. area's real estate market and has seen a record number of home sales thus far this summer. His advice to those looking to purchase a home in these areas is to be prepared for sales to continue their record pace.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/07/2015 -- John Seggerman is a consummate professional in the local real estate market. He often states that he believes "a house is typically the most significant, most complex, and most emotionally challenging purchase an individual or household makes throughout a life time." It is his desire to inform potential buyers interested in purchasing a home in the area over the summer and into fall, the proper procedures to take on a fast-paced market.

Being preapproved for a loan is a great asset to buyers, among other things as it lets them know how much home they can afford. This ensures they do not spend a lot of time looking at houses outside their range, and possibly missing the ideal home. Loan preapproval also shows the seller that the buyer is serious and is not just "browsing." If a buyer is facing a multiple bid situation, as it sometimes does in a seller's market, having a strong loan pre approval could be the tipping point for reaching agreement on a ratified sales contract.

Earnest money talks. Seggerman says the higher amount of earnest money put down when making the initial offer, the better they look on paper to the seller. Earnest money remains in the broker's escrow account until the deal is done. At which point, it will go toward the down payment or closing costs or if the deal falls apart, it will be returned to the buyer.

The location, schools, home size, neighborhood, and other important "must haves" should be fully understood by the agent to ensure that buyers aren't wasting their time looking at properties and houses that don't meet their criteria. It is crucial in a seller's market to be particular, looking only at homes that have all the boxes checked. Seggerman advises that buyers may not get everything they are looking for, but it is often necessary to overlook some of the less important items on the list, in favor of the biggest ones. If a buyer gets 80% of what they want in a home purchase, they've done pretty well.

First time homebuyers, those looking to downsize, new residents relocating to the area, investors, and even those just wishing to find a new home, should all work with a professional when the local real estate market is a fast paced competitive market. A professional like John Seggerman knows the area and has years of professional real estate marketing skills that he puts to work every time a buyer or seller comes to him seeking assistance.

For more information, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laO0XhG_Puw

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John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes is enthusiastic about the improvement of Virginia's housing market: first-time home buyers take the credit

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/14/2015 -- John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes/Weichert Realtors is an experienced residential real estate agent based in Northern Virginia. He's been a witness to incredible change in the real estate industry during his time as an agent, especially during the past seven years.

While Seggerman remains confident that the market will continue to grow, he's well aware of the fact that there are individuals who are wary of buying a home, while others lack useful information and thus remain confused about the whole process.

Results from a Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond survey show that the Virginia housing market is improving. The annual survey, released Monday, reveals that the housing market in Virginia has seen notable improvement in the first half of the year as compared to the same period one year ago.

The online survey which took place between May 4 and May 15, 2015 attracted 354 participants who also happened to be members of the Virginia Association of Realtors. The Richmond Fed survey required one to answer 16 questions intended to gauge the state of the housing market in early 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.

First-time home buyers took the credit for the Virginia housing market improvement. They were represented by 45% of the 354 survey participants. "We saw a noticeable improvement in the residential housing sector in the commonwealth this year." This was Andy Bauer's take on the survey results.

Andy Bauer is the senior regional economist for the Richmond Fed. He also noted that severe winter weather was a factor that highly impacted the housing market in 2014 and 2015. According to 47% of those surveyed, sales were, "in a way," negatively affected by weather; while 20% cited that the weather "greatly" affected overall sales.

It was also observed that there was a notable increase of customer traffic in most regions – between 39% and 53%. The purchase range of homes also greatly varied. For instance, the average cost of a home in Virginia's Northern region was at $400,000 or more, while the Southwest and Southside regions featured lower prices of less than $200,000.

Survey highlights:

- 51% of the participants reported that median sales prices were slightly or significantly higher, up from 41% in 2014.

- 59% of the participants indicated appraisals were "about right"; 37% suggested that they were too low; down from 40% in 2014, 53% in 2013 and 58% in 2012.

- 70% of the participants expected home sales to increase, while just 9% expected home prices to decrease.

For more information regarding the housing market or Seggerman Homes, please visit http://www.SeggermanHomes.com

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John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes wants first time homebuyers to educate themselves on programs that will help make purchasing their first home possible.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/29/2015 -- John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes/Weichert Realtors located in McLean, VA has a philosophy to which he adheres, one which has garnered him much success in bringing homebuyers and their new homes together. Seggerman credits his "straightforward approach, born from the recognition that a home is often the biggest, most complex, and most emotionally challenging purchase a person or family makes."

Seggerman is licensed to sell real estate in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. He is also a long-time member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR). However, one of his most fulfilling endeavors is helping first time homebuyers, who sometimes need more information than do repeat buyers. Seggerman seeks to direct first time buyers to information about programs that will help with down payments, closing costs, repairs and the like. Sometimes, these and other programs might otherwise be overlooked. Seggerman is not a loan officer, so thus counsels all of his clients to utilize the services of licensed and trusted lenders before making any decision on financing.

Virginia has in its arsenal five plus programs aimed at helping first time purchasers. The Virginia Housing Development Authority Loans is a statewide program that offers several options to help eligible buyers afford a house. The loans have low, fixed rates, and one program helps cover down payment and closing costs for those that qualify. In addition, the Downpayment Assistance Program (DPA) in Virginia offers several options with low and fixed rates, and down payment and closing cost assistance. A loan officer can provide further details on the other programs and how to apply for assistance.

Maryland has several programs as well. One of the best is the First Time Home Buyer Program through The Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development. These provide down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a product called DSELP. They also have grants available for first time buyers. With a grant, the grantee does not have to pay back the loan.

The DC Bond Program sets low fixed rate loans, helps with down payments, and even assists with closing costs. The DCHFA "DC Open Doors" Program pays your down payment with an additional, forgivable 5 Year Down Payment loan. The loan DOES NOT have to be paid back. Credit scores must be fair to good and household incomes must be lower than $123,395 per year to qualify.

John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes is knowledgeable and can direct his clients to the best information about these programs. It is his hope to help them find more than just a house, but a home.

About Seggerman Homes
John Seggerman is a D.C. metro area real estate agent who loves the region in which he's lived and worked for 30 years. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert, Realtors, which operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Located at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300. For more information, visit http://www.seggermanhomes.com/

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With new jobs coming to the area, John Seggerman predicts that home sales in the Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland areas this summer will exceed the 2014 summer. However, new construction will fall below demand

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/18/2015 -- John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes located in Mclean, VA is a local expert with regard to real estate marketing and trends in the Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland area. With over 25 years in the local real estate marketplace, John predicts that home sales will remain strong throughout the summer months and into the fall. With new jobs becoming available in the second half of 2015, employees relocating to the area may find that construction is not keeping up with demand.

Seggerman warns buyers that a lack of construction, especially as it relates to affordable housing, will continue to be a long-term issue in the area. Especially with new job opportunities projected to be 40,000, new home construction will continue to be well below demand. This could have a significant impact on buyers as they seek to purchase homes.

David Versel, a senior research associate at the well-regarded Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University stated, "We're only adding 10,000 to 12,000 new single-family homes per year, which is a mismatch that could cause rampant price increases if job growth ramps up as anticipated. Land prices in this area are so expensive that builders need to either build a luxury product or high-density condos because we've simply run out of land, especially in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County."

At the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors' Market and Economic Briefing for Northern Virginia this Spring, Versel stated that an average of 22,000 to 23,000 new housing units are currently being constructed per year. This compares with an average of 35,000 to 40,000 built annually during the housing boom.

Buyers should expect to require the services of a local expert, such as John Seggerman, in order to compete successfully. Properties are often snapped up quickly; thus working with a professional who can access the best information and construct the best offer will be an asset to buyers in this demanding marketplace.

About Seggerman Homes
John Seggerman is a D.C. metro area real estate agent who loves the region in which he's lived and worked for 30 years. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert, Realtors, which operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Located at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/20/2015 -- How Do the Seasons Influence the Real Estate Market?

The seasons have significant influence over consumer priorities, so it should come as no surprise to learn that some of that influence shows its effects in the real estate market. As a result, some seasons make better times to sell homes, while other seasons make better times to buy homes. These are considerations that both homeowners and would-be homeowners should keep in mind when approaching the real estate market.

In particular, it is important to note that spring and fall are the best seasons in which to sell homes, since those are the seasons in which homes often sell for the highest prices in the shortest amount of time.

Why Is Spring a Good Season to Sell?

In part, spring is an excellent season in which to sell because spring blossoms and shoots in the absence of snow build-up make their exteriors that much more pleasing to the senses. This serves to create a positive impression among housing consumers, making it that much easier for homeowners to keep buyers interested and impressed when touring the rest of their homes.

However, it is also important to point out that spring is a season in which it makes sense for housing consumers to start searching for new homes. The exact reason varies from consumer to consumer, but common examples range from people becoming revitalized with the onset of spring to people wanting to complete their moves before heading out on vacation with their families in summer.

Why is Fall a Good Season to Sell?

First, fall is similar to spring in that it is easier to set a positive initial impression. The weather tends to be nice and cool, while the surroundings pop with bold and brilliant colors as leaves begin to change. This is particularly true with Indian summers, which serve to extend the selling season with their soothing warmth.

Second, fall encourages housing consumers to get their real estate transactions completed before winter can set in. After all, few buyers want to move in winter, meaning that they may well prefer to pay a higher price in fall than risk a lot of hassle by waiting until the cold weather arrives.

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It is important to note that these generalizations are not applicable to all of the real estate properties that can be found in today's market. For example, vacation homes tend to be most popular in spring and summer, since those are the seasons in which most people plan to make use of them. As a result, if you are interested in selling your home, you should not hesitate to contact us at Seggerman Homes for the expertise and experience needed to ensure the best sale prices and the fastest sale times.

About John Seggerman
John Seggerman is a D.C. metro area real estate agent who loves the region in which he's lived and worked for 30 years. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert, Realtors, which operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Located at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive , McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300.

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Seggerman Homes Honored with the 2014 Weichert's Ambassador's Club Award

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/06/2015 -- John Seggerman has made serving the real estate needs of the greater Washington D.C. metro area his passion. As such, it is with much pride that John is able to announce that his LLC, Seggerman Homes, is the recipient of the 2014 Weichert's Ambassador's Club Award.

No stranger to the limelight, this accolade represents the third year in a row that Seggerman Homes has garnered the Ambassador's Club Award. Additionally, John has been tapped for membership of the Executive and Chairman's Club in previous years.

Ambassador Club winners are recognized for their professional excellence and achieving over $8 million in settled volume, or forty settled transactions during the previous year.

John has worked with an array of clients from first-time condominium buyers to owners of multi-million dollar properties throughout the greater Washington Metro area. Since starting his business a decade ago upon earning his real estate license, John had successfully brokered more than $54 million in sales volume throughout the region.

From the suburban neighborhoods of McLean, Virginia to downtown Baltimore, Maryland and all points in between, John Seggerman applies what he calls, "The Weichert Difference." That difference represents a heightened sense of customer service that Seggerman Homes delivers to every one of their clients.

"I believe in the unique, personal nature of real estate," said Seggerman. "That's why we provide a personal and knowledgeable service that is truly quick to respond to your individual needs. Our familiarity with local markets and listings makes us the 'Neighborhood Specialist' that you can come to for the latest information on pricing trends, home values, and much more though the greater Washington D.C. area."

Buying property can be complex and confusing, but the professionals here at Seggerman Homes are dedicated to making the process as easy and stress-free as possible for buyers and sellers alike.

About John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes
John Seggerman is a mid-Atlantic real estate agent who loves the D.C. metropolitan area. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert Realty, which serves Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. An Equal Housing Opportunity. Located at: McLean / Old Dominion, 6257 Old Dominion Drive , McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300

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Seggerman’s first recommendation is that new homebuyers consider their lifestyles and households. “They should seek a home that’s comfortable...

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/24/2015 -- John Seggerman serves Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland as an experienced residential real estate agent. In his time as an agent, he's seen real estate undergo tremendous change, particularly in the past seven years. While Seggerman expects his market to continue experiencing positive change, he knows many clients are wary of buying a home or are confused about the process.

Seggerman's first recommendation is that new home buyers consider their lifestyles and households. "They should seek a home that's comfortable and will meet immediate needs before seeking one with the latest gadgets or most storage space," Seggerman explains.

Seggerman has recommendations for home sellers, as well. "Make sure your home is ready for showing and staging. Many sellers leave small tasks undone – they don't paint where they should, leave fixtures in rough shape, or don't replace old carpet or furniture that's showing its age." Seggerman recommends sellers clean their homes thoroughly and sometimes even undergo a thorough professional inspection. In some cases, Seggerman offers professional staging services at no cost to the seller. "We can tell you what makes a home look and feel great. We'll give you advice on your homes appearance as well as estimates on what you may need to replace and the time it will take," Seggerman says.

A number of Seggerman's clients are renters. Whether tenants rent an actual home, an apartment, or a duplex, Seggerman recommends landlords "inspect the home regularly and clearly delineate tenant responsibilities." Some of the blame can fall on the realtor's shoulders if a tenant finds unexpected insect or rodent problems, is expected to pay for minor repairs, or undergoes a rent change soon after moving in. Whether renting or buying, Seggerman also recommends clients familiarize themselves with supplemental information about the neighborhood – school districts, recreation, shopping and other factors. He asks that readers visit his website for this and other information.

johnseggerman.weichertagentpages.com

About John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes
John Seggerman is a D.C. metro area real estate agent who loves the region in which he's lived and worked for 30 years. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert, Realtors, which operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Located at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

John Seggerman offers new website with robust information on local area and neighborhoods.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/17/2015 -- The economic slump of 2008 and the incremental recovery of the ensuing seven years marked significant changes for real estate businesses. One such change is the necessity for realtors to be knowledgeable not only about their immediate work area, but also about the surrounding communities their clients might wish to purchase homes. Realtors can no longer mention supplemental information in passing. They must be prepared to answer all client questions regarding potential neighborhoods.

Seggerman Homes has embraced this change more successfully than most realtors in the Mid-Atlantic region. Agent John Seggerman prides himself on being a "neighborhood specialist" who keeps clients apprised of all home price changes, community activities, and home values. His website includes three thorough property search options: searches by area, searches by school district and searches by map. These search options keep Seggerman and agents like him apprised of the most and least popular places to purchase a home in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Seggerman urges clients to make supplemental information a priority when buying a home. "Too many homebuyers think of the neighborhood, activities, and school districts last," he explains. "They end up dissatisfied because these factors contain elements they didn't expect." For example, an older couple without children might think they don't need to know about school districts. Yet if they purchase a home near a large school, Seggerman says, "they'll need to drive more carefully and be prepared for more noise and people." A young millennial might think he or she wants a home in the middle of Washington, D.C. If that person is environmentally-conscious though, air pollution and traffic might sour him or her on the location and the realtor that sold the home.

Seggerman Homes understand that inspectors, contractors, and construction workers are vital components of supplemental information. "Some of our clients buy older homes because they enjoy restoration, but may find themselves overwhelmed," Seggerman cautions. "Not all home professionals are created equal, so our website includes links to highly-rated local movers, contractors, home inspectors etc.

"We serve everyone from the recent college graduate starting out in the workforce to the seasoned corporate executive who's worked in D.C. for twenty years," Seggerman explains. "Thus, our agency and website caters to everyone." For the environmentally-conscious person who must commute, the Seggerman Homes site provides plenty of information about popular parks, golf courses, and walking/biking trails. The public has instant access to school districts, Washington, D.C. festivals, and other popular recreational activities.

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About John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes
John Seggerman is a D.C. metro area real estate agent who loves the region in which he's lived and worked for 30 years. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert, Realtors, which operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Located at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

As the economy rebounds, more sectors in the economy are experiencing positive turnarounds and increased client interest.

McLean, VA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/12/2015 -- As the economy rebounds, more sectors in the economy are experiencing positive turnarounds and increased client interest. This is particularly true for the real estate market in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas such as McLean and Arlington, Virginia. Real estate agent John Seggerman is celebrating his 10th anniversary providing real estate services in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland and expects the outlook of real estate to become increasingly positive in 2015.

Careers are a big reason Seggerman Homes projects success for his business and others. Many of Seggerman's clients purchase homes in the suburban areas surrounding Washington, D.C. This provides access to careers in a variety of fields as well as several commuting options for each one. Seggerman notes that clients can also change jobs or pick up new ones easily in today's economy. "Underemployment is a significant problem for millennials and older generations," he says. "Many of my clients have to work several jobs at once. It's my goal to make home ownership attainable while directing them to one of the biggest job markets available."

Seggerman also cites his area's specific attractions as reasons for local real estate's projected success. He explains Arlington, McLean, Alexandria, Falls Church, and other areas where he works are unique because they let clients live comfortable, suburban lifestyles while giving them complete access to the active and opportunity-filled D.C. area. "Clients feel less confined to one or two school districts, a certain set of weekend activities, or a certain amount of recreational resources," Seggerman explains.

Since Seggerman works to be a "specialist in neighborhoods, home values, and price trends," clients can build rapport with him and be assured their realtor knows and loves the places they work. "Many realtors are only knowledgeable about a few areas," Seggerman says. "I want to stay informed more comprehensively so my clients can all reach their goals."

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About John Seggerman of Seggerman Homes
John Seggerman is a D.C. metro area real estate agent who loves the region in which he's lived and worked for 30 years. He is a "neighborhood specialist" to all clients and is committed to answering any questions and concerns that come across his desk. Seggerman Homes and John Seggerman are associated with Weichert, Realtors, which operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Located at: 6257 Old Dominion Drive , McLean, VA 22101 - Phone: 703-821-8300.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm