- Their property included a house and 12 acres, but six of the acres had been sold the previous year with another brokerage.
- The house had a driveway over 1/3 mile long, and it was on a septic system and well – no public utilities were available.
- The house and remaining six acres had been on the market for 18 months(!), and there had been no offers. Nada. Not one.
- First, the land couldn’t be developed. In fact, developers weren’t interested. Why? When the first six acres were sold by the first brokerage, the new boundaries essentially land-locked the house. So, an easement was created in order for the owners to have a driveway with access to a public road. Unfortunately, the easement for the driveway was for a private residence – not for a development.
- Just as important, the feasibility of building even a second house on the lot was slim. The lot was very hilly, heavily wooded, bordered by a stream, and was long and very narrow. There was no guarantee that a second house, second well, second septic field, and extended driveway could be placed on the property and also have the necessary setbacks. Therefore, this was another major reason developers weren’t interested in the property -- they simply couldn't build on it.
- Understandably, the real estate taxes for the six acres were considerably higher than listings with a similar-sized house due to the acerage. And this was a huge issue to potential buyers.
- Buyers didn’t view the long driveway favorably – instead of an asset it was viewed as a liability due to the cost of its upkeep and the potential for getting snowed in during the winter.
- Although the house had been lovingly cared for, the kitchen and bathrooms were at least 25-30 years old and needed to be renovated in order to compete with similar listings. At the time of the sale, a house renovation would have cost at least $200,000.
- Fairfax County has many stream valleys and parks that offer extensive green space. Many homeowners can live right next to them and benefit from living in an area with a “country feel” without having to be responsible for the land or pay the real estate taxes. Why buy 6 acres when you can live next to 20 and don't have to be responsible for them?
JaneEllen McLaughlin Saums
Compassionate & Trustworthy Always
REALTOR® Licensed in VA, DC, MD
c. 703.861.3523 | o. 703.738.9557
janeelle.saums@corcoranmce.com
janeellensells.com
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Copyright © Corcoran 2023 – 2026. Corcoran and the Corcoran Logo are trademarks of Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated offices are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Corcoran Group LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
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PARTNERED AFFILIATES
Copyright © Corcoran 2023 – 2025. Corcoran and the Corcoran Logo are trademarks of Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated offices are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Corcoran Group LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
© Corcoran McEnearney 2025. All rights reserved.
DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
