Yesterday was the Rally to Protect Homeownership in Washington DC.  According to the count by the National Park Service we were 13,000 strong on the grounds of the Washington Monument yesterday morning. 

The rally was not just a chance to stand around idly to talk about the value of homeownership but part of the annual mid-year conference held in DC every year.

Besides hearing from other Realtors® at the rally Sen. Johnny Isakson from (GA) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD) also spoke about the importance of homeownership to the American economy.   What they didn't say and might not have struck anyone but me was the Washington Monument is current closed due to a large structural crack.  No one can get inside to see the beautiful views of Washington DC from the top.  Thousands of visitors are turned away with no chance of getting inside the doors.  The same is now true with homeownership in the US.  There are thousands standing just outside the door of their new homes but they can't get in due to chagnes in mortgage lending and appraisal rules.

Shifting lending rules to a to a "one size fits all" mentality has kept thousands of qualified buyers from buying a new home.  Changing down-payment rules, increasing monthly mortgage premiums and reducing potential closing cost assistance are just a few of the changes FHA has put in place impacting most first time homebuyers. 

Making sure that Congress understands the negative impact of changing the current mortgage tax deduction would have on homeownership is major concern to anyone who owns or hopes to own a home in the future.  Holding lenders accountable to do what was annouced by the White Houses as part of the $25 billion settlement in March 2012 should be a top priorty.

Lenders have not stepped up to the plate to streamine the short sale process and assisting our military servicemembers with PCS orders.  Calls to lenders about new programs for assistance by my clients have meet with responses including "it takes time to roll out these programs" or "we are unware of any program changes."  Answers which continue to leave the financial future of homeonwers in the lurch.

Hopefully the noice from yesterday's Realtor® Rally to Protect Homeownership was heard on Capitol Hill and the meetings that took place this week will spur lenders to do the right thing now.

 

What the developer said in 1961 said today about Kings Park is still true today.  You only need to drive through the neighborhood 50 years later to see how the trees have matured on the 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots or walk to the park to see the neighbors enjoying the neighborhood pool in the summer to understand why.

Kings Park also has something you don't find in many other neighborhoods.  They have their own ensemble band to entertain at the numerous community events held throughout the year.  This past spring they celebrated the 50th anniversary with a Pot Luck dinner attended by close to 600 residents.

The other reason Kings Park remains popular is the location.  With nearby shopping and multiple commuting options the neighborhood has a lot to offer.  In addition residents in Kings Park have walking or biking access to the 493 acre Lake Accotink Park.  The park features a 55 acre lake, a minature golf course, boat rentals, fishing and a 4 mile loop trail.

If you are interested in seeing what's available for buyers today in Kings Park check out Kings Park Homes for Sale.

Call Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group at 703-346-2213 to learn more about Kings Park.

 

 

 

 

 

This morning Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group went to settlement on our waterfront townhouse listing in Powells Landing in Woodbridge VA.  The owners of the home had left the area on PCS orders in 2009 and were eligible for the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).

The owners contacted me after reading a number of blog articles I had written about DoD HAP benefits and we discussed their eligibility for the program and next steps.  The tenants who live in the property are also military and were helpful in working with us on showings. 

This is our 36th closing on homes in the Northern Virginia area since the HAP program was approved.  We've been fortunate to work with so many families who had the option to use the benefits offered by the program in our down market.  For all of these families it would have meant holding on to their homes for many years or face a short sale or VA Compromise sale.

The tenants have a new landlord for a short period of time while they pack up for their move.  We look forward to our next DoD HAP settlement next week just a few miles up the road in Springfield VA.

If you are a military family in the Northern Virginia area give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about your options.  The deadline for DoD HAP applications is quickly approaching.

One of the question many home buyer's ask is "how are the schools?"  Though as Realtors® we can't tell you any details about local schools we can provide you a list of resources to check to determine whether the school is one that's right for your children.

For home buyers looking in West Springfield Hwill be pleased to know that the US News and World Report Education Edition recently ranked West Springfield High School number 12 in the State of Virginia.  Per the West Springfield High School website the school offers one of the highest number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses among Fairfax County Schools.

If you are looking for a new home in the West Springfield High School boundaries give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group at 703-346-2213.

 

$595,000 : 8710 Etta Dr, Springfield

5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,451 sq ft

Lot size: 9,524 sqft

 

$714,900 : 7213 Danford Ln, Springfield

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,772 sq ft

Lot size: 14,230 sqft

 

$525,000 : 7903 Jansen Dr, Springfield

4 beds, 3 full baths

Lot size: 12,891 sqft

 

$559,900 : 8714 Arley Dr, Springfield

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Lot size: 10,743 sqft

 

$474,900 : 7833 Brompton St, Springfield

5 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Lot size: 14,982 sqft

The homes above are just a sampling of homes for sale in the West Springfield High School boundaries.  To see additional homes check out West Springfield Homes for Sale.  If you find a home you think might be in the West Springfield High School boundaries you can check the Fairfax County Schools Boundaires website for more information.

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day was first celebrated in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observence.  Since then every year the Friday before Mother's Day is set aside to thank those who stand beside our troops during both peace and conflict. 

 If you know a military spouse who is holding down the fort while their loved one is away today would be a great day to treat them to a special lunch, dinner or even offer to watch the kids so they can have some quiet time.

Thank you to all the military spouses around the world for your support of our troops.

 

Potomac Club in Woodbridge VA is a newer planned community which has caught the attention of savvy buyers. 

The crown jewel of thei Potomac Club neighborhood s the incredible $12 million dollar club house which sits at the entrance to the neighborhood.  Featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, a rock climbing wall, billiards room and casual lounge the clubhouse is designed as a place for residents to gather and relax.   The club also is a WiFi hot spot and business center giving residents who need to work from home the convenience of quiet spot to hold a meeting or get some work done just outside their own front door.

The opening of the new Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center within walking distance of the community which includes a Wegmans grocery store, Zoe's kitchen, Uncle Julio's and more shops coming this fall has added to the appeal of the Potomac Club neighborhood.  Also nearby are Potomac Mills Mall, Ikea and Costco.  The expansion of the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center provides close by medical and emergency care.

Multiple commuting options are available within a short distance of Potomac Club including park and ride lot at the mall and the Rippon VRE station.  Quantico is within 15 miles to the south (reverse commute), Fort Belvoir is within 20 miles to the north. 

This townhouse was on the market less than 24 hours when we had a fully ratified contract.  Priced at $310,000 the 3 level 3 BR/2.5 BA end unit townhouse offers a well maintained and upgraded home for the buyer.  If you are a homeonwer in Potomac Club and are thinking about selling give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213.

 

 

When West Springfield was first being built the developers didn't knock down every tree they could see and flatten the hills.  Instead they left the gently rolling hills and many trees.

Now West Springfield residents can still enjoy the outdoors in their backyards but also the dozens of local and Fairfax County Parks that dot the area as well.

Whether it's South Run or Wakefield Recreation Centers, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Lake Accotink or Huntsman Lake (to name a few) residents can find a variety of outdoor activities to keep them busy all year round.

Residents of West Springfield also benefit from a wide variety of commuter options to DC, as well as neighborhoods within 10 miles of Fort Belvoir and NGA. 

For residents with school age children the West Springfield HS Pyramid offers a good selection of elementary schools feeding to West Springfield HS.

The only thing home buyers looking in West Springfield today can't find are homes for sale for under $35,000.  You can find Condos, Townhouses and Detached homes at a variety of price points through out of the West Springfield area.

Take a tour of some West Springfield (22152) homes for sale.

West Springfield Townhouses & Detached Homes For Sale (22152)

West Springfield Condominiums for Sale (22152)

 

 

Call Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group at 703-346-2213 to talk about the best option for you in West Springfield and the surrounding area.

 

 

If you are just moving to West Springfield (VA) from another part of the country the term "slug line" make you go YUCK. However for anyone who has lived in the area for awhile the term "slug line" means a great way to get from a West Springfield neighborhood to the Pentagon or other major DC employment areas.

One of the questions that anyone relocated to the area asks is about public transportation options. Once newcomers understand the value of a slug line...it is FREE then they wonder if they can find a home within a mile of a slug line.

The good news is that the local MLS does give us the option to do a map search based on homes within a radius and it is easy to provide a list of available homes within a specified area. For example this map shows a one mile radius around four specific slug lines close to popular West Springfield neighborhoods.

1. Cardinal Forest Shopping Center/Shell Station
South side of Old Keene Mill Road

2. Daventry
Hunter Village Drive and Old Keene Mill Road

2. Sydenstricker Commuter Lot
Sydensticker and Fairfax County Parkway
Bus and Slug Line

4. Rolling Valley Commuter Lot
Next to Rolling Valley Shopping Center
9300 Old Keene Mill Road
Bus and Slug Line

If you are considering a move to West Springfield and need help look for a home close to a "slug line" or any other form of public transportation give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213.Let our experience put you on the road to home ownership and maybe even find you a free ride to your office.

 

 

Orange Hunt Estates is one of the well established West Springfield neighborhoods that continues to attract new buyers every year.   The neighborhood was first established in 1967 and is located off of Old Keene Mill Rd.  With mature trees and a strong civic association the neighborhood has retained the original exterior architecture and welcoming community atmosphere.

The community offers membership in the pool and tennis courts in the neighborhood.  There is a community park as well.  With multiple metro bus stops on the two main streets, as well as two close by commuter lots, it is easy for homeowners to get into DC for work.  Orange Hunt Estates also offers easy access to Fort Belvoir and NGA. 

There are multiple shopping centers close by which offer grocery stores, Starbucks, Austin Grill, Ledo Pizza and much more.  The Fairfax County South Run Recreation Center with indoor pool and exercise facilty are less than 2 miles away.

To date in 2012 there have been 15 listings in Orange Hunt Estates.  There have been 3 closings ranging from a low of $350,000 to a fully rennovated home for $458,000.  Currently there are 2 Active listings and 10 properties under contract.  If you are interested in learning more about buying a home in Orange Hunt Estates give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213.

Showing properties 1 - 2 of 2. See more Orange Hunt in West Springield.
(all data current as of 4/27/2012)

1. 
   $474,888 : 6600 Jenny Dee Pl, Springfield
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,345 sq ft

   Lot size: 13,080 sqft
   
   
   
   
2. $439,000 : 6915 Sydenstricker Rd, Springfield
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,723 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,621 sqft

 

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 

 

 

Market Update for Springfield VA Zip Code 22152

DOM is Realtor® speak for Days on Market

With buyers considering the West Springfield zip code of 22152 it was time to take a closer look at how the market in the 22152 zip code is doing. .  The buyer's are looking at options in Kings Park, Orange Hunt Estates and Rolling Valley West all of popular West Springfield neighborhoods..

The number of new listings is well below this time last year.  In April 2011 there were 87 active listings on the market. In March 2012 there were only 50 active listings in West Springfield.

 

One would think with lower inventory homes would be flying off the market.  We are seeing multiple offers on properties but buyers are more cautious, a good thing and taking longer to write their offers.  recovery.

 

Prices for detached homes and townhouses have risen from last year showing the Springfield 22152 zip code is making a steady recovery.

Wonder what’s on the market in Springfield now?  Check out a few of the properties available and if buying a home in West Springfield VA is on your to do list, give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about any of these homes for sale or other options in the Springfield area.

Showing properties 1 - 34 of 34. See more West Springfield 22152.
(all data current as of 4/24/2012)

1. $469,900 : 7833 Brompton St, Springfield
   
   5 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Lot size: 14,982 sqft
2. 
   
   
   
   $2,500 : 6351 Regal Oak Dr, Springfield
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Lot size: 2,541 sqft
3. 
   
   
   
   $449,900 : 8310 Greeley Blvd, Springfield
   
   6 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,289 sq ft

   Lot size: 11,835 sqft
4. 
   
   
   $2,300 : 8309 Ridge Crossing Ln, Springfield
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 2,310 sq ft

   Lot size: 1,672 sqft
5. 
   
   
   $2,500 : 9109 Fisteris Ct, Springfield
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,134 sq ft

   Lot size: 3,063 sqft
6. 
   
   
   $359,000 : 7710 Jansen Dr, Springfield
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Lot size: 16,606 sqft
7. 
   
   
   $515,000 : 8405 Paige Glen Ave, Springfield
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Lot size: 10,315 sqft
8. 
   
   
   $535,000 : 8300 Greeley Blvd, Springfield
   
   5 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,350 sq ft

   Lot size: 13,382 sqft

 

 

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.