Recently I’ve found myself answering a number of calls from around the country about the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).  The issue?  Rumors that it will take 6 months to close a deal, that HAP has to ratify the buyers contract, that active duty military families buying a HAP listing get extra incentives and so many more.

Now the real experts on the DoD HAP program are the real estate specialists in the 4 regional offices throughout the country.  However after working with a number of military families in the Northern Virginia area list and sell their homes I’ve gotten a solid education on the process and an appreciation for the hard work that the staff at the regional offices are doing to process thousands of files.

So here are the answers I’ve learned in working with the program to help dispel some of the rumors and innuendos:

In the beginning before the program was fully approved and funded it did take 6 months to close a deal.  Today with funding, staff and processes in place my deals have been closing in a 60-75 day range.  This may vary depending on where your home is located and the date of your PCS orders but for my deals it seems to be a solid estimate.

NO-HAP does not ratify the contract.  The seller ratifies the contract. HAP processes the application and benefits.  There are eligibility requirements for the program that a seller must meet and the home must be sold at Fair Market Value.  The seller’s lender is not required to approve the sale as the loan is paid in full at settlement.  All within 30 days of them first contacting me about the program.

NO-there are no special incentives for another active duty family to buy a home being sold with HAP benefits. 

NO- military families do not pay tax on the amount of the benefits they receive.  This was removed as an amendment at the end of 2009.

NO-HAP sales are not short sales.  If a family sold their home as a short sale prior to the program implementation they can apply to HAP for retroactive benefits.  Consult your HAP region to discuss the process.

I’m sure other agents across the country may also have answered a number of these questions and more.  If so please add your information to the list.  Please no more rumors and innuendos.  The HAP program is working and more military families need to know that it exists and not have their sales derailed by incorrect information.

Recently a Prince William County family that had their home under contract as a short sale for 6 months contacting me about the program.  They were frustrated and visible upset by trying to get their short sale approved.  After talking over their situation they learned they were eligbile for HAP benefits,  a buyer  expressed interest in the home and the sellers ratified the contract.  We learned this week, 30 days after submitting the application, that the property will settle in May. 

If you are a military family living in Northern Virginia and qualify for DoD HAP benefits give me a call at 703-346-2213.  Let me show you how I’ve helped multiple families in area get their homes SOLD with the assistance of HAP benefits.



Note:  The Department of Defense HAP program is administered by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.   The program was expanded as part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to include PCS families, wounded warriors and surviving spouses.

Greentree Village is what you might expect to see in a community in Fairfax County, Virginia. Located in West Springfield, the neighborhood seems typical of many in the area. Brick front townhouses backing to trees and grassy islands slow traffic down for the kids to be able to play safely. Across the street from the neighborhood is one of the 380 parks maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority. A Fairfax County Connector bus stop is at the entrance to the neighborhood, within 15 minutes is the Springfield Metro, the Rolling Valley and Sydenstricker Slug Lines are all close by as well. Multiple shopping centers add to the appeal as well as being in the West Springfield HS Pyramid.

However the neighborhood also contains a little mystery as well. Tucked behind the basketball court protected by a wrought iron fence are three gravestones from the 1800's. One has the name Addison Keen and another one with the name Clarintine V. Close by you can also see a broken headstone for W. Keen. Unlike other historic graveyards in the area there are no markers to explain how these final resting places ended up in this location.

Anyone who drives through Springfield knows the main road is called Old Keene Mill and Greentree Village lies at an "L"to Old Keene Mill and Keen Road. So what part of the history of the area did the Keen family bring to this particular area? First of all there was a mill on the Pohick Stream that runs through the area and records show it was owned by William Keen. An 1850 census of the area shows that William Keen was 35 years old, married and his occupation was miller.

In 1855 William Keene was convicted of murdering another local man. Local history reports disagrees as to whether William Keen was legally convicted of the murder but he was sentenced to death by hang. Over the following years additional information came forward that perhaps there had been jury tampering which led to his conviction. In 1858 his death sentence was commuted to 10 years in prison by the governor of Virginia. However it is unknown what actually happened to him. Prison records were lost when parts of Richmond was burned during the Civil War. It is not known whether William Keen died in prison, was released or walked out along with all of the other prisoners in 1867.

Whatever the story it makes living in one of the 124 townhouses in Greentree Village just a bit more intriguing. So as you are wandering through your neighborhood in Fairfax County take a closer look around. There is an amazing amount of history tucked in very unusual places.

If you have PCS orders to Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon or any installation in the Military District of Washington, Greentree Village is one of the Springfield neighborhoods you should consider.  Give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me help you find the neighborhood that is just right for your needs. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a new home.

We don’t always get to decide who are neighbors are going to be. We take our chances when we see new houses going up around us. Deciding to put out the welcome mat often helps pull your new neighbors in and makes them feel welcome. And this is the case with Fort Belvoir and Kingstowne.

Another Northern Virginia military family has gone to settlement with the assistance of the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).

When their home in the Port Potomac neighborhood in Prince William County went on the market we were less than 24 hours away from the second major snow storm in the Northern Virginia area. The buyer who knew the neighborhood viewed the on-line tour of the Port Potomac townhouse and wrote an offer without stepping in the front door. The deal was smooth from start to finish and the representative from HAP arrived at the closing table with the funds to complete the deal.

For military families in Northern Virginia the HAP program means the difference between coming unintentional landlords or facing the process of a short sale.  The program is designed to help:

Active Duty Military Personnel with PCS orders who are upside down on their mortgage (home contract or purchase prior to July 1, 2006)
Wounded soldiers who must relocate due to medical conditions (wounded after 9/1/2001)
Surviving Spouses (death of military member after 9/1/2001)

As with any home sale the HAP program requires documentation and gathering the paperwork required prior to putting your home on the market is key.  Fortunately most Northern Virginia military familes can easily find what they need and if you have lost some of the required documents related to the purchase of your home there are ways to find it locally that I can assist you with. 

For more information on the qualifications for the program you can review the eligibility requirements at the US Army Corps of Engineer website.  If you are a military family in the Northern Virginia area stationed at Fort Belvoir, Quantico, the Pentagon or any installations part of the Military District of Washington give me a call at 703-346-2213.  Let my experience in helping multiple Northern Virginia military families settle their home sales using the DoD HAP program work for you.

Homeowners who discover the development of Dawson Landing in Prince William County are in for a treat.  No only do they live within walking distance to a Virginia Rail Express station but they also live on part of the land once belonging to Admiral Blackburn who designed George Washington’s Mount Vernon home.



With the 270 plus homes spread out on 1/3 to ½ acre lots divided by Rippon Blvd the neighborhood doesn’t feel cramped as some of the other nearby new developments.  Some homes offer views of the Neabsco Creek that runs along the edge of the development and leads out to the Potomac River.

Nearby Rippon Lodge gives owners a sense of the history of the area and when they are looking for new they can head to Wegman’s at the new Stonebridge Shopping Center or the Potomac Mills Mall.  Not only do owners have the convenience of walking to the Rippon VRE station but the major PRTC transit center is close by for multiple commuting options to DC and points west in Prince William County.  Quantico MCB is within 10 miles to the south and Fort Belvoir is within 10 miles to the north.

If you are looking for a home with space for your summer garden, easy access to area work centers and history close by then check out Dawson Landing in Prince William County.   Give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about the Dawson Landing neighborhood and the other great options for your new home in Prince William County.

Port Potomac is one of the popular new Prince William County Communities designed and developed in the last few years in Prince William County. Multiple builders including Ryan Homes, Drees Homes, NVR and Kettler Brothers have helped shape Port Potomac.

Port Potomac features easy access to the Rippon Landing VRE, I-95 and PRTC commuter lots. The neighborhood is also popular with military families stationed at Quantico, Fort Belvoir and the Pentagon. Nearby shopping includes the Potomac Mills Mall and the new Stonebridge Shopping Center with Wegmans grocery store and the new Zoes Kitchen

If you are a military family with PCS orders out of the Northern Virginia area this summer and qualify for the DoD HAP program give me a call. With my experience with HAP sales and low inventory of resale homes in the neighborhood I can help you put the SOLD sign in the yard of your Port Potomac home.

Call today 703-346-2213 for a no hassle, no pressure talk about buying or selling your home in today's Prince William County real estate market.

Port Potomac Homes for Sale

The tree lined streets of Charlestown, combined with the brick townhouses remind anyone driving through the area of Colonial Williamsburg. With primarily three level townhouses ranging from 1700 to a supersized 2700 square foot model, the townhomes feature curved staircases, hardwood floors (some under carpet) and brick walls surrounding the backyards. The HOA takes care of all of the exterior maintenance including a three year painting cycle and a new roof when needed.

Just around the corner from the townhouses of Charlestown are the detached homes of Cardinal Forest. With ¼ acre or larger lots the homes in Cardinal Forest show the care that owners have taken since the neighborhood was originally developed in the 1960's. From two level ramblers to the largest 5 bedroom colonial you can find a home that fits your needs.






For those in the know Lake Accotink Park has a back entrance off of Carrleigh Parkway. Years ago the only way to get into the park from the neighborhood was to take a dangerous walk across the railroad tracks. Fortunately the Fairfax County Park Authority built an enclosed pedestrian bridge so now you can ride your bike or walk to the park safely. Once at the park there is a 3.75 mile trail around the 55 acre lake for you to run, bike, walk and don't forget your fishing pole.

Commuting to the Pentagon is as simple as stepping outside your door and walking to 2-3 blocks to Forrester Blvd or Carrleigh Parkway If you aren't picked up by a commuter looking for slugs then you can grab the 18G Metro Bus. If you take the 7:18 bus you will be at the Pentagon at 7:50. How great is that? If Fort Belvoir is your destination then the commute is also 30 minutes or less depending on stoplights!

Both neighborhoods are located in the West Springfield HS Pyramid and the elementary school and HS are within walking distance. Want to shop? If you want you can walk to the Giant or Whole Foods Grocery Stores and while you are at the shopping center you can stop by Starbucks, Austin Grill or Chicken Out for bite to eat. If you need a few decorating ideas then stop in Calico Corners and to find a few whimsical gifts stop next door at Wits End.

If you have orders to the area call an agent who specializes in military relocation to Northern Virginia. Let my team put our knowledge of the area to work for you. We've been in your shoes numerous times and know how to help you make a smooth transition to your new home.

There just aren't enough words that can ever describe the view of the Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC when they are in bloom. It feels like walking under huge mounds of cotton candy. The air is sweet with the smell of the blossoms and the waves of pink seem to go on for ever.  Mark your calendars now for March 27 to April 11, 2010 for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.  Peak bloom dates for 2010 are projected to be April 3rd and 4th.  However it is to early for the National Park Service to give a 100% accurate projections on the official peak bloom days.

Top off the beautiful trees with the views of the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument and you have the best of both nature and history in front of your eyes. It doesn't matter where you are from or where you may be going; everyone smiles, photos are taken and picnics are shared.

The history of the Cherry Trees in Washington DC go back to 1912 when the then First Lady and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador planted the first two trees on the north side of the Tidal Basin. In all Japan sent over 3000 trees which were planted mostly around the Tidal Basin with others in Hains Point and on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Today the city has over 3700 Cherry trees that provide the show that thousands of people from around the world come to see once a year.

Taking a few hours every year to enjoy the sight of the trees and join the throngs of people reminds me of how great living in this city can be. With everything Washington DC offers we often forget in our busy lives to take in the beauty of the day. So mark your calendars now to make sure you don't miss the spectacular display that the National Cherry Blossoms provide to the Nations Capitol.  You will be glad you did!

Are you thinking about buying a home in the Lake Ridge community in Prince William County VA?  With great community ammenities, proximity to shopping and award winning schools, buyers considering Lake Ridge have a lot to enjoy.

Enjoy this quick tour of Lake Ridge and then check out our web page dedicated to Lake Ridge with full details of homes for sale, commuting options, schools and recreation.






if buying a home in Lake Ridge or other surrounding communities in Prince William County is in your future give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about your options.  No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether today's real estate market is the right time for you to buy a new home.

A sure sign of spring in Northern Virginia is the steady stream of PCS orders military families are receiving to head to their new duty station.  So far this year military families I am working with are heading around the world including Okinawa, Hawaii, Thailand and the more “usual” spots of FL, GA, SC and OH.

This year’s PCS orders bring a different level of stress than in former times.  Families who purchased a home when they arrived 4 or 5 years ago now are faced with a home that has lost value.  Deciding whether to sell or rent their home becomes a difficult decision.

For military families who purchased (or contracted to buy) their home prior to July 1, 2006 the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) is one solution that can help.  Designed to help offset the costs and loss associated with selling your Northern Virginia home in a down market the program is working well to help ease the pain of selling.

The program does have requirements and guidelines to follow including filling out the application available on the USACE website, a ratified contract and a loss of value of at least 10%.  In our area there has been no problem in meeting the loss in value criteria.  Homes MUST be sold for fair market value, no accepting low ball offers and due to a limitation of funding the deadline for PCS orders is now September 2010.

The best news would be if Congress authorized additional funding to change the dates associated with the HAP program.  However in the meantime any military member with PCS orders leaving the Northern Virginia area and selling their home needs to start the process.  With the huge influx of applications the real estate specialists in Savannah (supporting the Northern Virginia Region) are slammed with files.

If you are considering selling your home and using the DoD HAP program give me a call at 703-346-2213 to set up a time to talk through your situation.   I’ve successfully settled five transactions in 2010 and have more in process.  I understand the processing guidelines and have the latest updates from the Savannah office.    Let’s see if the HAP program can help you sell your Northern Virginia home.