Most people hear the term "sticker shock" and they think of cars.  For military families relocating to Fort Belvoir from other bases around the country the term can also explain their first reaction to housing prices in Northern Virginia.  Today's market has helped lessen that shock but it is still something to consider as you decide whether you should buy a home in the area.

One of the many benefits that the military offers is the VA loan which has made a comeback for buyers in Northern Virginia over the last year.  The first thing I recommend to anyone with PCS orders to Fort Belvoir is to verify their BAH rate for the area, this will help you with understanding how much of a payment you might be comfortable making.  Then take a look at your VA loan eligibility status.  If you are eligible then you should go ahead and request your Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) directly from the VA or most lenders will have the ability to request the certificate electronically as well. 

Why have VA loans become popular again?  Due to the changes in lending rules a VA loan offers the advantage of a low down payment, no pre-payment penalties, easier qualification and loans are assumable which could be an advantage when you go to sell your home in a few years.  In our current market the VA funding fee which had been a sticking point for sellers a few years ago is now just part of making the deal happen easing the way for a seller to see the benefit of accepting an offer with a VA loan.

Once you have looked at your BAH rates, spoken with a mortgage professional who understands the VA loan process (if you need a recommendation let me know), then you are ready to begin to explore many of the great neighborhoods within commuting range of Fort Belvoir.  Whether you are looking for a condo, townhouse or detached home there are some terrific choices within 30 minutes of the main gate of base. 

You can start your search for a new home near Fort Belvoir online to get a feel for some of the local communities.  Once you narrow down your search you need an agent who is knows the area (I'm a native) and understands military moves then you may want to give me a call.  I've walked in your shoes from the Far East to Europe and know what it is like to make a military move.  I promise I'll help you through your "sticker shock" and find a place that you will be glad to call home during your time at Fort Belvoir!

A few communities to get your search started:
Springfield Virginia
Kingstowne
Belmont Bay

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As an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Allegiance in Northern Virginia and native of the area I can assist you whether you are buying, selling or renting a home anywhere in Northern Virginia. For more information about the area or my services you can check VaRealEstateTalk or my Northern Virginia website.

Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

Fort Belvoir's history goes back to the founding of Fairfax County, the settling of Virginia and the beginning of our nation's history. The 8,656-acre tract along the Potomac River which now makes us Fort Belvoir was once part of a land grant from a 17th century English king. Control of the land, known as the Northern Neck, was handed the sixth Lord Fairfax.  For the next 100 years the lands that make up Fort Belvoir passed from the Fairfax family through a series of other sales (including a public auction) and eventually in 1912 led to the acquisition of the property by the War Department. 

Fast forward to today and you find a thriving military and civilian community that is a significant presence in Fairfax County.  Most people think of Fort Belvoir as a huge Army base which is true but it is also home to over 100 organizations including the Army, US Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Department of Defense and Department of the Treasury among others.  Within the 8,656 acres that make up Fort Belvoir you will find an 1,360 acre wildlife refugee,  142 miles of roads, 1,275 buildings and 22,154 working military and civilian personnel. 

Many recent improvements to the roads, housing, shopping and recreation are clearly evident to anyone who takes a tour inside the gates.  When you first arrive at Fort Belvoir's Tulley Gate (where you will need to register your car) and head into the base you will be surprised to find the new Town Center something that is a first on any Army installation.  Designed to mimic an urban town center the same as what military personnel would find in many of the surrounding communities the town center features the offices of the residential community director, a Starbucks, a Rent-A Center store, a day spa, restaurants and residential units located above the stores. 

The next big change coming to Fort Belvoir will be the new state of the art hospital to replace DeWitt Hospital. When the announcement was made in 2005 that Walter Reed Army Medical Center would be closing it was obvious that the current would not support the almost 85,000 military and civilian patients that the area has. The new hospital will have 1.2 million square feet of space and have the facilities to support all of the new technologies needed for a leading medical facility. The new hospital will open in 2010.

Word is still out on how and when the BRAC influx of personnel will officially begin though new jobs are starting to trickle into the base.  The final decision on how many new building will be constructed, how many jobs will be relocated to the base Fort Belvoir, the Proving Grounds in Springfield or at a new facility by the Springfield Metro are still pending.  When those decision are approved anyone coming to the area can expect to see even more changes than are already evident with the new town center and the Dewitt Hospital plans.

So that is a quick tour of a few new and exciting changes happening at Fort Belvoir. There is a lot to see and do when you get here both in and outside the gates. If you have orders to head to Fort Belvoir this year give me a call. I'll be glad to help you with all of your questions about the area and show you around.

Base Website
http://www.belvoir.army.mil/


County Websites
Fairfax: http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/
Alexandria: http://www.ci.alexandria.va.us/
Arlington: http://www.co.arlington.va.us/
Prince William: http://www.pwcgov.org/

It doesn't matter if it is your first move or your tenth finding out that you are relocating to another part of the country always brings up questions.  Trying to find resources to help you with learning about the neighborhoods, commuting options, schools and what is there to do in the area can take hours of your time and sometimes leave you with more questions than answers.

For anyone who is looking to move to the Northern Virginia and DC area my on-line relocation guide is designed to give you an overview of what Northern Virginia has to offer and provide you with personal insight from a native of the area.  I've been in your shoes having moved a number of times as a military spouse and know what it is like to be on the prowl for "insider" information on the area.

The Northern Virginia relocation guide is Cliffs Notes version of what you can find throughout my blog.   Feel free to read the full version by clicking on any of the links that catch your attention.

Chapter I-General Information

I hope you have enjoyed this condensed version of all that Northern Virginia and the surrounding area have to offer you.  If you find that Northern Virginia is going to be your new home this year I hope you will give me a call.  Let my knowledge of the area and my real estate experience be the winning combination that makes your transition a smooth one.

©2008. All Rights Reserved. Cindy Jones
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As an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Allegiance in Northern Virginia and native of the area I can assist you whether you are buying, selling or renting a home anywhere in Northern Virginia. For more information about the area or my services you can check VaRealEstateTalk or my Northern Virginia website.

Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.