Trying to pick the top five things to do in the DC area is like a Smothers Brothers comedy routine.  Mom always liked you best; no she always liked you best, how are you supposed to choose?  But choose I must.  As a native of the area I've had the good fortune to run up the stairs of the Washington Monument as a child with my out of town cousins and dip my feet in the Reflecting Pool on a hot summer day.  Since the stairs of the monument are now off limits and the Park Police frown on cooling your feet you will have to settle for a few snapshots of my favorite places in the DC area.







Lets face it no one can resist a Panda Bear.  So of course you have to put the National Zoo on the list.  Besides the Panda's there are of course Lions, Tigers and Bears.   With the beautiful setting nestled in Northwest DC the National Zoo is a place that you can enjoy at any age.   Bring a picnic and make a day of it.  Personally I'm always taken in by the Otters.  Any creature that gets to lie on its back in the water and shuck oysters has my vote!

 

 

No trip to DC is complete without visiting Arlington Cemetery.  Though it isn't a place that you hear people laughing, it is a place where you find reverence and history.   Whether you are stopping at the eternal flame at JFK's gravesite, watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns or looking over the grounds from the Lee-Custis Mansion you can't help but reflect on all of hero's known and unknown that keep America free.

 

 

Great Falls National Park in McLean Virginia is one of the wonderful National Parks in our area that residents and visitors can enjoy.  With over 800 acres and 15 miles of trails weekend hikers can find plenty of room to roam.  Even more impressive than the trails are the falls themselves and watching the kayakers who take them on.  Watching the daredevils on a summer day can't help but cool you down a bit and make you think about the first travelers who may have pondered how to cross the river at this awesome spot.

You can't help but feel a little smarter knowing that you are surrounded by so much knowledge when you visit the Library of Congress.  Started with the donation of the Thomas Jefferson book collection in 1815 the library now houses the largest rare book collection in the U.S.  The books aren't the only attraction.  The architecture of the building which was once considered controversial was called "the largest the largest, the costliest, and the safest" library when it was officially dedicated in 1897.

 

The fifth choice is definitely the hardest.  If I'm forced to stop at five then I'll have to go with the Lincoln Memorial at night.  Designed after the Parthenon in Athens the 36 columns represent the number of states in the union at the time Lincoln was assonated.  Famous for not only honoring our 16th US President but also where Martin Luther King stood and made his famous "I have a Dream Speech" in 1963 and where so many gather today to reflect how far our country has come. 

If you are coming to visit the area this summer make sure you bring plenty of water and call on your local Active Rain friends for a tour of our town.  We always love to show off the famous and infamous spots around town. 

More things to see and do while you are visiting the DC area:

Riding the Rails from DC to Alexandria
A Hero's Tour
Magical History Tour of Northern Virginia

If you are a buyer looking for a luxury home in Prince William County you need to check out River Falls.   This upscale community is located just off of the Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge. The community is built around the Old Hickory Golf Course with a club house that looks like you have driven up to a southern plantation.

Even though a good portion of the community is built around the golf course, non-golfers were not forgotten.  Spread out over 280 acres the community features pools, tennis & basketball courts and plenty of walking paths owners have their choice of activities. With its proximity to the Potomac Nationals Stadium families can enjoy susmmer evenings of minor league baseball.   Commuting to DC is not a problem with multiple options including the Belmont Bay VRE station, Omni Bus, Slug lines and quick access to I-95.

Resale homes are currently priced between $639,000-$1,500,000.  The best deal in River Falls today is an executive series (bank owned) home on 6.5 acres for less than $1,000,000. 

If you would like a personal tour of the great homes currently for sale in River Falls just give me a call.

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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.

 

The PCS orders have arrived! The phone has been ringing as military families around the world have gotten the word that their next duty station is in the Northern Virginia area.  The first few days after the PCS orders arrive all the questions about housing, schools and transportation can lead to sleepless nights.  Don't worry it is easy to find your way through the maze of options and get you settled in the area in no time.

Most military personnel headed to the area choose to live in either Fairfax, Prince William or Stafford Counties and whether you are going to buy or rent there are plenty of neighborhood options for you to choose from.  If you are thinking of buying a home, the current Northern Virginia market provides you the chance to find a good value on homes in neighborhoods scattered through out the area. Military personnel are dusting off their VA Certificate of Eligibility and checking with local lenders about the options available to use their VA loans. If buying is the plans make sure you have talked to a lender prior to making your house hunting trip. Knowing what monthly payment you are comfortable with is important for looking at homes in neighborhoods that meet your price criteria.

There are a number of neighborhoods in Northern Virginia that have always been popular with military families stationed throughout the area including Cardinal Forest, Belmont Bay, and Westridge are just a few of the choices.  The options are as varied and there is something for everyone in a wade range of prices.

If you have school age children starting with information on local schools through the Fairfax County or Prince William County or Stafford County  school sites or the Great Schools website will also assist you in determining the right neighborhood for your family.

The final big piece of the puzzle is how do I get around the area?  If you are coming from a smaller more laid back part of the country then driving around the roads in Northern Virginia can be a bit intimidating.  The good news is there are loads of transportation options for you to consider and there are plenty of families that find they can get by with one car.  With the price of gas at an all time high learning the ins and outs of our public transportation options is critical.

The best way to get through the maze is to call a Realtor® who has been through numerous military moves and is a native of the area. I’ve lived through the best and worst military moves and know how to help your family learn about Northern Virginia and find a neighborhood that you will want to call home during your tour of duty. My military relocation network is at your fingertips through my on-line resources, on the phone and in person. Don’t lose sleep over your orders. I’m here to help you with a smooth transition!

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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.

 

 

 

I doubt that either of these two terrific people ever had to kiss a frog in their lives but they certainly learned that when it comes to looking for a new home that you do have to look at a few frogs before you find your prince.

In this case we found a few homes that frogs would definitely love.  A little bit of water in the basement, overgrown yards and a few bugs for sustenance.  However as with any house hunt you just have to keep on looking.  We named a few of the houses along the way "granite house", "squishy basement house" and "overgrown yard house."  In the end we found just the right house and yesterday it became theirs.


With a little bit of paint (who doesn't love a camouflage basement), carpet cleaning and a new refrigerator this home will be a gem.   The home even got the parents approval, an important piece of the puzzle.  Thanks to a VA loan, a cooperative bank (foreclosure) and an listing agent who stayed on top of their side of the transaction, we went from contract to closing in 3 weeks.

So another foreclosure in Prince William County is off the market and in good hands.  Congratulations you two and may you have many happy years in your new home!

 

If you haven’t been stationed in Northern Virginia before one of the first things that you want to become familiar with are all the different commuting options available. Depending on the neighborhood you may have the option for an express bus, a metro ride, VRE or slug line. Many who “slug” in the morning take a bus home in the evening, so you are not stuck with just one choice of how to come and go.

Once you have an idea of your commuting options then we can take a closer look at some of the Fairfax County neighborhoods that have always been popular with military personnel. This tour takes you down Old Keene Mill Road one of the main throughfares in Springfield. One of those neighborhoods is the tree lined neighborhood of Cardinal Forest located in West Springfield.

With well maintained homes spread out on large lots, the ability to walk to Accotink Park and express Metro bus (18G) service to the Pentagon this area has been a prime location since it was built in the late 1960’s. 

 

 

Just around the corner is the townhouse community of Charlestown. Built to reflect Colonial Williamsburg the all brick homes are well maintained by the homeowners and the association. Having lived in and owned a townhouse in Charlestown for five years I can personally attest to the popularity of the neighborhood and the convenience for commuting to DC. The HOA is responsible for all of the exterior maintenance of the homes, including a three year paint cycle for trim, brick courtyard walls, roofs, front yard mowing and trash removal.

Just as with Cardinal Forest you can walk to all of the same recreation, shopping and commuting options. The largest model town houses the Concord and Hermatage have 2500 square feet of living space on three levels.  

 

 

 

The final stop on this tour down Keene Mill Road is the neighborhood of Orange Hunt Estates. Orange Hunt also is on a direct bus line to the Pentagon and is only minutes away from one of the major slug lines and connector bus points in the area. Just like Cardinal Forest the homes in Orange Hunt Estates sit on large tree lined lots and have been maintained well over the years by the owners.

Close by is Huntsman Lake, South Run Community Center and Burke Lake Park. Our family called Huntsman Estates home (connected to Orange Hunt Estates) home for seven years and would ride our bikes from our house to Burke Lake Park and back, a perfect 11 mile loop to enjoy on a nice day. 

 All of these neighborhoods are part of the West Springfield HS Pyramid.

So if you are looking for affordable neighborhoods in Fairfax County with loads of commuting options to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir or other military bases in the area, consider these terrific neighborhoods.  If your orders bring you to Northern Virginia this year give me a call. I've been through the best and worst of military moves and know how stressful it can be.

If buying is not in your plans. Don’t worry I am happy to help you find a place to rent in any of these or other Northern Virginia neighborhoods as well.

 

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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.

 

 

To sell your home in Northern Virginia you have to find the right balance between price and condition.  Many buyers think that the "bargain" house is the one with the big foreclosure sign in the front yard.  But if they dig a little deeper they may find the gem in the neighborhood may actually be the home that is owned by an individual who has to move for reasons that have nothing to do with their mortgage payments.

When a savvy buyer begins to balance the costs, both real and hidden, of a foreclosure they can often be shocked to learn that a house just a few doors down that is priced well is a better deal in the long run.  Besides just the dollar factors associated with repairs there is the peace of mind factor that comes with something as simple as the ability to conduct a real home inspection.


So what does this mean for most sellers?  It is a fact that in today's market you must price your home right the moment that you put it on the market.  You don't have the option to overprice your home and hope that a buyer will overpay.  Certainly if your home is in top condition then you would expect to get more than the foreclosure down the street, however does that property just need cosmetic work to make it the same as yours or does it need a total overhaul?  If the foreclosure only needs cosmetic work and is priced right then you can't price yours $20,000 more and hope that it will sell.

The market in Northern Virginia is tough.   Homes of all types are selling and many are selling in a reasonable period of time.  Don't be fooled into to thinking that your home is worth more than it is.  Some buyers will pay more for the peace of mind that comes from buying a home where they can talk to the owner.  But they won't overpay.  Appraisers won't overvalue and lenders won't lend more than today's market value.

Find the right balance for your home and the sold sign will follow. 

For more information on selling your home in Northern Virginia give me a call and check out my other articles on selling your home in today's market.

If You List it They Will Come
Pricing Your Home to Sell
Marketing Your Home for All It's Worth

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

 

 

In Virginia there is a Lemon Law on the books to protect consumers who purchase a car which is later found to have serious defects. However, there is no such law when it comes to protecting buyers when they are purchasing a home.   "Bargain" homes at first blush can look to be outdated but in decent shape.  However sometimes when you start to look a little deeper you can start to uncover more serious issues.

Buyers in today's market who are focusing their search on foreclosure properties are the latest buyers who may find themselves caught in the newest version of the Money Pit.  Buyers who don't have strong handman skills or deep pockets need to understand what they are getting into when buying a foreclosure.  Banks rarely make any repairs and with properties with all of the utilites off making even a cursory examination of the appliances, plumbing or air condition is impossible.  Most buyers are given the option to have a home inspection "for information purposes" but that phrase doesn't give you an out in your contract.

For buyers who are working directly with a private seller the option for a home inspection is front and center.  The home inspection can give you peace of mind and the opportunity should you find serious defects in the home to walk away from your contract.  This is a rare occuarance but let's face occassionally we do find lemons and no matter how hard we try we can't make lemonade out of them.  When that happens the ability to void the contract is well worth it.

So as you are out looking at homes to buy in Northern Virginia you need to look at the whole picture.  If your "bargain" foreclosure property is going to set you back $50,000 in repairs is it really a bargain?  If you spend a little more you might be able to give yourself peace of mind by knowing more about the biggest single expenditure you might make in your life.  Make sure you are looking beyond the lower price and at how you might be spending your weekends for many years to come.

 

If you are interested in exploring your options in Northern Virginia give me a call.  I'll help you make an informed decision about your new home purchase.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

 

Our stomachs were rumbling and when we opened the refrigerator door all we found was a bottle of ketchup and a can of tuna fish.  We were desperate and knew that the time had come; we had to make a trip to the grocery store.  Our mailbox had been filling with coupons and store specials from some new comer to the area and we decided oh what the heck lets check them out.

So off we went for what we thought would be a simple run to the grocery store.  As soon as we pulled into the parking lot I was ready to run the other way.  But I was outvoted and in we went.  It was HUGE.  I'm talking MEGA.   And it was crowded.  I can't remember the last time I saw that many people at the grocery store at one time.  Especially on at noon in the middle of the week.  Don't these folks have jobs somewhere?

Could I find goat cheese?  Yes about 10 varieties.  Could I find seafood?  Absolutely and some of it was not anything I had ever seen in this part of the world before.  Vegetables including the "dreaded" tomatoes, with "it's okay to eat these signs", were front and center.  The list of what you could find or not because the store is so big is incredible.

Despite my protests we managed to spent time checking out what we might want to eat should we want to get a bit more exotic than our easy and light summer cooking.  The thought did cross our minds to pull up a chair at the seafood bar and have some oysters but we grew up with the mindset that you don't eat oysters in a month without an "r" in it so we passed.  Plenty of other folks were filling up the chairs both at the seafood bar and at the outside patio with prepared sandwiches.

So what is this new and extraordinary addition to Prince William County?  It is Wegmans.  Part of the new and upscale stores planned for the Shops at Stonewall situated between Route 1 and I-95 off of Nebesco Road.  If the crowds at Wegmans are any indication of how long the residents of Prince William County have waited for the store to open, then the county planners have made the right decision. 

It might take me a little while to get up the courage to fight the crowds again.  In the meantime we have enough food to keep us happy for awhile.  

Tucked in the trees just off of Old Bridge Road in Prince William County is the quiet community of Westridge.  Coming down the main tree lined drive you come upon the large community center, pond and fountain and you know you are in a neighborhood that makes you feel welcome.

Within easy driving distance to Fort Belvoir, featuring a reverse commute to Quantico and multiple commuter lots close by offering access to the Pentagon the neighborhood is a great oassis for military families stationed in the area.

Westridge offers a number of different home styles from condo townhouses, townhouses and detached homes.  Are you looking for a Georgian colonial, a wrap around porch or perhaps something a bit more modern?  Then you will be able to find it in Westridge.

Want to get some exercise?  Numerous walking paths meander through the trees, over the bridges at the lake and pass by the community center which offers a huge swimming pool for summer fun and a big play ground for families with children.

Home prices vary based on size and style.  From single family homes on acre lots all the way to condos you can find your first home or a move up home in Westridge.  If you are interested in learning more about the currently available homes in Westridge give me a call for a personal tour.

 

 

©Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance. “A Favorite with Military Families-Westridge in Prince William County”

....to the fridge that is.  No matter how many times I give out the warning to buyers as we walk in the door of a foreclosure property it happens.  It is a habit that just can't be broken. 

Obviously knowing what condition that appliances are in when you are thinking about buying a home is important.  The problem is that most foreclosure properties have the electricity turned off.  Even if the fridge was clean it gets stale when the door is closed and no air is circulating.  However that isn't the problem.  Occasionally when the electricity goes off the fridge hasn't been thoroughly cleaned and as a result....well I don't think I have to draw that picture for you.

So if you are out touring foreclosures with me and I tell you "don't open that door" trust me you really don't want to open the door!