The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) team has continued to put in place the plan for moving over 21,000 military and civilian jobs to Fort Belvoir by 2011.  Popular neighborhoods close to Ft Belvoir including Kingstowne, Lorton and Springfield are already beginning to see some of the changes to the infrastructure that will help accommodate the huge influx of new personnel.

For buyers who are part of the relocation the opportunity to purchase homes in popular neighborhoods close to the base has never been better.  With lower prices and the VA home loan program being one of the few 100% financing programs available, military and eligible civilians are finding good buys throughout the area.

Recently one of my clients decided this was a great time to buy an investment property close to Fort Belvoir and found tenants who were relocating to the area as part of the BRAC program.  With the wide variety of homes available including foreclosures, new and resale homes there is a home to meet the needs of just about anyone. 

With plenty of shopping nearby, highly rated schools, wonderful parks, historical landmarks and easy access to DC the area is posed to take off when the new personnel arrive. 

If you have orders to Fort Belvoir as part of the BRAC program give me a call at 703-346-2213 to discuss your needs. 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2008 By Cindy Jones, All Rights Reserved. "Fort Belvoir Neighbors-Gearing Up for Big Changes"

My friends accuse me of making some of these little facts about Northern Virginia up.  Nope the stories are all real....well okay the one about the hook hanging on the car door at Lake Accotink....not so much.

However the story of the Lorton Prison being the site of the Army's premier showcase for the nationwide Nike program unveiled in 1954 is true.  One of the big issues that the government faced when it was trying to build defenses against the threat of a nuclear attack was acquiring the land necessary to develop the missile defense sites.  Most people think of the missiles being stored in remote destinations out west but not in Fairfax County VA. 

Since the Army was tasked with finding sites that we already government owned the Lorton Prison site on 3200 acres just 25 miles south of DC was a logical choice.  The Army carved out a 30 acre parcel on the prison grounds and began fortifying the site to protect it from intruders.  Up until this time the Lorton Prison had been considered an "open campus" prison and the addition of Nike Missiles caused officials to move prisoners to a more secure environment.

The Army added new guard towers to the prison, began patrols of the grounds with guard dogs and added intrusion alarms to the perimeter fences.  As the 1950's drew to a close and the threat of a nuclear war diminished the Army began to dismantle some of the other local sites.  The National Guard took control of the missile site at Lorton and kept it as a training site until 1973 when the Secretary of the Army James Schlesinger ordered the site closed and destroyed.

Today the only way you would know that the site existed is by the one historical marker that you find on Furnace Road.  As part of the master plan for the revitalization of the Lorton Prison site an area has been set aside for a National Cold War Museum.   Whether the museum will actually come to fruition is unknown at this time, as it would need to be built with private not public funds..

So there you have it.  Who would make this stuff up?  Prisoners and Nike Missiles in Lorton VA.  My how times have changed.

 

It is just another one of the many questions that a buyer looking at new home construction today has to consider.  As a buyer wandering through a beautifully decorated model you may be swayed to overlook a few critical questions about the development and the developer.

When the real estate market was red hot a few years ago many buyers camped out to try and get their number one lot selection in developments sprouting up all over Prince William County.  Many were fortunate to snag just the lot and the model that they wanted.  They patiently waited for the foundations to be poured and the walls to go up.  They spent hours in the builder's design center picking out flooring, light fixtures and kitchen cabinets. 

What they didn't do was read the fine print about the community amenities and when they would be delivered.  Two and three years later as lots sit empty, model homes are closed and builder's fortunes have turned sour, the promised amenities have not been delivered.  No one could have predicted the entire picture of what has happened in Prince William County but buyers who are out shopping today can clearly see the evidence of builders who did deliver and those that didn't.

When I take buyers out on new home tours, before we even walk through the door of a model home, we drive the neighborhood.  We look at the number of homes currently under construction, we look at the number of homes finished with no one living in them and we look at the community amenities to see what is completed.  Then we go to the model home and start to ask the questions. 

If the amenities aren't in when will they be?  What percentage of homes have to be completed, sold and SETTLED for the builder to begin those amenities?  Have all the amenities shown of the plans approved by the local county planning offices?  What guarantees will the builder provide on the delivery of those amenities shown on the community maps and county plans?

For some lucky buyers the builders have delivered what they promised.  A drive through the Eagles Point, Port Potomac and Potomac Club communities in eastern Prince William County show developers who built and delivered the pools, clubhouses and exercise facilities that they promised.   Other purchasers are still staring at the empty lots and mounds of dirt where those amenities were planned to go.

If you are thinking about taking advantage of some of the great deals that builders in Prince William County are offering today don't go it alone.  Take a real estate agent along to represent your best interests.  We aren't swayed by the fancy models or the nice community maps.  We know how to help you ask the tough questions and make the hard decisions when it comes to new construction.

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If you are considering purchasing new construction give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. I can represent you anywhere in Northern Virginia  including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

One of the concerns that parents of school age children face when relocating to Northern Virginia or just moving within the area is finding out the reputation of the local schools.  

Fortunately for families moving to Northern Virginia the answer can be found in the rankings that come out every year in Newsweek Magazine.  As in year's past the 2008 profile of schools featured a number of schools from our area in the Top 100.  The only school not included in the ranking because "their students are too good" is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

School	City	Rank
H B Woodlawn	Arlington	16
Langley	McLean	55
George Mason	Falls Church	59
Washington-Lee	Arlington	65
W T Woodson	Fairfax	74
Yorktown	Arlington	75
Lake Braddock	Burke	95
McLean	Mclean	99

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about the schools in our area you can check out the local public schools websites.

Arlington County Schools

Falls Church City Schools

Fairfax County Schools

Information on another innovative program in Fairfax County Elementary  Schools

If you need assistance finding a home in the school district of your choice contact Cindy Jones at 703-346-2213. 

To learn more about real estate in the school district of your choice give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

When the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) first began operations along the I-95 corridor in 1992 there were questions as to whether the lack of housing near the train stations would derail the long term plans for the commuter rail. Since that time a new supply of "whistle stop" towns has sprung up close to the tracks including Lorton Station and Belmont Bay. The train has also made the older community of the Town of Occoquan take on a new life as well.

Lorton Station was built around the Stream Valley Park a 100 acre site that is dedicated to the founder of Lorton, Joseph Plaskett. A biking and walking trail runs through the park adding a great touch of green space to the community. With a variety of condos, townhouses and detached homes within a mile of the train station buyers can find a new home in a wide range of price points. Add to the proximity of the VRE station the new town center featuring a variety of restaurants, coffee shop and FedEx store and you end up with a community that has gone from just a pass through town to one that buyers put high on their list.

Just one step further south on the VRE is Belmont Bay. The Woodbridge Station sits in the community and is within a mile of the marina that is the jewel of the community. Still growing Belmont Bay offers buyers the chance to live in a community that includes a marina, the public Osprey Golf Course, Osprey Restaurant and waterfront walking paths. Neighboring a 400 acre nature reserve residents have a chance to not only enjoy the community but watch Osprey's soar and fox run. The town center is in the planning stages with small "mom and pop" style shops planned for delivery in 2010.

Just a few miles west of the Woodbridge VRE station is the historic town of Occoquan. Best known for the twice yearly Occoquan Crafts Fair this town offers far more than many driving past realize. Recently named by the Washington Business Journal as one of the Top 13 places to watch, the town offers Wonderful small shops, waterfront eating establishments and both old and new housing.

If you are looking for communities that give you easy access to public transportation, places to eat and play then check out Lorton Station, Belmont Bay and the Town of Occoquan.

 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Cindy Jones. All Rights Reserved. "Grab a Ticket to Ride the Virginia Rail Express from Lorton & Belmont Bay"

 

To learn more about Lorton, Belmont Bay or Occoquan real estate give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

What do you do when you need to put new homes in a historic town setting?  In some areas builders just throw them up and disregarding the integrity of the neighborhood.  In Occoquan, the town planners, the builder, the architects and a Victorian color expert sat down and for months hashed through a plan that would create new homes that fit in with the setting of the old town.

The result is Gaslight Landing townhomes on the "main" street of historic Occoquan.  My first post about Gaslight Landing was in July 2007 when the development was just breaking ground.  Now the first row of townhouses fronting on Commerce Street are nearing completion and the second row directly on the Occoquan River are well underway.

 

The painted ladies of Occoquan aren't the first Victorian style homes in town.  In fact if you drive just outside of the town limits on Occoquan Road you will see another home of similar style with a bit splash in the color department.  This house was a good model to show that Victorian design would be an appropriate addition to the waterfront.

Historic Occoquan has always been a great place to visit.  The waterfront community gives local residents a chance to slow down for a day and a reminder of the history in our area.   With Occoquan's recent recognition as one of the Top 13 spots in the area to watch, even bigger things are sure to come to this historic town.

 

 

 

 

More About Occoquan
Occoquan Names a Top Community to Watch
Madigan's Waterfront
Mom's Apple Pie and General Store  

 

©2008 Cindy Jones.  All Rights Reserved. "The Painted Ladies of Occoquan"

 

To learn more about Occoquan real estate give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

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Have you decided that it is time to live a more relaxed lifestyle?  Are you ready to join a community that Washingtonian Magazine has twice named one of the great communities in the area and now has been recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 13th hotest areas as well?

Then come take a look at HarborSide Condominiums in Belmont Bay. With our marina front location, great waterfront walking paths and a Virginia Rail Express Station in the community our location is top notch.

Our models are open on the weekends from 11 am to 4 pm and you can view them by appointment during the week by calling Cindy Jones at 703-346-2213.  Check out HarborSide's largest model incredibly priced at $455,000.  Delivery within 30 days AND ask us about our home resale program.  We might be able to save you thousands of dollars on selling your current home as well.

 

 

****HarborSide Condominiums are marketing and sold by Cindy Jones an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Allegiance*****

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To learn more about Belmont Bay real estate give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

The latest edition of the Washington Business Journal (WBJ) has named Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan River Communities in the top 13 communities to watch in the DC Metro area in the future.

Having recently posted about New Urbanism in Northern Virginia it was interesting to see the WBJ cover some of the same thoughts expressed in my post.  Stating that Gen X and Gen Y buyers are looking to finding live, work and play neighborhoods with good transportation options to Washington DC.

Occoquan was selected due to its historic charm and it's location between Fort Belvoir and Quantico.  In addition to the Town of Occoquan itself the WBJ recognized Belmont Bay and Lorton as smart growth developments which are contributing to the success of the area.  With multiple Virginia Rail Express stations close by, the area is ready to grow with the new jobs (BRAC) slated to move to the area.

As a member of the Occoquan River Communities it is nice to see our vision for the area being recognized.  We are meeting with economic developers and community leaders to continue our mission of making Belmont Bay, Lorton and the Town of Occoquan  the next destination that residents of Northern Virginia will want to call home.

 

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To learn more about Occoquan real estate give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

Scientist around the world are studying the phenomena of global warming and wondering why the temperature around the world is rising.  Perhaps they should take a look at the meteoric fall of prices in Prince William County leaving the county the hottest real estate market in Northern Virginia.

Even though the press likes to focus on the negative on aspects of the market the buyers who are out today are not flip and run investors.  It is also interesting to notice the distribution of price ranges.  The majority of the sales aren't at the lowest price point of available homes but closer to the mid-point of prices. 

Sales over $500,000 are still happening and the majority of the homes sold in this price range are the newer homes in the western Prince William County cities of Bristow, Gainesville and Haymarket.

 

Price	Detached/TH	Condos
$80,000-$89,999	11	0
$90,000-$99,999	19	3
$100,000-$119,999	27	0
$120,000-$139,999	57	2
$140,000-$159,999	82	3
$160,000-$179,999	77	3
$180,000-$199,999	72	2
$200,000-$249,999	130	7
$250,000-$299,999	86	2
$300,000-$399,999	160	2
$400,000-$499,999	69	2
Over $500,000	38	1

The price volume of sales is up 22.5% from the same time in 2007 and the number of homes sold is up 95.5%.  This is as always tempered with the fact that average sold price is down 37.3%.  The majority of new loans used to purchase properties were FHA and VA and there were 52 all cash transactions recorded in the MLS as well.

The sales numbers this fall are going to be the one that we are going to be looking be paying close attention to.  With the changes in the FHA loan programs, the elimination of the down payment assistance programs and how first time buyers view the $7500 tax credit will begin to be reflected in our sales in late September and October.

For now buyers who have been sitting on the fence have an opportunity to make a grab for homeownership in an area that is offering some of the best values in Northern Virginia.

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To learn more about Prince William County foreclosures or Prince William County real estate give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

We have had picture perfect weather the last few days in Northern Virginia and it seemed like a good time to escape and enjoy a few moments on the Occoquan River.  So we headed over to Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant to have a leisurely lunch on the waterfront deck.

Madigan's in located in the historic Town of Occoquan just off I-95 and Route 123 in Prince William County.  It is one of those hidden gems in the area that many people drive right by without even knowing it is there.  Madigan's has a prime spot in town right on the Commerce Street and just across from the Prince William County Tourist Center.

 

You can always expect friendly service from the staff and you won't leave hungry.  Seafood is their specialty and it is fresh daily.  You won't find crabs when it isn't crab season and yesterday we indulged with a soft shell crab sandwich and of course a crab cake sandwich. Thankfully it is crab season in our area now!

Expect a line out the door if you try to head to the restaurant for Sunday Brunch.  The price is an extremely reasonable $14.95 and besides the usual menu there is also a carving station and an omelet bar.  Friday and Saturday nights from 9:30 pm to 1 am there is live entertainment with bands covering a wide variety of music including classic rock, contemporary and light jazz.

This year Madigan's hosted the Taste of Occoquan during the Occoquan River Festival and it was a huge success.  The next event coming up at Madigan's is one of their wine dinners on September 12, 2008.  This five course dinner event features a great sampling of wines paired with hazelnut and coconut crusted salmon, beef tenderloin with fresh basil and goat cheese and of course a decadent chocolate dessert.  The wine events are usually sold out so make sure to call ahead for reservations.

Don't miss the chance to enjoy a meal on the waterfront at Madigan's in Old Town Occoquan.  And if you are out on the river on your boat you can pull right up to the dock!

 

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To learn more about Occoquan or any of the Occoquan Riverfront communties give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. If you are interested in Northern Virginia real estate including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County. Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.