Today another of my listings in the planned community of Port Potomac went to settlement.  This is my second settlement in Port Potomac in Prince William County for a military family using the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) benefits this year.

In this case the entire transaction has been conducted via the phone and Internet.  I've never met the Army officer who owns owned the home.   They learned they were eligible for the program after they had moved to their new duty station in Georgia.  This isn't the first transaction I've completed this year where I've never met the owner.  In fact I have 7 other properties either settled or in progress where I haven't met the owners face to face.

Each settlement for military families using DoD HAP benefits is a huge relief for the owners.  Without the program they would be facing either a short sale or the prospect of becoming long-term landlords waiting for the market value of their property to return to a break-even position.  Fortunately for thousands of military families across the US the program exists to help with the financial burden.

Though I would love to meet each of the families I represent it is far more important to be able to see the SOLD sign go up in their yard.  If you are a military family living in Port Potomac or anywhere in the Northern Virginia area who meet the qualification for the DoD HAP program give me a call at 703-346-2213.  Let me show you how I've helped 21 military families in our area navigate the process of DoD HAP benefits to get their homes under contract or sold this year.

Tucked just off the intersection of two major roads in West Springfield is the neighborhood of Charlestown.  With tree lined streets, community parks and easy access to shopping and commuter routes, this neighborhood is well worth checking out.

Most descriptions of the townhomes in Charlestown talk about the "dramatic curved staircases" which greet you when you open the front door.  What they don't tell you is how much space the townhomes have to offer.  There are a variety of models to choose from and the largest models the Concord and the Hermitage offer close to 2600 SF with a first floor den and full basements.

One of the benefits of the Charlestown neighborhood is the outside maintenance that the HOA provides. Besides the lawn care, trash pickup and snow removal the HOA also paints the exterior trim of the townhouses on a three year cycle, replaces the roofs when needed and the brick walls that run around the perimeter of the backyards.

Carlestown is located in the West Springfield HS Pyramid, both the elementary school and HS are within walking distance.

There are two shopping centers close enough to walk to.  One features a Giant Food store and CVS and the other Whole Foods and Walgreens.  While you are at the shopping center you can stop by Starbucks, Austin Grill or Chicken Out for bite to eat.

Need to head to DC?  Commuting to the Pentagon is as simple as stepping outside your door and walking 2 to 3 blocks to Forrester Blvd.  If you aren't picked up by a commuter looking for slugs then you can grab the 18G Metro Bus.  If Fort Belvoir or NGA are your destination then the commute is also 30 minutes or less depending on stoplights!  You can access the Fairfax County Parkway for the trip to other parts of Fairfax County just a few miles away.



Recreation activities are right outside your door.  The community offers tot lots scattered throughout the courtyards and Lake Accotink Park has a back entrance off of Carrleigh Parkway.  You can ride your bike or walk to the park. Take advantage of the 3.75 mile trail around the 55 acre lake for you can canoe or rent a paddle boat to explore. Lake Accotink also has a wonderful old carousel operating during the summer months which is a delight for young and old.

If you are looking for a quiet established neighborhood with tree lined streets in a central West Springfield location then give me a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about the available options. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a home in the Charlestown neighborhood in West Springfield VA.

 

Charlestown in West Springfield Homes for Sale

 

 

Last week was a long one for this Realtor®.  I'm tuckered out from all the craziness but there is one thing that will always lift my spirits.  Sunrise on the Occoquan River in Belmont Bay.  This morning as it came up from behind the trees it was hard to believe that we are headed into the last week of July.

I hope you find your inspiration for the week and if you are on the east coast a place to stay cool until the heat wave breaks.

No one will dispute that a heat wave is on in Northern Virginia.  However there is a place to hang out that won't cost you any money and will give you a chance to see wonderful photos by local artists.

The Lorton Workhouse Arts Center 2nd Annual Juried Photographic Competition is underway and on display through August 15th, 2010.  The Lorton Workhouse Arts Center is the crown jewel of the redevelopment of the buildings and land that once were part of the DC Correctional facilty that was located in Lorton VA.

For local artists the center provides a place for studios close to home and for residents a place to enjoy classes, exhibitions, art walks and performances.

If you want to stay cool over the next few weeks then make sure you stop by the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center and take in the photos on display.

Not able to get to here.  No problem the photos are available for you to view right here.

Less than a mile from the gates of Fort Belvoir and the 5300 homes that make up Kingstowne, you can hear a rooster crow announcing a new day at Nalls Produce and Nursery. Started as a way for the Nalls family to sell off some of the extra produce from their family garden today Nalls Produce and Nursery is a 5th generation roadside market in Alexandria, VA.

As you approach Nalls Produce on Beluah Street you can't help but be drawn in by the display of fresh flowers and vegetables out front. Once you've pulled into the parking lot and start to explore the grounds you will not only hear the resident rooster but you will see the family of chickens peeking around underneath the flower trays. Of course one of the first questions that visitors ask when they see the free roaming chickens is what happens if they try and cross the road? Not to worry since the chickens have plenty of bugs and feed they haven't tried to do the impossible and get across busy Beluah Street.

 

The summer produce at Nalls is a site to see. Artfully displayed in wagons, a tribute to way they first started selling produce, the fresh vegetables are reasonably priced and all locally grown. The prices are far better than grocery store and in many cases less than the local farmers markets as well. You will always find a great selection throughout the season. In addition to the produce you will find a fresh jams, honey and a variety of sauces for your cooking as well.

Back outside you can wander through the rows and rows of beautiful hanging baskets, flowers and trees. Nalls Produce and Nursery sells a great selection of plants labeled for buyers who need shade, full sun or even deer resistant plants. While you wander through the plants you will encounter butterflies and an occasional hummingbird as well.

If you are looking for great produce, beautiful plants and a local business to support then look no further than Nalls Produce and Nursery on Beluah Street in Alexandria, VA. 

When you are done at Nalls Produce and Nursery give call Cindy Jones at 703-346-2213 to help you find a new home to plant those new flowers and a kitchen to cook your veggies.  I'll be glad to show you the variety of homes available around Fort Belvoir.  No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a new home.

 

 

Hidden just across the Prince William County line is the waterfront community of Belmont Bay. As you cross the Occoquan River take a glance to your left and you will be surprised at what you will see. A community Washingtonian Magazine has twice picked as one of the "best communities" to live in the DC area sits right on the Occoquan River.

With a variety of choices from detached homes, townhouses, and condos buyers can find just about anything they are looking for. What makes it even more unusual is the VRE station at the entrance to the community making the commute in to DC a breeze. The main gate of Fort Belvoir is less than 30 minutes away, Quantico is around 39 minutes to the south and the Pentagon is an easy commute via easy access to the express lanes, commuter parking lot a mile away or the VRE.

Walking around the community you can quickly see why residents love being here. The quiet of the neighborhood is interrupted by the sounds of the geese honking at the waters edge, the Osprey calling for their mates among the trees and at night the fox yipping as they traverse across the golf course heading back to the 400 acre nature reserve that borders the community.

Residents are able to walk most of the length of the waterfront through the community on a path that is part of the Potomac Heritgage Trails  that goes from the edge of the nature reserve, past the marina and front nine of the golf course. The marina at Belmont Bay was the first new deep water marina to open in almost 15 years in Northern Virginia and cost almost $2 million to develop. It can house up to 325 boats and is a popular place for happy hour during warm weather. With a community pool, two sets of tennis courts, a golf course and club house you don't have to go very far to find a place to play.

With all Belmont Bay has to offer it makes it a great choice for anyone who is looking for a relaxing get away after a long day of work.  In the last two years I've settled over 30 transactions in Belmont Bay. If you are interested in learning why so many families have decided to call Bel.ont Bay in Woodbridge VA home give me a call at 703-346-2213.

 

 

Grab your kids, your lawn chairs, a blanket and even a bottle of wine and head to the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center to enjoy a movie under the stars at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center on July 23rd. 

Lorton Workhouse Arts Center is the crown jewel of the revitilization of the former DC Reformatory. Buildings surrounding the green are now filled with artist studios. Events and classes are held year round featuring local artists and renowned musicians.

The July 23rd movie will be the Monsters vs Aliens a fun animated movie by DreamWorks. The movie starts at 8:30 and the gates open at 7:30 for pre-show entertainment including trivia contests, music and surprises. If you forget to pack a snack don't worry drinks, snacks and pizza will be available for purchase.

For tickets and detailed information about Movie Under the Stars.

See you under the stars.

There is no doubt that is HOT HOT HOT in Northern Virginia this week. Triple digit temperatures in some areas and a heat index over 100 means everyone needs to find places to stay cool. If you don't have a community pool to splash around in then consider one of these local locations to get past the "I'm melting" feeling most of us are experiences.

In Lorton you can check out Pirates Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay Regional Park just a few miles down Gunston Road off Route 1. With a sand beach, a 24 foot tall climbing tower and water slides kids will be sure to have a good time. The pool is up from 10:30 am to 7 pm Monday-Friday and 11 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sundays. Pohick Bay Regional Park also offers miniature golf for when you need a break from all of the swimming.

At Lake Fairfax in Reston the Water Mine Family Swimming Hole is ready for kids of all ages. Toddlers can play with the low bubblers, elementary age children will enjoy the waterslides, water sprays and for the kid at heart you can relax in an inner tube on the Rattlesnake River. The theme of the water park is based on the old west and in the middle of the swimming hole is Pete's Peak complete with mine shafts and two water slides.

Splash Down Waterpark in Manassas is Northern Virginia's largest water park. Spread out over 11 acres the park features a big Kahuna Beach, two four story tall waterslides and a 770 foot lazy river ride. If you want a bit more punch with your water then check out the super fast cannon ball slides and the tropical twister waterslides sure to get your bathing suit in a bunch.

Be ready to hold your self steady when the 1000 gallon bucket drops its load every three minutes at Volcano Island Waterpark. Located at Algonquian Regional Park off of Cascades Parkway in Sterling. If you need something a little less torrential then hop over to the Mr. Frog slide. You can make a weekend out of a trip to the park by pitching a tent in the park campground.

Alexandria is home to the Great Waves waterpark. The most "urban" of the water parks in the area located just off of 495 at Eisenhower Ave in Cameron Run Park. You can play slip and slide on the four story water slides or enjoy just a little splash in the tad pole pool.

If you are going to be out over the next few days remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Be safe and have fun!

 

Alan Mays pulled out this little piece of American History for us all to ponder.