Mark Your Calendars for the 2010 Cherry Blossom Fesitval in Washington DC

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:45:36 -0600

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!

Thinking About Buying a Home in Lake Ridge VA? Take a Quick Tour

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:50:53 -0600

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.

Spring is Coming and So Are the PCS Orders Out of Nothern Virginia

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:06:08 -0600

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.

Kings Park-Remember Spring is Just Around the Corner

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:51:55 -0600

Don't let the piles of snow on the ground keep you from checking out this new listing in the Kings Park neighborhood of Springfield VA.

Listed at $430,000 this home will offer your family plenty of space to spread out. Take a peek and then give me a call at 703-346-2213 to take your personal tour.

Military Families-Options if you are Upside Down on Your Mortgage

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:40:35 -0600

In a real estate market where prices have declined military families with PCS orders face a difficult decision. Do you hold on to your home and rent hoping for prices to rebound in another 3-5 years or attempt a short sale and hope that your lender will consider PCS orders a "hardship?"

There are two other options that may be available for you to consider as weill. Military families stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico and other Military District of Washington installations who purchased a home prior to July 1, 2006 may find that Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) may offer some relief if you have upcoming PCS orders to move.

The HAP program is aimed towards helping:

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

If you live in Northern Virginia and you are anticipating PCS orders in 2010 and you qualify for HAP, now is the time to start gathering your documents and call the HAP Field Office for our area (located in Savannah) at 800-861-8144 for additional information.

Download information on how to apply for the HAP program.

If you have a VA Loan you may be eligible for a VA Compromise Sale. In our region of Northern Virginia the VA Regional Office which will provide you with the latest updates is the Roanoke office. The VA Compromise sale does have several factors that are important to remember:

• The property must be sold for fair market value.
• The closing costs must be reasonable and customary
• The compromise sale must be less costly for the Government than foreclosure
• There must be a financial hardship on the part of the seller
• On loans that originated on or before December 31, 1989, the seller must be willing to sign a promissory note
• There must be no second liens or other liens (unless the amount is insignificant).
• The seller must first obtain a sales contract in order to be considered for the program.

To protect the seller's interest, the seller should make the sales contract contingent and/or subject to the approval of a VA compromise sale.

VA Compromise Sale Information Packet

There is an extensive list of VA approved list of Loss Mitigation Servicers available on the VA site. A VA Compromise sale does require that the VA approve the HUD-1 be reviewed and approved by the VA prior to settlement so making sure the buyers documents are in order at least 48 hours in advance is a must.

If you are stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico or any of the Military District of Washington installations give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. Let's see if a VA Compromise Sale or the Department of Defense HAP program might help you with your future home sale.

Zoes Kitchen-Enjoy a New Place to Eat in Woodbridge VA

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:59:27 -0600

If you live in the Woodbridge VA area head to the Stonebridge Shopping Center and get ready for a fresh food treat at Zoes Kitchen.

Despite the worst winter in Northern Virginia history I headed out to Zoes Kitchen on opening day to get a taste of their take on Mediterranean food and was not disappointed. First off the staff was ready to answer any question I had about the menu and when I asked about their hummus they quickly gave me a sample to try. Just the right amount of Tahini and served with warm pita bread. Don’t miss it!

After studying the menu, which includes sandwiches, soups, salads and hot entrees, I settled on the chicken rollups with two sides. It was delivered to my table and I was not disappointed. The no-mayo potato salad reminded me of my mom’s and is a nice change from the usual overly moist potato salad you usually get as a side at other restaurants.

Recently I have been on the run quite a bit around dinner time preparing new listings in the Woodbridge area, so this weekend I made another quick stop and ordered the Chicken Kabobs with rice pilaf and Greek Salad to go. Again not a disappointment and the take out containers were recyclable. YEA!

Besides serving food in the restaurant Zoes Kitchen also caters. The catering sales rep, Brittany Marthaller is a delight to talk with. If you are tired of the same old sandwich trays from the big box store then you need to give her a call a 703-580-4408.

Within walking distance of the Potomac Club neighborhood, only a few blocks from INOVA Potomac Hospital and with easy access off of Neabsco Mills Rd I’m going to bet that Zoes Kitchen will keep their brightly colored tables full.

Check it out.

Zoes Kitchen
14901 Potomac Town Place
Woodbridge, VA 22191
11am-9pm Sunday - Thursday
11am-9:30pm Friday & Saturday

Kings Park-Standing the Test of Time in Springfield VA

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:31:08 -0600

It isn't hard to figure out what the developer of the first Kings Park was planning when they laid out the plan for the community and the homes. With one look at the street names Thames, Victoria, Trafalgar and Cromwell among others you might think you have made a trip back to England. Then when you add the names of the five original models; King, Queen, Princess, Duke and Duchess, you realize absolutely there is a royal connection!

Our family bought our very first home in Kings Park in 1981. Having just returned from five years overseas we were anxious to settle down for awhile and having grown up in Springfield it was an easy choice to make the original Kings Park the place to buy our first "real home." We were attracted to the neighborhood due to the mature trees, green space parks, community pools and easy commuting to our jobs. With the gentle slope of our 1/3 acre lot we were able to set up a zip line between the top of the back yard and the back fence which became a neighborhood hangout for the under 5 age group!

Since the neighborhood was first built over 40 years ago it has been popular with military families looking for easy access to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir. Children attend schools in the Lake Braddock School Pyramid and both Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University are close by. Public bus transportation, a VRE station and slug lines are easy to get to from anywhere in the neighborhood. Homeowners can walk to the Kings Park Shopping Center and even the Kings Park Library branch of the Fairfax County Library System.

When you want to take a break you walk or ride your bike through two different "back" entrances to Lake Accotink or for anyone who likes the challenge of dirt biking the nearby trails through Wakefield Park are considered some of the best in the area. Wakefield Park is also the location for the Audrey Moore Recreation Center where you will find an indoor pool and popular fitness center. During the summer Lake Accotink Park hosts free Friday night summertime concerts which are an absolute hit with everyone. Music ranges through swing, jazz, pop and rock. If you haven't seen your neighbors for a few days chances are you will find them there with a picnic basket and folding chairs

If you are interested in learning more about Northern Virginia Relocation, local neighborhoods or things to do give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a home in Kings Park or any Springfield (VA) neighborhood.

Welcome to the Pentagon-Your On-line Relocation Resource

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:10:44 -0500

As someone who has moved all around the world with the military the first few days after the PCS orders arrive the questions about housing, schools and shopping can lead to sleepless nights and the big question “where are we going to live?”

If the orders in your hand mean you are heading to the Pentagon then let me welcome you to the neighborhood! Most military personal headed to the base often choose to live in Northern Virginia close to public transportation and the famous "slug" lines. Whether you are going to buy or rent there are plenty of neighborhood options for you to choose from. The first thing you need to do is check the 2009 BAH rates for the Pentagon. Pentagon rates fall in the Washington District (DC053) and you can use zip code 22152 as an example.

If you are thinking of buying a home, the current Northern Virginia market provides you the chance to find a good value on a home. Many military personal are dusting off their VA Certificate of Eligibility and checking with local lenders about the options available to use their VA loans. Knowing what monthly payment you are comfortable with is important for looking at homes in neighborhoods that meet your price criteria.

Once you have determined your price range you have the option to start your search on-line to get an idea of the type of homes that are within your price range. There are a number of neighborhoods in Northern Virginia that have always been popular with military families stationed at the Pentagon including Kingstowne, Lorton and Lake Ridge. If you have school age children starting with information on local schools through the Fairfax County or Prince William County sites or the Great Schools website will also assist you in determining the right neighborhood for your family.

If you have decided to forgo a purchase on this tour of duty don't worry. I can also help you find a rental property in one of Northern Virginia's great neighborhoods as well.

The best way to get to know the area is to call on a Realtor® who not only has been through the stress of numerous military moves but 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 while stationed at the Pentagon.

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!

Port Potomac-Get Out Before the Snow Storm and Grab This One Quick

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:32:37 -0600

Another snow storm is headed towards Northern Virginia but you have time to check out this Port Potomac townhouse before it hits.

Offered for $299,000 this home should fly off the market.

Learn more about the Port Potomac neighborhood in Prince William County.

If you are looking for a new home in Port Potomac or any other Prince William County neighborhood then give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let's talk about what you are looking for and whether now is the time for you to buy a new home. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about the Prince William County real estate market.

We’ve Never Met But I Just Sold Your Home

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:28:30 -0600

In today’s internet connected world selling a home means you can work through an entire transaction and never meet face to face. This is the case with my most recent closing in Woodbridge VA.

The sellers, active duty military had already left the area on PCS orders when they learned of the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP). They checked the qualifications for the program and realized that selling their home with the benefits provided was a better option than becoming a landlord.

They searched the internet for a Woodbridge VA agent who had experience with the HAP program and found me. After a few phone calls and email exchanges they decided to hire me to handle the process of selling their home. Within a few days of going on the market we had an offer and were able to execute all the necessary paperwork with electronic signatures and forward all of the information to the USACE office in Savannah.

The sellers completed their portion of the government acquisition of the property last week and the buyers have now completed their side of the transaction as well. All of the process has been completed without ever meeting the seller’s face to face.

The good news with all of the technology at our fingertips today we can easily handle a transaction for our clients without the costs associated with travel. Though meeting face to face is always fun it isn’t always practical.

If you are a military family eligible for the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) give me a call me at 703-346-2213. Let me show you how to get your home SOLD whether you are still in Northern Virginia or living anywhere in the world.

Relocating to the to National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Springfield VA?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:48:33 -0600

With the new National Geospatial-Intellegence Agency (NGA)being built on the old Fort Belvoir Engineering Proving Ground almost 6500 employees will be working in to the Springfield and Lorton area in the next few years.

For employees who will be moving to the new facility finding homes nearby will be important. Traffic in and out of NGA will be tough. Let’s face it anytime you move a significant amount of employees from diverse locations to one place no matter how well the various government agencies plan commuting will be a pain.

Fortunately there are a number of terrific communities that provide a variety of housing prices and styles within a few miles of the NGA facility.

Here is a selection of Homes for Sale in Lorton & Springfield close to NGA to give you an idea of what is available. If buying a home isn't in your plans that's okay too. Our team handles rentals as well.

If you are relocating to the new NGA facility in Springfield in the near future give me a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about your housing needs. Let me show you the variety of options available that will fit for your needs. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether buying a home in today’s market is right for you.

Springfield VA-Kings Park Detached Home Goes into the SOLD Column

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:20:37 -0600

This Kings Park remodeled King model situated on a quiet corner lot has gone into the SOLD column. The owners a terrific military family were able to use the USACE Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) to assist them with the sale. They are already at their new duty station in Okinawa and we were able to coordinate all of the final required HAP paperwork electronically.

If you are a military family and qualify for the USACE HAP program give me a call at 703-346-2213. With muliple HAP sales already closed in 2010 I have the experience you need put your home in the SOLD column as well.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: HAP has changed the deadline for PCS orders to September 2010. Formerly the program continued for orders until September 2012.

Port Potomac Offering Both New and Resale Homes in Prince William County VA

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:43:48 -0600

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.

If the Port Potomac neighborhood sounds like a good fit for you give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. Let me give you a tour of available homes for sale. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk as whether now is the right time for you to buy a new home in Port Potomac.

Port Potomac Homes for Sale

Considering a Move to Lorton VA? A Quick Tour Community Tour To Wet Your Whistle

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:31:36 -0600

Gainesville Virginia-Carterwood Townhouse Goes Into the SOLD Column

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:39:37 -0600

It's time to celebrate another military family making a PCS move from Northern Virginia to a new duty station. The good news the home was SOLD with the assistance of the US Army Corps of Engineers-Homeowers Assistance Program (HAP). It is often said that timing is everything and in this case it was even more critical.

The owners needed to get to their new duty station immediately as the husband, an active duty Marine will be deploying to Afghanistan within a few days. Getting the family settled before he leaves was a top priority.

If you are a Northern Virginia military family eligible for the HAP program give me a call at 703-346-2213. If you have upcoming PCS orders for the summer of 2010 now is the time to talk about your options. The current timeframe for HAP benefits with PCS orders expires in September 2010. Let my success in coordinating with the real estate specialists in Savanah and the local attorney's handling funds in our area work for you.