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.

Construction still continues on the Potomac Club one of the "new urbanism" communities growing in popularity in Northern Virginia.  Located on located on 200 acres in Prince William County the neighborhood features townhomes and condos built by three recognized area builders, Pulte, Ryan and M/I homes. 

The crown jewel of the neighborhood is the incredible $12 million dollar Potomac Club which sits at the entrance to the community.  Featuring both indoor and outdoor pools, a rock wall, billiards room and casual lounge the clubhouse was designed as a place for residents to gather and relax.   The club also is a WiFi hot spot and business center giving residents who need to work from home the convenience of quiet spot to hold a meeting or get some work done just outside their own front door.

With the opening of the new Wegmans grocery store within walking distance of the community and the planned additional shopping at the Shops at Stonewall, Potomac Club has been well planned to meet the needs of a variety of buyers. 

Located between the Woodbridge and Rippon Landing VRE stations,  only a few minutes to I-95 and with a choice of bus ride lots the location works well for owners who needed to get into DC.  It also is a great location for military coming to either Ft Belvoir about a 10 mile drive to the north or Quantico a reverse traffic drive 15 miles to the south.

If you are interested in learning more about the options available at the Potomac Club give me a call.  We can look at all of the options both new and resale and find the best deal for you.

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If you are buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia including Alexandria City, Fairfax County, Loudoun County or Prince William County give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213.  Stop by VaRealEstateTalk, Cindy Jones Homes or Military Relocation News for more information. Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog entitled Did You Just Hang up on a Potential Customer about a phone call from a couple who had some questions about a new home construction contract.  After pulling their offer on the new home we decided that resale properties in established Prince William County communities made the most sense for them in the long run.   Even in a market considered to be "slow" the first home they made an offer on had multiple offers and then a few weeks later we spied a new listing on a cul-de-sac in Old Bridge Estates and it turned out to be the ONE!

The owners had been in the home for a long time and were relocating to Chicago with a lot of mixed emotions about moving on.  The buyers and sellers meet during the sales process and got along famously which made the sellers feel more comfortable with their decision.

During the home inspection the next door neighbors came by to introduce themselves and invite Meg and Paul to a neighborhood get together for the following weekend.  How great is that?  It made them feel that karma was at work and this house was the one that was meant to be.

They are looking forward to years of building their own family memories in this home and I'm glad I got to be part of the process.

Are you looking a great townhouse in the Lake Terrapin neighborhood and can't find it on the MLS? The reason is simple and one that confuses many buyers in Prince William County.

Ridgefield Crossing is the "legal" subdivision name for the townhouses and some of the smaller detached homes in Lake Terrapin. How did this happen? Ridgefield crossing existed all alone on wide open land. Then along came K Hovnanian who wanted to build larger detached homes in the area and Lake Terrapin was born. As the first section of homes was being developed the homeowners in Ridgefield Crossing agreed to be annexed into Lake Terrapin creating a larger community and the confusion. Prince William County tax records have not been updated yet to reflect the change in name.

So if you are looking for a great townhouse in a neighborhood close to a new shopping center, only a few miles from a commuter lot and with loads of community amenities then look no further than the Ridgefield Crossing/Lake Terrapin Community.

Click the turtle to see a great Lake Terrapin Townhouse for sale

All current listings in Lake Terrapin and Ridgefield Crossing

As soon as you drive through the entrance of the Port Potomac Community you realize that the builders have created a neighborhood designed to bring a sense of southern style to the area.  Situated on 400 acres just off Route 1 in the eastern part of Prince William County  the neighborhood has easy access to I-95 or the VRE Stations at Rippon Landing or Belmont Bay.

Homes are situated in clusters with a well thought out of mix of townhouses and detached homes built by 5 different well known builders.  The neighborhood is designed to be walking and jogging friendly with access to Leesylvania State Park and the Potomac River.  The crowning jewel of the neighborhood is the community center designed to resemble the Governors Palace in Williamsburg.  With a state of the art fitness center, children's center and indoor/outdoor pools neighbors can enjoy the amenities year round.  

Both new and resale homes are on the market from the high 300's to mid 600's.  Remember if you are looking in any new home community= make sure that you have your own representation.  It won't cost you anything and may save you thousands!

If you are interested in exploring other eastern Prince William Communities check out:

Bemont Bay
Historic Occoquan
Occoquan Forest
River Gate
River Falls

Search for other great Prince William County homes!

I stopped by yesterday to say hello to clients who bought new construction in the community of River Falls in Prince William County earlier this year.  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. 

My clients like the other amenities the community offers as well.  Spread out over 280 acres besides golf the community features pools, tennis & basketball courts and plenty of walking paths giving them their choice of activities.  With its proximity to the Potomac Nationals Stadium they have been able to enjoy many evening of minor league baseball with their families.  Commuting to DC is not a problem with multiple options including the Belmont Bay VRE station, Omni Bus, Slug lines and easy access to I-95.

Resale homes are currently priced between $749,900-$1,500,000.  Basheer and Edgemore a local award winning builder is still completing construction on the final homes they sold this year and has the two luxury models available for sale.  If you are looking for an opportunity to purchase a home that is poised to be a great value for the long term then consider the community of River Falls.

To see other great homes in the Woodbridge are check out:

Woodbridge Home Search

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