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Political Phone Surveys - 06/29/08 06:58 PM
I answered the phone, and there I was, in the middle of a political survey. What did they want to know? My age, race and political party affiliation for starters.
Then...they wanted to know who I'd voted for in recent local elections.
Then...they asked if I had strongly positive, somewhat postive, neutral, somewhat negative or strongly negative views of OBAMA and McCAIN.
To top it off, the grand finale was, would I vote for a candidate that told me I was overtaxed and said he was going to reduce taxes, OR one that said they would fix the healthcare crisis and say … (12 comments)
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Bad Way to Start the Week - 06/29/08 06:19 PM
I woke up this morning not expecting to do much in the way of work. I had nothing scheduled and definitely planned to take some much needed "me" time.
I found a message from someone on my voice mail. You can always tell a fellow Realtor, even when they don't leave their company name.
So I call him back and proceed to answer some questions about a short sale listing I have. You can hear he is in the car with clients. They were talking in the background.
Then, all of a sudden, his car erupts in shocked cries. He pardons … (10 comments)
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Kitty-Cat Shot of the Week - 06/28/08 07:30 PM
Our unsuspecting white kitty Phoebe, lets her attention drift from the kitty condo castle she is coveting. Inside, an older and wiser Minx waits for her opportunity to pounce on her new little sister.
We got Phoebe, and two of her siblings, seven months ago when she was a six month old kitten. Minx, one of two cats we'd had since birth (four years old) was relentless in chasing Phoebe. Maybe she was jealous of Phoebe's blue eyes. Dont' know what it was, but something made Minx hate Phoebe.
Now, they can be within inches of one another, and be playful...not hateful. What a difference time has … (22 comments)
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Small Maintenance Issues Make BIG Impressions - 06/28/08 07:16 PM
Mailboxes. In my community, they are supposed to be a certain color with a certain type of number on the side.
Driving through the community, you'll see top notch lawns, lovely homes and mailboxes that are falling apart, or just need a coat of paint. I took these pictures just driving around one block. Mind you, these mailboxes are not more than five years old, as are the homes they belong to.
9959 needs a fresh coat of paint and one nail to straighten the first digit.
9955 has a split second digit. Under a $10 repair.
My favorite one above … (12 comments)
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The Top 5 Thing to Do When You're in Prince William County, VA - 06/28/08 06:42 PM
Some might argue that Manassas and the surrounding Prince William County are a stop on your way to destinations beyond. I disagree. You'd be surprised what we have to offer to brighten your day. There's fun for all ages and interests.
Here are the top five things I'd recommend you do while you are in Prince William County, VA.
1. Manassas Battlefield Park: This one makes it to number one on my list because I love history. The Civil War is a fascinating part of our past. Walk the fields where battles that shaped our Country were fought here at Manassas … (24 comments)
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Two of My Favorite Words: ADULT SWIM - 06/25/08 11:36 PM
Tonight I tried something I haven't done in a looong time. I went swimming. It was adult swim at my community pool (Braemar) from 8pm-10pm.
The water is usually not as cold that time of day, so I was looking forward to it. (That is as much as an overweight female can look forward to going out in public in a swimsuit).
The lifeguards set up the swim lanes and away we went. My fellow swimmers (the other three of them) were as happy as me to just swim back and forth.
Mind you, I'm not much of a swimmer, but I … (18 comments)
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Ready to Open the Door to Your New Home? - 06/21/08 08:57 PM
The idea of buying a home can be extremely intimidating, especially if you're a first time homebuyer. You have no idea where to start, and no idea who to ask for help. Start with a Realtor.
Do an online search for agents that know that your marketplace. Give them a call and see if you would feel comfortable house hunting with them. Another way to find a Realtor, is to ask a trusted friend if they know a good Realtor. Or if you know a Realtor in another marketplace, ask them if they can recommend someone in yours. No matter how you find your Realtor, … (2 comments)
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Active Adult Communities: Are They Right For You? - 06/21/08 02:17 PM
Active Adult Communities are a fairly new thing in the Northern Virginia real estate market. Typically, they are age restricted to people 55 or over.
These communities are geared toward soon-to-retire, semi-retired and retired adults that still like an active lifestyle. They usually feature a large clubhouse for social gatherings, fitness, pools and tennis. In some of the more extravagant, you can also find a gofl course winding it's way through the community.
Upkeep for these communities isn't cheap when it comes to HOA fees, but you do get so much for your money. Access to pools (usually at least one … (8 comments)
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Chantilly, VA: Short Sale Opportunity for $205,000!! - 06/18/08 04:54 PM
Enjoy the convenience of location. Walk to shops and be minutes from I-66, Routes 28 & Route 50 in Chantilly, VA. This three bedroom condo is a great opportunity for investors, anyone looking to downsize, or a first time homebuyer.
Live on one level. Separate living and dining rooms. Galley kitchen with room for a small table.
One full bathroom. Large master bedroom, with separate entrance into bathroom.
If you're interested, please call me. All contracts are subject to 3rd party approval.
Listed by Chris Ann Cleland, Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA. 703-402-0037.
Interior photos available online at www.nvarealestate.net.
… (3 comments)
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A Lesson in Patience and Trust - 06/18/08 04:41 PM
My husband and I have two very mellow, people-oriented cats. Why are they like that? Because I was picking them up constantly from the time they were 10 days old. They have no fear of me.
So in December last year, when my husband and I took in a litter of three stray six month old kittens, we set our expectations much lower on the people-oriented scale. But within three weeks, we had discovered we had two more lap cats. Just absolutely lovable.
There was one hold out. Penelope. She was terrified of us. If we came near her, she'd … (18 comments)
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With Friends Like These, Who Needs Realtors? - 06/18/08 07:38 AM
Last summer, I was hired by a friend of a friend. This person had purchased a brand new home, hoping to flip it. The market turned and they needed to rent it out. I was hired to list the home for rent.
When I brought a tenant, suddenly, the owner (we'll call him Mr. Yuck) wanted to renegotiate my commission. When I wouldn't, Mr. Yuck wanted to part company. He also wanted to keep the tenant I'd found. Nothing doing there. So Mr. Yuck struggled to find his own tenant, and according to our mutual friend (we'll call her Susie), he ended up with someone that they … (8 comments)
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Haymarket, VA: Price Reduced on This One of a Kind Active Adult Condo! - 06/16/08 11:13 AM
Just reduced from $420,000 to $399,990. This Woodhall floor plan is the only one available in Regency at Dominion Valley. Builder won't have any for two years!!! It's also available for rent at $2,000 per month.
This is an elegant, maintenance free home for those ages 55 or better in Haymarket, VA. The condo itself features 1833 square feet of living space and hardwood floors in all the gathering areas of the home. Bedrooms with upgraded carpet, and bathrooms with ceramic tile. Master Suite features sitting room with pillars, and a custom installed organization system in the walk-in closet.
… (7 comments)
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Reverting Back to a Childhood Favorite - 06/14/08 01:43 PM
Summertime always makes me feel like a kid. I don't know if summer is blame for this, or the fact that during times of stress, I like to be reminded of simpler times. Believe me, it was a terribly stressful week here in the real estate business. Forgive me for not talking real estate. At the moment I am burned out.
For lunch today, I was happy to enjoy a bologna sandwich. A classic indeed, but not something you find in most deli's or sub shops. I suppose there are more discerning palates making menu decisions out there. But quite frankly, … (10 comments)
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Bristow, VA: Reduced for Quick Sale! Large SFH Home in Braemar - 06/14/08 11:37 AM
This Canterbury Model by Brookfield has been reduced for quick sale. Previously listed at $490,000, the owners have reduced the price to $430,000!
This home is one of the most popular floor plans in the community and offers over 3700 square feet of space on the first two levels!! Formal living and dining rooms flankning a center hall, with hardwood floors. A large gourmet kitchen opening to the family room and breakfast area. This particular home features granite counters, a gourmet appliance package by GE Profile and a Butler's Pantry.
The Master Suite upstairs is unbelievable in … (3 comments)
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Reflecting on a Life Cut Short - 06/13/08 11:01 PM
My husband and I are cable news junkies. Tonight's news focused on Tim Russert's passing. It's terribly sad that his life was cut short. There are two things, I think we all can take from this.
Don't overwork yourself. His work schedule may, or may not have had anything to do with his untimely demise, but you just never know what the future has in store for any of us. Take time to smell the roses.
Always take the time to be yourself and maintain personal relationships. Several of Russert's co-workers, or former employees, were on the news this evening talking … (12 comments)
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MacGyver Saves Us From Heat Stroke - 06/12/08 11:53 AM
Necessity truly is the Mother of Invention. As you may know, Northern Virginia has been dealing with a heat wave. This has made outdoor life nearly unbearable when combined with our typical summer humidity....and it's only Spring!!
This year, to cut down on rising energy costs, my husband and I made the commitment to deal with a higher indoor temperature setting. Normally, we have been between 72-73 degrees. This year, with the high 90 degree temps outside, we've be able to adjust to indoor temps of 77. However, working from home we noticed a HUGE inconsistency with regard to that tempearature.
… (6 comments)
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Cure for the Stinky Refrigerator in your Vacant Listings - 06/08/08 11:54 PM
No matter how many times you remind your buyers, they always seem to open refrigerators in vacant homes. It's human nature. The door is there, and you just have to open it. And then it hits you...the SMELL.
As listing agents, there is something we can do to protect against, or rid the refrigerator, of that horrific smell. Put coffee beans in two stockings (knee high stockings work best) and put on in the refrigeratored portion, one in the freezer. One of my buyers shared this one with me..,.AFTER she opened the stinky fridge.
Evidently, as an Army wife, sheuse d … (28 comments)
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House Hunting in a Heat Wave - 06/08/08 11:38 PM
Every summer, my business attire gets a bit more casual. There is nothing worse than being stuck in a car with a well dressed Realtor with B.O. So I keep it simple, loose and light.
Today I experienced what would have been a typical summer day house hunting, but there were two exceptions. It's SPRING and we were looking almost exclusively at REOS (bank owned homes).
I know banks don't like to pay utility bills, and after seeing so many REOs enter our local market in the past 9 months, it's something I'm getting used to. In the winter months when … (4 comments)
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Backyard Bunnies - 06/06/08 05:24 PM
I've been living in my house in Bristow, VA for 3 1/2 years now. When we first moved out here, I was totally amazed that we had so much wildlife.
I was certainly not so familiar with residential wildlife where I grew up in Fairfax City, just about 20 miles from where we live today. We hardly had any wooded areas near us. Ocassionally, we'd see something like a opposum or something, but it was RARE.
I still get a kick out of the wildlife that is nestled in the wooded floodplain beside my home. I am fortunate that I … (6 comments)
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Terrifying Storms in Northern Virginia!! - 06/05/08 06:43 PM
This picture was taken yesterday, at about 7:30pm, as a second line of powerful, tornado spawning, storm cells moved through our area. The first cell had the tops of our twenty foot trees touching the ground as we saw 70 mph gusts. A tornado touched down just about ten miles away.
By comparision, this picture was taken today at 7:30pm. Same view. Is it any wonder my stomach was in knots yesterday? Northern Virginia is not used to tornados.
… (5 comments)
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Traffic OBAMAnation!! - 06/05/08 04:06 PM
Barack Obama is holding his first official Presidential Candidate Rally in Bristow, VA today at our very own Nissan Pavillion. Can you say TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE? UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Usually the worst traffic we get is the annual Jimmy Buffet concert. Today we are expecting twice the capacity of the OUTDOOR CONCERT PAVILLION to clog our residential byways to go see this guy give the same speech he's been giving since the beginning of time. Dear God give me patience. Aren't there more important things we could be doing in Prince William County today?
Change I can believe in the local Prince William County … (11 comments)
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Bank Sales and HOAs - 06/04/08 05:45 PM
More and more REO (bank owned) properties are showing up in Prince William County, and the entire Northern Virginia area. I believe that there are 7,000 homes in Prince William County in various stages of foreclose.
Be aware, once the bank takes possession of the home, you as the potential home buyer, still have the right to a resale package from the HOA (Home Owners Association).
A resale package is commonly known as the rules and regulations of the HOA. And even though it is package that was intended to be given to the potential buyer, from the seller, the banks … (3 comments)
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Bristow, VA: Just Listed in Braemar! 4 BR Canterbury for $490,000! - 06/04/08 05:03 PM
This is a short sale opportunity for the right buyer. Pre-foreclosure sale of a large, Canterbury model by Brookfield, only four years old!House has a formal living and dining room flanking the center hall entrance. Hardwood floors on main level.
Butlers pantry connects kitchen to dining room. Gourmet kitchen is loaded with granite counters, double ovens, cooktop and a huge center island, with room to place two or three barstools.
Breakfast room and family room open to kitchen: a great contemporary feel to the everday gathering area!
Upstairs you'll find an oversized Master Suite with his & hers walk-in … (3 comments)
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Time for a Cutie Pie Break - 06/03/08 06:02 PM
After the day I've had, it's time to sit back and give some love to this lttle furry gal that keeps trying to get my attention. She waits and waits...and waits.......and waits some more. And eventually, if I don't respond within the limit of her kitty-kat patience, she gives up. Poor little Minx.
If she only knew the mountain of frustration contained in some of the paperwork she sits on. She'd never look that calm.
… (18 comments)
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What Took Me So Long? - 06/02/08 10:03 PM
Today I had my first pedicure. I really don't know what took me so long to get one, but now I know what all the fuss is about. Next time I need to relax I'm heading to the nail salon and getting one of these things. Sooooo relaxing.
My toes are so happy. And the massage chairs! My God. Why didn't one of my friends explain it was more than just getting your toenails painted?!!!
… (12 comments)
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Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA
Bristow,
VA
More about me…
Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA
Address: 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA, 20155
Office Phone: (703) 402-0037
Cell Phone: (703) 402-0037
Email Me
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