realtor: What's in your wallet? - 11/26/09 02:31 AM
You can't plan ahead for the unexpected.  Or can you? 
Cara Pearlman, an associate of mine in Maryland makes a great point about how we can prepare for the unexpected theft of a wallet.  I think we should all make note of what we have in our wallets...just in case.  This advice would go for a misplaced wallet as well.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Cara!

This morning a colleague of mine came into my office with an extremely sullen face. She had her wallet stolen while grocery shopping for her Thanksgiving Feast at a local supermarket. Obviously, unable … (13 comments)

realtor: Gainesvillle, VA Residents: Join Long & Foster's Annual Coat Drive! - 11/19/09 05:11 AM
Long & Foster Gainesville is hosting an annual Coats for Kids Drive.  If you are a resident of Gainesville, Bristow or Haymarket, Virginia, here's your chance to make a difference in someone's world this winter.  Bring in your donation of a new or clean, lightly used coat, mittens, gloves, scarf, or hat to our office.  Adult outwear is also welcome. 
The Long & Foster Gainesville office is located at 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA.  From the intersection of Route 29 & Linton Hall Road; take Linton Hall Road South; at the 3rd traffic light turn left onto Wellington Road; take a left onto Limestone … (5 comments)

realtor: Bristow, VA: Braemar's New Traffic Light!! - 09/26/08 03:48 AM
The intersection of Tartan Hills Parkway/Rob Roy Way and Sudley Manor Drive has been a treacherous one from the beginnig of our community.  Wide, landscaped medians have made left hand turns across the divided, four lane road a guessing game.
While this intersection had been a magnet for fender benders between cars, the catalyst for the new traffic light happened the summer of 2007.  A teenage boy, crossing the intersection on a bicycle, was struck by a car going a minimum of 45 mph (the legal speed limit on Sudley Manor Road).  Luckily, the young man made a full recovery, but … (4 comments)

realtor: What Buyers Should Know About Builders - 09/26/08 02:48 AM
I love new homes.  Who wouldn't?  They smell new.  They look great.  And the decorating is phenomenal.  You immediately get that feeling--"I've GOT to have this NOW!"  As a Realtor, I know that buying new construction means it's time to get in the best negotiating condition I can and put on the boxing gloves.
As a buyer, you may feel like you don't need a Realtor to talk to a new home builder.  Guess what?  You're right!  You don't need a Realtor to buy a new home...but here's why you might consider hiring one to represent you when it comes to dealing … (4 comments)

realtor: Woodbridge, VA: Model Home Furniture Sale, 9/27/08 - 09/24/08 02:27 AM
If you have never attended a model home furniture sale, you should try it at least once.  All those unique furnishings you loved in viewing the model are on sale.  Cash and carry.  They sell wall hangings, furniture, rugs and other accessories.
The next model home furniture sale on the horizon is at Melody Landing in River Oaks.  It's a Lennar townhome.  It will be on Saturday, September 27 from 9am-4pm.  Directions will be at the end of this post.  I recommend getting there early before the townhome is picked over and the large selection of furnishings is gone.
Amazing Grace … (4 comments)

realtor: Old Town Manassas - 09/12/08 10:34 AM
I love when I have the time to take the long way to an appointment.  No matter the time of year, Old Town Manassas in Manassas, Virginia is a very pleasing sight.  And it's a wonderful place to stop and have lunch and do a bit of shopping.
One of my favorite stops for lunch is Okra's...our local home for New Orleans cuisine.  Want some Red Beans & Rice?  Homemade Cornbread?  Jambalaya?  You have to make an appearance at Okra's.  Just be warned, the food is SPICY.
In the mood for a Philly Cheesesteak?  Try the Philadelphia Tavern.  One of the best things I've … (6 comments)

realtor: Relocating and Need a Neighborhood Close to Reliable Daycare? - 09/12/08 10:06 AM
If you are relocating and need a neighborhood with licensed, professional daycare, look no further than Braemar in Bristow, VA.  In terms of housing, you will find a mix of single family homes of all sizes, townouses and condos.  There is something for every price range.  There is close access to the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) and Route 66.  And there are two, self-contained daycare facilities within the community.

In the first section of Braemar, with homes built between 1997 and 2000, you will find KinderCare, located just off of Braemar Parkway.  To find out about specific services, rates and enrollment, you can call … (4 comments)

realtor: Bristow, VA: Canterbury Model Just Reduced $20K in Braemar! - 09/11/08 05:53 AM

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realtor: Hanna's Impact - 09/07/08 03:26 AM
Prince William County was drenched with the rains of Tropical Storm Hanna yesterday.  It was the gusting winds that really made an impact on my community of Braemar.
Driving through after the storm passed, I was surprised to see my preferred route out of the neighborhood (Tartan Hills Parkway) was partially closed.  I made a quick detour, and upon reconnecting with Tartan Hills Parkway, I looked back and saw a large downed tree blocking the road.

Downed hardwoods are nothing new to Braemar.  Stiff winds associated with frontal passages have often targeted our dying and brittle hardwoods.  Sadly, this tree … (12 comments)

realtor: What a Difference! - 09/03/08 07:34 AM
I had a listing  some time ago that was sapping my energy.  It was a lovely home, but wasn't getting anyone's attention that came through.   The owner and I were at a loss.  The home was vacant, but minimally furnished.  It showed well....or so we thought.
Enter the professional stager.  As soon as she had given the home a face lift, I knew that we were going to see some action.
Take a look at these before and after pics in the kitchen.  On the left you'll see what the home looked like when I took the listing.  Not bad.  But on … (4 comments)

realtor: Braemar Property Value Report: Courtyard Series (July-August 2008) - 09/01/08 05:05 AM
The Braemar Property Value Report for the Courtyard homes built by Brookfield is in!  The news isn't that bad.
In the last two months, only one courtyard home has sold.  These courtyard homes are near zero lot line homes...five to a single pipe steam or driveway.  They include the Clarendon, Ballston & Arlington models.
The only sale this report was for $300,000.  It was a Ballston model with a fully finished basement.  The seller gave the buyer $9,000 in closing cost assistance.  And the home was only listed for twelve days. 
This compares to last report in that the average sales … (4 comments)

realtor: Braemar Property Value Report: Arista Series (July-August 2008) - 08/30/08 03:38 AM
Another two months of home sales in Braemar is giving us the opportunity to once again reflect on property values in the neighborhood.  This particular post will focus on the Arista Series homes built by Brookfield.  That includes the following models:  Canterbury, Allister and Buckingham.  They are the largest single family homes built by Brookfield in Braemar.
As the market has declined, the Arista Series homes have experienced a resale drought.  One or two might sell in a six month period.  This Braemar Property Value Report indicates that the drought may be over.  In the last two months, three Canterbury models … (5 comments)

realtor: Bristow, VA: Dunbarton in Fall - 08/29/08 12:00 PM
I took a ride through Dunbarton in Bristow, VA the other day.  A nice attaction caught my eye.  In addition to their putting green,in front of their lovely clubhouse, is a fountain.
As with everything in Dunbarton, it is nothing extravagant, but tasteful and just perfect for the surroundings.  It has been there, but this is the first time I recall seeing it in action.  Made me want to stop and take in some fresh air on the bench. 
There are still homes available from the builder in Dunbarton.  Just remember, Dunbarton is an Active Adult community.  You need to be age 55 … (8 comments)

realtor: Chantilly, VA: 3 Bedroom Condo Reduced Nearly $60,000! - 08/28/08 04:38 AM
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realtor: Outgrowing your Condo or Townhouse? - 08/26/08 11:18 AM
Outgrowing your condo or townhouse?  Looking for something with more room?  There is good news on the horizon.  Given the current market conditions, your next home is more affordable now than it may ever be.
Waiting for your current home to regain the equity you had a few years ago, may see you paying more for your next house than you need to.  As the market comes back and home values go back up, so is the value of your next home going up.
Want to know if you can afford to rent your current residence and move on to something with more space?  Consulting a Realtor before … (10 comments)

realtor: Great Falls National Park--Great Falls, VA - 08/20/08 02:53 PM
Great Falls National Park in Great Falls, Virginia has some of the best views in the area.  Rushing rapids are not what typically come to mind when thinking of the Potomac River, but you can see them for yourself here in these photos.


Explore the over 800 acres of the park.  Hike, or walk, the numerous trails. Have a picnic with the family. There is also a tour of the Patowmack Canal, which entertwines with our early American history 


The rocky slopes are great for the more adventurous at heart.  Get in with an experienced rapelling group and have a … (21 comments)

realtor: Bristow, VA: Attention Braemar Dog & Animal Lovers! - 08/17/08 05:40 AM
The Braemar Community Pools will only be open through September 1st.  However, the fun doesn't stop then. 
On September 7th, Braemar is opening the Iona Sound pool for a first-time ever event---Doggie Paddle!  The purpose is to raise money to support the Prince William SPCA.  Dogs only will be allowed in the pool.  The entrance fee is $8 per dog, with a two dog limit per family.   Tennis balls will be provided, but other water toys are welcome.
All dogs that you plan to bring must have their County and Rabies Tags...so don't forget to pack them.  Also, donations of old, clean and good condition bedding, towels, blankets and leashes will be … (4 comments)

realtor: Centreville, VA: Sold in Compton Village! - 08/15/08 08:28 AM
What can you expect to pay for a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom, one car garage townhome in Compton Village?  Well, my favorite real estate answer comes to mind.  It depends.  It depends on the condition of the home and what others in the area are selling for.
This particular home had brand new carpet and paint, a fenced backyard and deck.  The home wa sin good shape.  It didn't have upgrades that didn't fit with the typical townhouse like granite countertops and such.  It had formica countertops in the kitchen and vinyl flooring in the bathrooms and kitchen.
One … (4 comments)

realtor: Bristow, VA: Enjoy Summer with Soft Serve Ice Cream! - 08/12/08 03:18 AM
Swirlies in Manassas opened for business in the summer of 2008.  It's located on Pennsylvania Avenue, just off of Route 28 in the Airport Commerce Center.  And don't rely on seeing it from the main road.  Swirlies is behind the Buger King.
If you live in the Manassas or Bristow area, try to make a trip to Swirlies this summer.  You won't be disappointed.  They are many ice cream choices to enjoy.  And you can enjoy the airplanes landing and departing overhead at Manassas airport.  The kids will love it!
And look in the Bull Run Observer for coupons.  Swirlies has been known … (4 comments)

realtor: Manassas, VA: The Prince William County Fair is Happening Now - 08/09/08 05:33 AM
The 59th Annual Prince William County Fair started yesterday, August 8th.  As usual, it's being held at the Fair Grounds...located at 10624 Dumfries Road in Manassas.  Some attactions this weekend are two shows, 5pm, both Saturday and Sunday by the Bull Run Cloggers. 
Sunday, August 10th, there is a full day of activities...two of which are of particular interest to yours truly.  AT 1pm there will be a Pet Show featuring Cats and Small Animals.  At 3pm there is the Bake Sale and Judging of the Bake Off.  If you stay throughout Sunday evening, you can catch the Neavils Creek Band at … (6 comments)

 
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Bristow, VA (Long and Foster Real Estate)

Chris Ann Cleland

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Gainesville, VA

More about me…

Long and Foster Real Estate

Address: 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA, 20155

Mobile: 703-402-0037

Office: 703-402-0037



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