Getting to Know Springfield Oaks-Fairfax County Virginia - 01/30/08 07:37 PM
If you live in Springfield Oaks in Fairfax County you are lucky to have found a neighborhood where the developer left multiple pockets of green space and built a community clustered around courtyards to keep cut through traffic to a minimum. Situated on 18 acres of wooded and gently rolling terrain 17 miles south of Washington DC this townhouse development is in a prime location for homeowners who commute to DC or any of the nearby military bases.
My clients Phil and Maria decided last year when his orders brought him to the area that Springfield Oaks was … (4 comments)
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Fairfax County-How Many Awards Do We Need? - 01/30/08 07:46 AM
Once just a rural farming community outside the nation's capital, today Fairfax County is recognized as a major business center in the Washington, D.C. area. The county attracts businesses from around the world due to its location and all that the county has to offer the business community, including a range of housing options, an abundance of recreational opportunities and proximity to Washington, D.C.
It isn't enough for Fairfax County to have a school system ranked in the Top 5 in the US, or having been named as one of the country's top digital counties, not even having the top median income … (3 comments)
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Kickstands Up- Helmets On- Let’s Go For a Ride - 01/29/08 07:15 PM
For those of you who like to get from Point A to Point B faster than your feet can take you then you might be ready to get your bike out of storage and pedal your way around Northern Virginia. Though not as bike friendly for commuters as other cities, the recreational rider can cover a lot of territory with a variety of trials and places to stop along the way.
Back in the mid 90's my son and I cycled 300 miles through the Loire Valley in France for 6 days and you can get a bit spoiled by … (12 comments)
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Konnichiwa-Learning A New Language In Fairfax County Schools - 01/28/08 05:55 PM
When I was in elementary school in Fairfax County (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) a decision was made to pull a few of us out of class and sit us in front of a TV to learn French. The program only lasted for half a year but today the only French I even remotely know came from sitting in front of that TV.
Today in Fairfax County parents have the option of enrolling their elementary schools students in a half day language immersion program. Unlike when I was in school or even when my kids were in Fairfax County Schools … (13 comments)
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Back to Nature in Fairfax County Virginia - 01/28/08 06:59 AM
Even when the weather is chilly there isn't any reason not to get outside and explore all of the great parks and recreation activities that you can find in Fairfax County, Virginia.Though your week may include commuting on crowded interstates, metro rides or slug lines, the weekend gives you the perfect opportunity to take in the solitude of many of our areas parks. Whether you are looking for one of the parks run by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the National Park Service or the Department of the Interior you can find a park and outdoor activity to enjoy.
Three … (15 comments)
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There is a Mystery Afoot in This Fairfax County Neighborhood - 01/27/08 10:39 AM
Fairfax County Relocation-Welcome to Fairfax County Virginia
Greentree Village is what you might expect to see in a community in Fairfax County, Virginia. Located in West Springfield, the neighborhood seems typical of many in the area. Brick front townhouses backing to trees and grassy islands slow traffic down for the kids to be able to play safely. Across the street from the neighborhood is one of the 380 parks maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority. A Fairfax County Connector bus stop is at the entrance to the neighborhood, within 15 minutes is the Springfield Metro, close by shopping and great schools put the neighborhood in a … (6 comments)
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Prince William County-Belmont Bay A Great Place to Live & Play - 01/26/08 05:14 PM
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Considering a Move to Fairfax County, Virginia? - 01/26/08 11:19 AM
Fairfax County Relocation-Welcome to Fairfax County Virginia Move to Fairfax County, right outside of the Nations Capital and you will find yourself right in the middle of it all. With our rich history dating back to the 1600's, our top notch school system, world-class shopping and access to the monuments and museums in DC you can always find something to do.With Fairfax County's recognition in 2007 as one of the nation's top digital communities, recent ranking in the top 5 school systems in the US and Forbes naming the county #1 nation in median income it is no wonder that the residents … (8 comments)
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Fairfax County Foreclosures-Newer Lorton Detached Homes - 01/25/08 07:18 PM
A number of properties listed as foreclosures in Fairfax County are homes that have been built in last few years. Lorton which has had significant growth in the last five years is one of the those neighborhoods. Since these homes are newer many of them are still covered by the builders warranty and have some of the upgrades today’s buyers are looking for. In fact some of these homes have never been lived in having been purchased by speculators who hoped to buy and flip.
Lorton has come a long way from the days when it was only known as … (4 comments)
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Keep Al Gore Happy- Think Creatively About Recycling - 01/25/08 05:34 PM
Our family has always been good about recycling. In fact we have shared trash service with neighbors, as we couldn’t fill one of those large bins that all of the local trash services want you to have. Big, bulky and ugly are the only way to describe them but they do make good rain barrels (but that is another blog.)
So as we continue to read more and more about the impact that trash is having on the environment it reminded me of some of the ways that we have been creative when it came to dealing with recyclables. My … (7 comments)
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Military Relocation-Getting To Know Quantico - 01/24/08 04:16 PM
Since Quantico Marine Corps Base first opened its doors in 1917 it has taken on the role of not only being the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps” but also the “Frontline of Innovation” for the Marines. As you drive through the gates of Quantico you can’t help but realize how many important enlisted and officers of the Marine Corps have also passed through those gates and under the Welcome to Quantico Sign.
Drive past the Marine Corps University complex where officers attend both OCS and advanced training at among others the War College or enlisted marines attend leadership training … (5 comments)
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Elephants and Google Have Long Memories - 01/24/08 09:26 AM
The saying goes “Elephants Never Forget” and apparently neither does Google. Science has determined that indeed there is truth to the statement regarding elephants and their ability to recognize “family” after a long separation. We don’t need science to prove the same thing about Google. All you have to do is enter your terms in the Google search bar and see what happens.
As most of us do with either our Google Alerts or a Google Search is look for ourselves and see what pops up. No it isn’t about ego it is about seeing what might be being said about … (14 comments)
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Virginia Historic Churches-Wakefield Chapel in Annandale Virginia - 01/23/08 03:31 PM
Tucked away in the Fairfax County on Toll House Road in Annandale sits Wakefield Chapel built in 1899 by Oliver Besley, a local sawmill owner on land he donated to build a church. The original deed for Wakefield Chapel drawn up by Oliver Besley stated that the church was only to be used for Methodist services two Sundays a month and the rest of the time it was to by any other denominations on other days.
The chapel is actually named for the first methodist minister who led services there Elhanan Wakefield. Wakefield had a significant part of history in Fairfax … (6 comments)
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One Fish, Two Fish-You Too Can Catch A Fish - 01/23/08 07:21 AM
It isn’t often that you see an event being planned in the community and it makes you think of a Dr Seuss book. However the latest event being planned by the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association is a “fishing trip.”
Trip might actually be a bit of a misnomer. Actually the fish are going to be in the Ridgewood swimming pool. Yes you read that correctly. The association is going to fill the pool with 700 rainbow trout and for $7.00 per person you can drop a line and catch your limit (of two). Now as someone who has … (14 comments)
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Military Relocation-Aquia Harbour in Stafford County VA - 01/22/08 05:56 PM
Military Relocation, Military Relocation Virginia, Quantico
Within minutes to the gates of Quantico in Stafford County VA is the gated community of Aquia Harbour. Built in the early 1970’s the neighborhood original attracted weekend boaters and those wanting a retreat from the city. Then with the widening of the major highways, the addition of the VRE as a commuting option and the growth of Northern Virginia, Aquia Harbour became a full time community.
With 2000 acres, including 400 acres of protected wetland, you have a hard time realizing that you are only 45 miles south of DC and 15 miles north … (4 comments)
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Can These Neighborhoods Be Saved? - 01/21/08 06:05 PM
As you drive around many older neighborhoods in Fairfax County Virginia you see street after street where both the booming real estate market and potential oversight by the local zoning authorities have created neighborhood nightmares. Whether it is the McMansions sitting next to the original single family homes or where zoning violations are evident the question becomes can these neighborhoods be saved? Having grown up in the area and watched some of these Fairfax County neighborhoods go from quiet "country" hamlets to full blown subdivisions it is sad to see the transformation. Yesterday I was driving through one area to check in … (17 comments)
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Prince William County-Another Small Piece of Local History - 01/18/08 01:32 PM
Sometimes you can drive past a landmark for years and not really notice it. Then one day you happen to glance at it again and wonder a bit more about the story behind the little white building by the side of the road. In this case it is another one of the small white frame churches you find that hasn’t been demolished to make way for “progress.”
The Sacred Heart Parish first began in 1914 as a congregation made up primarily of Czech and Austrian families living in Manassas. In 1929 part of the congregation left and built the Annunciation of … (14 comments)
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Prince William County- Hunters Grove Contemporary - 01/17/08 11:33 AM
Will be in the MLS on Saturday AM. Open on Sunday January 20th from 1-4PM. Stop on by and say hi to my associate Pam or send your clients to have a look at this terrific home
… (0 comments)
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Military Relocation-Welcome to Affordable Fairfax County Neighborhoods - 01/17/08 08:07 AM
Your military relocation specialist for Northern Virginia
Of course you might want to buy a million dollar mansion while you are stationed in the Northern Virginia but most likely you are going to look for a home that fits more into the range of the 2008 BAH rates or you VA loan limits. Fortunately there are a number of great neighborhoods where you can find a big selection of townhouses and detached homes that should fit your needs.If you haven’t been stationed in Northern Virginia before one of the first things that you want to become familiar with are all the … (6 comments)
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Kicking Off the 2008 Home Buyers Series - 01/16/08 10:25 AM
Monday night was the kick-off of my 2008 Home Buyer’s Series. With the 2008 Home Buyer’s Guide updated it was time to start getting in touch with first time home buyers to find out about their concerns, answer their questions and help them understand the home buying process.
The first meeting was held at the Fairlington Community Center with both a lender and a home inspector on hand to give their perspective on the best options for financing for first time buyers and the little telltale signs of what to look for as you are wandering through homes with your agent. … (8 comments)
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Military Relocation-Looking for Rental Property? - 01/16/08 06:55 AM
Not everyone headed to Fort Belvoir or any of the other Northern Virgina and DC military bases are going to make the decision to buy a new home. With many of the military graduate and specialty schools located close by short term assignments to our area are common.
Finding a good rental that suits your needs can sometimes be difficult and trying to find one quickly when you arrive is often stressful. Fortunately I’ve been able to help a number of military families find a rental property in Northern Virginia, some without ever having made a house hunting trip to … (11 comments)
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Historic Churches in Northern Virginia-Cranford Methodist Church - 01/14/08 11:47 AM
Cranford Methodist Church is another small Northern Virginia church that can trace its history back to the 18th century. Where the current church stands there have been three churches and two schoolhouses. The first church that occupied the site from 1730-1774 was called Pohick Episcopal Church. Being a frame built church after 40 years it began to fall into disrepair and George Washington suggested moving the church and congregation to a better location. So a new larger Pohick Episcopal Church was built closer to the “main” road.
The old frame church fell into disrepair and the site at the corner of … (3 comments)
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Military Relocation- Fort Myer and Eminent Domain Go Hand in Hand - 01/13/08 11:31 AM
It doesn’t matter how famous you might be in US history if you can’t pay your bills the government is going to confiscate your land. And this is what happened to none other than Robert E. Lee and his wife during the civil war. General Lee was unable to keep up with the taxes on the Custis-Lee estate and abandoned the property while fighting in the civil war. The land was purchased at auction by the US Government and divided into 200 acres for Arlington National Cemetery and 256 acres for a site originally called Fort Whipple. After the war the … (6 comments)
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Northern Virginia-Something To Take Away A Cloudy Day - 01/11/08 09:27 AM
This morning is one of those where you wake up with a list longer than your arm to complete and the weather just doesn't inspire you to get moving. So as I was doing some organizing of my various photo albums, Flickr, Picassa, disks and drives I came across some photos from last summer taken on a trip to Merrifield Garden Center in Fairfax Virginia. So today I’ll keep a little of summer on my screen to perk up the day.
Hope it helps anyone else who might be looking for a ray of sunshine in their day.
© Cindy Jones
All … (7 comments)
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Outside the Gates of Fort Belvoir-Homes of the Rich and Famous - 01/10/08 07:34 AM
Just a few miles outside the gates of Fort Belvoir visitors and residents of Fairfax County can find some of Virginia’s finest historic homes and our nation’s treasures. For their time these homes were the envy of the neighborhood and the owners most certainly among the richest families in Fairfax County.
Sitting on the best piece of property that any colonist could have imagined is Mount Vernon the home of George Washington. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to picture the prominent colonist in the 1770’s sitting on the back porch watching the large mast ships headed into the … (20 comments)
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Prince William County Foreclosures-Newer Homes In Woodbridge are Foreclosures Too! - 01/09/08 09:58 AM
A number of the properties listed as foreclosures in Prince William County are homes that have been built in last few years. In fact in Woodbridge you can find 30 homes built since 2005 currently listed for sale. These homes range from condos and golf villas in Belmont Bay to luxury detached homes in River Falls. Since these homes are newer many of them are still covered by the builders warranty and have some of the upgrades today’s buyers are looking for. In fact some of these homes have never been lived in having been purchased by speculators who hoped to … (8 comments)
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Military Relocations-What’s inside the Gates of Fort Belvoir - 01/09/08 07:47 AM
Yesterday was the day that most military members dread, waiting at the ID office to get your updated cards for your new post and new tags for your car. Fortunately for me they Fort Belvoir ID office takes appointments and my wait to update all my information only took an hour so I didn’t have to waste the entire day. It gave me a chance to look around and see what was new on post.
One of the things that strikes most people with PCS orders to Fort Belvoir is how big the base actually is. With 8,600 acres Fort … (3 comments)
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Military Relocation to Northern Virginia-Moving with your Pets - 01/08/08 06:59 AM
If your family includes a pet or two, making sure that they are safe and secure during your move can often be just as important as making sure your household goods arrive in one piece. Our family has moved around the world with pets and I know how difficult it can be find good care for your pet in a new surrounding. The first thing to remember if you are moving with a pet is to make sure as you set aside your personal information that you also include a copy of your pets health history and medications that they may … (6 comments)
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Fairfax County Foreclosures Properties-Looking High and Low - 01/08/08 06:09 AM
It doesn’t matter what price range you are searching if you are looking for a foreclosure in Fairfax County you can find it. There are properties on the high end of the market and there are properties on the low end of the market.
If you are looking for a high end home and money is no object then perhaps one of the properties listed for over a million dollars might be your ticket.
Better yet if you are an investor looking for a property to use as rental property then perhaps you want to look on the lower end of … (3 comments)
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Fairfax County Foreclosure Properties-Townhouses in Burke, Lorton & Springfield - 01/07/08 03:06 PM
With the press and television continually talking about Fairfax County foreclosure and REO properties buyers keep asking me where to find the best deal. Yes, there are some houses that are worth taking a closer look at and others that are easy to pass by. However deciding to buy a Fairfax County foreclosure is not as easy as 1-2-3. In fact buying a foreclosure property takes time and patience. It may mean waiting weeks for answers from the various third parties involved in the transaction and it generally means you are buying a home in “as is” condition.
“As-is” means “as-is” … (5 comments)
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Fairfax County Foreclosure Properties-Detached Homes in Burke, Lorton & Springfield - 01/07/08 09:22 AM
Deciding whether to buy a foreclosure property in Fairfax County is not as easy as walking in to the house and saying “I’ll take it.” Foreclosure/REO properties require more time and negotiation with a third party than buying a resale home. When you are buying a foreclosure property you are buying the property “as is” with inspections only for information purposes.
The question of whether a foreclosure property is a good deal will vary and doing the research to compare the properties is a key piece of making an offer. In one neighborhood you can find new homes that were purchased … (4 comments)
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Quantico Marine Base-Housing with a History - 01/06/08 06:43 AM
As with so many military bases in Northern Virginia the need to improve older base housing often means tearing down outdated housing to make way for homes that meet the needs of today’s families. At Quantico that meant getting rid of the largest collection of pre-fab Lustron homes found in the US.Unlike a stainless steel refrigerator, owners and residents of Lustron homes could hang their children’s art work with magnets. In fact you could use magnets all over the house because the homes were entirely pre-fabricated out of porcelain enameled steel. The other unique feature of these homes was their exterior … (15 comments)
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Marine Barracks DC-The Oldest Post of the Marine Corps - 01/04/08 06:42 AM
In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson rode through Washington DC scouting for a location to house the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Ever since that day the Marine Barracks DC has stood in a prime downtown location and was key in protecting the city during the War of 1812. Though not as well known to those outside of the military as Quantico Marine Base located 30 miles south of DC, the Marines stationed at the barracks are an integral part of the security and ceremonies that happen in the Nations Capital every day.
If you have ever watched the changing of … (6 comments)
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How Long Should A Remodeling Project Take? - 01/02/08 05:31 PM
Many Northern Virginia homeowners start out with the best intentions when they decide to remodel their home. Interviewing contractors, selecting materials, change orders it can all add up to time and money. On the other hand if you are handy then maybe you figure you can save a few dollars if you take on the project yourself. So how long does it take to remodel a house?
If you ask the neighbors of this homeowner they will tell you. Forever! Honestly it would be hard to come up with an answer to when this project actually started. Since the home is … (3 comments)
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Military Relocation to Northern Virginia-Bag Your Bags - 01/02/08 07:00 AM
You know how it is with the military. Rumors always precede your actually orders. When my husband finished pilot training and made his request for the type of aircraft he wanted to fly we had no idea what might happen next. On the day that the first step of orders arrived the flight instructors decided to make a game out of it. As officers opened their envelopes they discovered a puzzle. The type of aircraft they had been assigned with their first duty station written on it. We watched as our friends were headed to Williams AFB (now closed), Arizona or … (6 comments)
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Decades of Northern Virginia Real Estate Cycles - 01/01/08 06:59 PM
As everyone begins to review the numbers and the predictions from last years market it is hard to ignore the numbers. Though the “official” tally for 2007 is still a few weeks away it isn’t hard to see the trend. No one is going to argue that our average sales price in Northern Virginia has fallen but we are no where near “historic lows” as some would like to say. In fact if you look at trends over time in Northern Virginia you can see that our real estate market regularly goes through cycles.
Between 1990 and 1991 we had … (3 comments)
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Southern Style Cooking at Dixie Bones BBQ - 01/01/08 07:08 AM
When residents of Prince William County have a hankering for southern style cooking they don’t have to look any further than Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge. You can smell the BBQ cooking as soon as you turn in the parking lot off of Occoquan Road.
Opened in Woodbridge in 1996 (previously they were in DC) Dixie Bones is not a fast food restaurant. Instead they focus on taking the time to make great home made food from SCRATCH even including the buns for your BBQ sandwich. As soon as you walk in the door you know why the restaurant is a … (3 comments)
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