Northern Virginia Relocation-We've Got Options to Help You Get from Point A to Point B - 11/30/09 08:13 PM
For the very fortunate commuters in Northern Virginia a walk outside the back down and a hop in your helicopter gets you up and over the traffic and on to your destination. In case you think it isn't possible just ask the lucky homeowner who lives across the Occoquan River from me. Indeed he has his own helicopter pad in his back yard!
 
For the rest of us we need to find the more usual routes to get ourselves from our homes to work. If DC is your destination you have multiple choices from all points on the compass to … (3 comments)

Speechless Sunday-You Can't Fool Me - 11/29/09 10:48 AM
 

No matter how hard you might try you aren't going to fool me into thinking this is a real turkey.  Now get back in the kitchen and find me a real bird! 
In the UK you can't find Turkey at Thanksgiving so Squeak had to make do with a cardboard bird to celebrate this year.
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Work Off the Excess Calories-Explore Nothern Virginia& DC This Weekend - 11/27/09 11:36 AM
One of the great things about living in the DC Metro area is all of the things you can find to do on a weekend. You don't have to spend a fortunate in gas or days traveling to enjoy a few hours or a day out with friends or family.
You can never go wrong with a day at the National Zoo. Everyone wants to see the Panda Bears. With the fall weather the crowds have thinned and the animals are out enjoying the cooler weather. Wander the grounds Arlington National Cemetery. The views from Arlington House, the changing of the … (8 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-A Jungle Only Steps to the Beach - 11/25/09 05:03 AM

It was interesting to find this "jungle" just a few steps off the beach in Lido Key FL last weekend.  One minute we were walking on pure white sand and the next we felt as if we had stepped back in time.  The tributaries were full of small fish and blue herons, egrets and a bald eagle were all staking out their claim to lunch.  It is amazing what you can find if you just take a few minutes to step off the beaten path.
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Don't Be Foooled-This Blue House is Really Green - 11/24/09 06:13 PM

No there isn't a problem with your computer monitor the house you see is actually wrapped in blue insulation but the house is actually a green house under construction in Lorton VA.This home being built by the Speer family is utilizing all of the latest green technologies including both solar and geothermal technologies.
The south-facing roof will contain solar panels that will provide most of the electrical energy for appliances in the home.  If the family generates more electricity than they need the will feed power back to the local electric company grid causing the meter to run backwards.Heating and cooling will … (10 comments)

Price Reduced-What Do Buyers Think When they See the Sign? - 11/24/09 01:41 PM
Today will driving through a couple of local neighborhoods the “PRICE REDUCED” sign riders caught my attention.  In an area where some houses seem to fly off the market and others languish it made me wonder what do buyers think when they pull up in front of a house with the “PRICE REDUCED” rider front and center.

The first questions that popped into my mind were:

Was the house originally overpriced?
Wonder if the seller is desperate?
Is the house in poor condition?
What is the listing agent doing?


If a buyer has been casing a neighborhood … (123 comments)

Add Color To Your Blog The Easy Way! - 11/23/09 06:49 AM
I was first introduced to NVU about a year ago.  Adding color to your text doesn't take any knowledge of HTML to do.  Forget trying to learn color codes instead use a free tool to enhance your text.
The trick is not to go overboard.  To much color in a post can be distracting.  Decide whether a simple bold will get the point across as well as a different color.

Via Bielenberg & Associates:
Have you heard about NVU?  They claim to be the #1 FREE  Web Authoring System with WYSIWYG and HTML modes, and this a a great thing for a "non-computer" type … (28 comments)

Speechless Sundays-Social Media Seagull Style - 11/22/09 08:12 AM

 
When I ran across this flock of seagulls in FL last weekend my mind wandered to a Social Media event.  Lots of people standing around exchanging ideas and chatting about the latest tools and technology.  Of course in this case I suspect the chatter is more about whether they should attack the tourists on the beach or head out over the water to look for lunch.
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Welcome to "Flopping"-The Latest Short Sale Flipping Game - 11/22/09 07:31 AM
The FBI, Fannie Mae and fraud experts agree, the new short sale flipping scheme popping up around the country is on the rise and will cost banks millions of dollars.
The premise is quite simple.  Make a low offer on a short sale and convince the bank that the offer is "market value".  Close the deal and within 24 hours sell the property to a second buyer at a profit.  The second buyer has no clue that the home is under contract for far less than what they are offering and of course the lender has no idea that the value of the … (18 comments)

Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program-The Checks Are in The Mail - 11/18/09 07:35 PM

After a long wait the checks are beginning to roll out for military families who qualify for assistance from the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).
Three weeks after the funds were made available the surviving spouse of a Fallen Warrior received her check. Then a check went out to an Air Force Major in Colorado and since then the checks have been rolling out on a regular basis.  Each check issued means one of the thousands of military families impacted by the declining market value of their home comes one step closer to financial relief.
The expanded program has had a few holdups.  First the funds … (7 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-Beach Sunsets Make You Pause and Say Thank You - 11/18/09 06:39 AM

After worrying that Hurricane Ida was about to ruin a planned beach wedding at Lido Key in FL this past weekend we all managed instead to have this view.  No matter how many times you see a sunset the ones across the water always seem that much brighter and make you remember how great it is to celebrate life.
… (26 comments)

SOLD -Highest Priced Sale in the Newington Commons Community in 2009 - 11/18/09 06:26 AM
This past week my clients put the SOLD sign in the front yard of their Newington Commons townhouse in Lorton VA.  The home had multiple contracts in under 72 hours and after final negotiations the home ended up closing at $240,000 the highest priced sale in the community this year.The buyer's are a military family and the husband has been stationed in Iraq during the transaction and will be coming home to a great new house.If you are thinking about selling your home in Newington Commons or any of the other great Lorton VA neighborhoods give me a call at 703-346-2213.  … (0 comments)

Enjoy Charlestown One of Springfield (VA) Best Kept Secrets - 11/17/09 05:59 PM
Tucked just off the intersection of two major roads in Springfield is the townhouse community of Charlestown.  With tree lined streets, community parks and easy access to shopping and commuter routes this secret neighborhood is well worth checking out.
One of the benefits of the Charlestown neighborhood is the outside maintenance that the HOA provides. Besides the lawn care, trash pickup and snow removal the HOA also paints the exterior trim of the townhouses on a three year cycle, replaces the roofs when needed and the brick walls that run around the perimeter of the backyards.  
 
 
Commuting to the Pentagon … (6 comments)

The Quiet News from the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 - 11/17/09 10:04 AM
With all of the hoopla surrounding the extension of the first time homebuyers tax credit as part of the "Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009" a small portion of the bill was overlooked.  Perhaps if you don't work with military families or aren't in a community that has faced a decline in home values you might not even known that H.R. 3548  saved military families who are using the expanded Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) a 25% up front tax penality when they sold their home.For some families this has meant the difference from being able to take advantage of the benefits … (10 comments)

Springfield VA-Kings Park Cape Cod on Quiet Corner Lot - 11/14/09 08:03 AM
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Pentagon Relocation-Welcome Defense Language Institute Graduates - 11/10/09 08:29 PM
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 you are finishing up your coursework at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey CA and your have PCS orders 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 … (4 comments)

Fort Belvoir Relocation-Enjoy A Great Selection of Woodbridge Neighborhoods - 11/09/09 12:55 PM
With the upcoming influx of military and civilian personnel scheduled to move to Fort Belvoir, newer neighborhoods in Prince William County are gearing up for Fort Belvoir employees arrival. All of these neighborhoods offer great value in today's market and they offer a choice for buyers which include foreclosures, new homes and re-sales.
The first community you find when you cross the Occoquan River is Belmont Bay. With its waterfront location, variety of home styles and communities amenities it isn't a surprise that this community has been discovered by military families being stationed at Fort Belvoir. If you walk the waterfront … (0 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Honoring All of Those Who Lost Their Lives at Fort Hood - 11/08/09 12:53 PM

My thoughts go out to all of those who lost a loved one at this week's tragedy at Fort Hood.  With the approach of Veteran's Day we need to remember that each headstone and flag at Arlington Cemetery represents a loved one who served our country honorably.  Keep our troops both at home and at war in your thoughts this week.©Cindy Jones 209
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Speechless Sunday-Honey Did You Write Down the Number of Our Bus? - 11/08/09 08:04 AM

This is just a few of the buses lined up outside George Washington's Mount Vernon estate yesterday.  With beautiful fall weather visitors from around the world come to take in the views of the Potomac River from the back porch and see how life was back in the 1700's in Virginia. If you are coming to the DC area for a visit make sure you put Mount Vernon on your list of places to visit.  These folks did!
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Springfield Oaks-Just a Hop, Skip and A Jump to Fort Belvoir and NGA - 11/07/09 03:32 PM
If you are headed to Fort Belvoir and are looking for a reasonably priced townhouse community where the developer left green space and clustered courtyards then check out Springfield Oaks in Fairfax County.

 
 
Situated on 18 acres of wooded and gently rolling terrain the 382 townhouses in Springfield Oaks are only 5 miles from Fort Belvoir. The community is also within 5 minutes of the Lorton Station VRE, about 15 minutes to the Springfield Metro or you can catch a Fairfax Connector or Metro bus at either entrance to the community
 
Having owned a townhouse myself … (0 comments)

Springfield VA- Hang Your Crown in This Terrific New Kings Park Listing - 11/06/09 08:28 AM
Coming this weekend in Kings Park in Springfield (VA) a remodeled King model situated on a quiet corner lot.  The former two small main level bedrooms have been combined into a master suite with huge walk-in closet, extra vanity and updated bath.  Enjoy the completely remodeled kitchen with new cabinents, counters and appliances.  Upstairs are three bedrooms and a remodeled bath.  The lower level has a recreation room and huge storage area.  Hardwood floors throughout the main and upper level of the home.This terrific home will be priced at $389,000.  Get your checkbooks ready!Read more about the Kings Park neighborhood:
It isn't hard to … (4 comments)

Military Relocation-The Best Part of the Latest Tax Credit Extension - 11/06/09 07:03 AM
It includes the extension of the tax credit to military families who have been stationed outside the US for at least 3 months in 2009. For qualifying families they have until June 30, 2011 to purchase a home a qualify for the tax credit.  Now that is good news!   … (14 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-Remnants of High Tide on The Occoquan River - 11/04/09 03:55 PM

These logs were washed up on the shore of the Occoquan River after days of rain and high tides.  This pile of logs reminded me of an old split rail fence.  Walking along the Occoquan River in Prince William County is a great way to relax on a crisp fall day.
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Buying a "Pig in a Poke" in Northern Virginia - 11/04/09 03:45 PM
On the surface everything about this home looked good.  Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, beautiful bathrooms, large lot, great price.  What's not to love?  Turns out this little gem was in reality a "pig in a poke."  A check of the Fairfax County Building Permit site found permits issued and all of them with an incomplete status next to them.  Out of the permits that were pulled by electricians and plumbers we couldn't find any that said the remodeling work had passed inspection.  Since the property is being sold "as is" chances are that it might not even have an occupancy permit … (4 comments)

Applebee's Restaurants Offering Free Food to Veteran's on November 11, 2009 - 11/03/09 04:23 PM
If you know an active duty military family or veteran then let them know to head to their local Applebee's Restaurant on November 11th to choose one of the six free dinners especially for them.If you work with military families this is a great chance to send out a message and be in touch on Veteran's Day.  There isn't much else to say but thank you for all who are actively serving and those who have served our country. Location of Applebee's Resaurants in Northern Virginia   LET'S EAT!  
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Fort Myer in Arlington VA- Site of the First Commercial Airline Flights - 11/03/09 07:02 AM
When it comes to thinking about firsts and flying everyone immediately thinks of the Wright Brothers and Kitty Hawk.  As well they should.  However what many don't realize is that the Wright Brothers made what might be considered a more important flight in Arlington VA at the Fort Meyer Army Post.
The US Army Signal Corps wanted an aircraft that could hold two people and fly for at least one hour.  The first test came in September 1908 when Orville Wright took up a two seater plane and circled the parade grounds at Fort Meyer 57 times.  He then took a passenger … (12 comments)

Short Sale Train Wreck Coming to Northern Virginia Soon - 11/02/09 04:11 PM
Short sales in the Northern Virginia market aren't new. They were around in previous down markets with a different twist. Sellers actually had to come to the money with the table to close the deal or sign a promissory note to cover the difference. Sellers sucked it up and did it in order to move on.
Today the amount of money that most sellers are upside down keeps that from being a realistic scenario. However there is a train wreck coming and it isn't about the number of short sales or a tsunami of foreclosures but instead the way real estate … (10 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Looking Down River in Belmont Bay - 11/01/09 04:16 PM

The view down the Occoquan River from the roof deck of River Club 1 in Belmont Bay.  The roof deck is one of the reasons that River Club 1 has been a popular destination for buyers looking for a smaller condominium building in Belmont Bay.  If you are interested in making Belmont Bay your home give me a call at 703-346-2213.  Let me show you why som many of my buyers have decided to call this neighborhood home.
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Springfield (VA) Greentree Village is More Than Just Bricks and Mortar - 11/01/09 07:04 AM
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, the Rolling Valley and Sydenstricker Slug Lines are all close by as … (10 comments)

 
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Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Woodbridge, VA

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CJ Realty Group, Inc.

Address: 12804 Marblestone Drive, Woodbridge, VA, 22192

Cell Phone: (703) 346-2213

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