It's Time To Celebrate-The Nations Capitol On The 4th Of July - 06/30/11 03:36 PM
It's time to celebrate our Nations Independence!
Join thousands and I do mean thousands of people in Washington DC to enjoy the Capitol Fourth Concert and Fireworks on the National Mall. Not only do you get to watch great fireworks but Capitol Fourth Concert is broadcast by PBS. An extended celebration is planned on the Capitol West Lawn.
Ever since I was a child listening to the 1812 Overture at the end of the fireworks display has brought chills up my spine. Even the years when I was to "cool" to go to the Capitol and elected instead for the Washington … (12 comments)

River Falls On The Occoquan-Luxury Living in Prince William County Virginia - 06/30/11 09:31 AM
If you are a buyer looking for a luxury home in Prince William County you need to check out River Falls. 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.
Even though a good portion of the community is built around the golf course, non-golfers were not forgotten. Spread out over 280 acres the community features pools, tennis & basketball courts and plenty of walking paths owners have their choice of … (14 comments)

Settlements-They Aren't Supposed To Be A Game of Musical Chairs - 06/29/11 06:23 PM
Once upon a time in the real estate world, a contract specified a settlement time and everyone was there ready to go.  Now it seems the settlement date in the contract is just a mere suggestion of when settlement might occur.It seems to be easiest to point the finger at the lenders as they are the one's holding the documents but quite honestly there could be enough finger pointing go in all directions.  Documents that aren't submitted in a timely manner, documents that mysteriously disappear, last minute conditions added by the underwriter, unfinished inspection items, who can sort it all out.In … (18 comments)

How Did You Miss This During Your Home Inspection? - 06/28/11 05:51 PM
It's hard to believe that no one noticed this problem before the deed was transferred from the lender to the new owner.  Even when buying an foreclosure there is the opportunity for a home inspection.  Sure the home inspector is looking at the major mechanical systems in the house but if the house has been sitting empty for a period of time they are likely going to notice a few other things as well.In this case the other thing seems to be hundreds if not thousands of garter snakes.  I'm not sure, if the snakes are as prevalent as the video … (25 comments)

A Busy Week Ahead-I'll Be The Little Train That Could - 06/26/11 08:46 PM
Today a picture of the "Little Engine that Could" came to mind as the phone calls and emails about 5 pending closings kept coming. I think the appraiser will provide an update on the sales price. I think the loan will get through underwriting in time. I think the settlement company will straighten out the survey questions. I think the HAP will approve the final HUD-1. I think the builder will finish the punch list. I think I can-I think I canAnd then I think I'll collapse with an adult beverage.

… (27 comments)

Welcome To Your New Home Ted and Katy - 06/26/11 08:37 PM
This past week my clients Ted and Katy closed on their first home.  In a Northern Virginia market that picked up steam in late Spring these first time home buyers learned that not all sellers were motivated to sell and that some properties ended up with multiple offers.   After writing 5 offers we were beginning to wonder if they were going to be able to buy their first home before they needed to move to a retirement home.Perseverance paid off and in the end they found the home that was just right for them.  There were a few bumps along … (4 comments)

Buyer's Don't Wait Until The Last Minute To Do Your Final Walkthrough - 06/24/11 09:51 PM
It may be normal in other parts of the country for settlement to last for hours on end but not in Northern Virginia.  Most of the time settlement can occur within an hour.  However when buyer's wait until an hour before settlement to do the final walk-through there could be a chance that the hour settlement could stretch on and on and on.If repairs were agreed upon as part of the contract and not completed, showing up at the closing table with a laundry list of items mmediately puts the sellers on the defense.  If you find an issue with an … (14 comments)

Rippon Lodge-One Of The Least Recognized Historic Spots in Northern Virginia - 06/24/11 08:20 AM
 Rippon Lodge is probably one of the least known yet the oldest colonial houses still standing in Northern Virginia.
 
Built in 1747 Rippon Lodge is small and simple compared to George Washington's home Mount Vernon only a few miles away, yet the connection between the two properties runs deep. Richard Blackburn the original owner of Rippon Lodge was the architect that designed the original home at Mount Vernon. To add to the connection between the families, one of Lt. Col. Thomas Blackburn's daughters married Bushrod Washington (nephew of George Washington) and a granddaughter married John Augustine Washington, George's brother. … (16 comments)

Navy Sea Chanters At The Belmont Bay Marina-Sunday June 26, 2011 - 06/23/11 09:28 PM
The summer concert series at the Belmont Bay Pavilion is in full swing.  Two weeks ago the Navy Commodores rolled into Belmont Bay and this weekend the Navy Sea Chanters will perform.The Navy Sea Chanters were founded in 1956 and perform throughout the world and at major events in the U.S.  Their music is a combination of inspirational music, traditional Navy chants and even Broadway Musicals.  Even though the concert is at the Belmont Bay Marina and sponsored by the Belmont Bay HOA it is open to anyone in the area.  Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic and your favorite beverage.  … (10 comments)

Lake Ridge VA- CJ Realty Group Puts a SOLD sign in Front of Another Lake Ridge Home - 06/22/11 06:27 PM
This terrific renovated townhouse in the Lake Ridge neighborhood is the latest Lake Ridge listing by CJ Realty Group to find a new buyer. The settlement came together quickly thanks to the team work of the buyer's agent and their lender. The sellers of this home put a lot of work into it and next week we close on their brand new home in another neighborhood in Woodbridge, VA.


Lake Ridge is one of the 10 largest planned communities in the United States but it still retains the feel of small town America. Check out a current list of … (12 comments)

Summertime In The South-The Sweet Smell of Magnolia Blossoms - 06/22/11 03:39 PM
Summertime in the south makes me think of Magnolia's and the huge white flowers that always appeared on my grandparents tree.  Since today is the first full day of summer, it seemed appropriate to share this Magnolia blossom with you.  Now all I need is a glass of my grandmothers sweet tea and the swing on her front porch to be fully transported back to my childhood.
… (12 comments)

Port Potomac-Where The Coyotes Run Wild To Keep the Owners Safe - 06/21/11 08:03 PM

Okay that's a stretch. As you can see the coyote's in question are not exactly running wild.  They are however keeping the owners in Port Potomac safe from walking through mounds of duck poop as they enjoy a stroll to the Port Potomac Clubhouse.
Speaking of the Port Potomac Clubhouse the clubhouse was designed after the  Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg and provides Port Potomac residents with top of the line options for recreation. Inside the clubhouse you will find a large gathering space with multiple seating areas and a full bar. Owners can reserve the clubhouse for a private event … (16 comments)

SOLD-Another Military Family Makes A Move With DoD HAP Benefits - 06/19/11 09:09 PM
Every settlement for one of our Northern Virginia military families who have been caught by the decline of market value is tough.  Fortunately for the owners of this home in Wayside Village they were eligible for the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program.The home garnered multiple offers after only 4 days on the market.  The family is finishing packing for their new assignment at another post in Virginia.  If you are eligible for the DoD HAP program give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213.  We have settled 30 HAP transactions and know how not only to market … (8 comments)

Hyper-Local Blogging-Are Neighborhood Blogs The Right Place To Put Your Focus? - 06/19/11 10:30 AM
Let me preface this post with a disclaimer.  I'm not an SEO expert AND I don't know your target audience.   So the conversations I had this week about neighborhood blogging might not apply to you.  However it was an interesting observation from two prospective clients.My personal opinion is that the term hyper-local has become one of the most overused and misunderstood concepts for agents who are attempting to build their business through blogging.  Most agents immediately translate hyper-local as write about a neighborhood and focus their efforts on securing business in that neighborhood.  This is great if your target audience … (98 comments)

VA Loans-A Great Option For Eligible Military Families Moving To Northern Virginia - 06/18/11 05:24 PM
If it hadn't been for the VA home loan program I never would have been able to buy my first two homes! Now years later I'm helping military families transitioning to Fort Belvoir, Quantico or anywhere in the Military District of Washington use the VA Home Loan Program to buy homes.For a first time buyer in Northern Virginia a VA loan solves the down payment issue. VA does not require any down payment, ZERO, NADA, ZILCH and a seller can contribute up to 4% towards closing costs. What a deal.  If you've owned a home previously and think you can't use … (10 comments)

Buyer's-Don't Let A Sense of Entitlement Override Your Common Sense - 06/17/11 07:56 PM
It's been one of those days.  Or maybe weeks that makes me long for the days of the insane Northern Virginia market of 2003-2005.  Now why would I want to back track?  In those days buyer's were thrilled to get a home.  They were waving home inspection and buying homes "as is" right and left.  They didn't expect seller to jump through every hoop imaginable to finalize a deal.All week I've been negotiating the "little" things that a buyer asks for just minutes before settlement.  Now I'm not suggesting that a buyer doesn't have the right to ask for the home … (20 comments)

Say Goodnight Gracie-The Last Harborside Condominum in Belmont Bay is Under Contract - 06/15/11 09:10 PM
Back when the market was smoking HOT selling out a waterfront condominium building in Northern Virginia happened as soon as the project was announced.  Fast forward to a building ready to sell at the bottom of the market in early 2008 and you have a very different story.  However with a great deal of perseverance, lots of blogging and more weekend open houses that I can count, we are now SOLD OUT!  CJ Realty Group had the exclusive listing agreement for selling the 28 units in the building and we are fortunate to have worked with a number of terrific buyer's … (22 comments)

Pre-Construction Pricing Ending Soon on Marina Landing in Belmont Bay - 06/15/11 04:51 PM
With over 50% of the new Marina Landing waterfront townhomes reserved the builder is about to pull the plug on the great pre-construction incentives being offered.. The townhouses at Marina Landing provide three levels of finished living space. Each home offers upgraded granite and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. All of the bedrooms have private baths and the master bath features a soaking tub as well. Outside you will find a big second floor patio facing the marina and a private fenced courtyard in the rear. Enjoy all of the Belmont Bay amenities including waterfront walking paths, community pool and … (4 comments)

One Of The Most Recognized Flag Raisings In US History - 06/14/11 05:31 PM
Today is Flag Day in the United States.  Many of us take the sight of the US Flag hanging on front porches, on public buildings or around national monuments from granted.Everytime I drive past the Iwo Jima Memorial In Arlington VA I can't help but think about the scarfice that it took the brave men fighting the Japanese to be able to raise the flag on Mount Suribachi.  The five marines and the one Navy Corpsman who's photo was captured by Joe Rosenthal on Feburary 23, 1945 won a Pulitzer Prize.Though this wasn't the only battle where our American Flag has … (12 comments)

A Sign of The Times-A Change At The "Wives" Club At Fort Belvoir - 06/14/11 03:29 PM
For years military installations across the US have offered the fellowship for the "wives" of active duty and retired military though the "wives" club.  However today's military spouses aren't always "wives".  At Fort Belvoir there has been a name change to reflect the new status of the dependents of those eligible to participate in the Officers Wives Club.  The new club name is the Officer Spouses Club.  Though the club membership has been available to men for many years the name did not reflect the open door policy.  Now it is official and the board members hope the name change will … (6 comments)

Really You Just Called To Lecture A For Sale By Owner-Why? - 06/12/11 05:12 PM
This morning I meet with a great couple who are currently selling their home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO).  They had sent me an email through Active Rain to let me know about their home and they were offering a commission for a buyer's agent.  We exchanged a few emails and I asked if I could make an appointment to preview their home, which I did.We started talking about agent's perceptions of homeowners who decide to undertake the task of selling their home on their own.  Personally I don't have any issues with FSBO's.  I've sold a few without … (30 comments)

Is Your Stuff Keeping You From Finding The Home You Want? - 06/11/11 03:13 PM
Perhaps as we gain a little perspective in life or go through a few tragedies we learn that the "stuff" we accumulate doesn't have a lot of meaning.  I'm not talking about family heirlooms or valuable collections I'm talking about stuff. The items stored in closets, in boxes under the bed, out in the garage or in extra storage facilities you are paying a monthly fee for.  The stuff that if you took a good hard look at you might realize isn't all that important and could be keeping you from buying a great home.When I'm out with a buyer and … (89 comments)

Townes of Manchester Woods-A Hop Skip and A Jump To Everything You Need - 06/10/11 03:18 PM
The Townes of Manchester Woods is a small townhouse community located just off the Springfield Parkway and I-95.  Even though it is within 2 miles of the Franconia-Springfield Metro/VRE station, 3 miles to NGA and 5 miles to Fort Belvoir, the quiet community feels as if it is miles away from everything.  With it's close proximity to major transportation, shops, restaurants, movie theaters and more you won't even burn a gallon gas getting to where you need to go.  
Located right next door to the Townes of Manchester Woods is Hooes Run Park for get in a game of tennis … (1 comments)

When The Sidewalks Are Sizzling-See DC After The Sun Goes Down - 06/09/11 07:42 PM
With the steam rising off the sidewalks and the noon day sun bring heat stroke it's time to remember that you can see DC monuments after the sun goes down. With a bit of a cool breeze and fewer crowds the city and monuments take on a whole new look.Enjoy a quick nighttime tour.


If you are relocating to the DC area give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call to talk about how we can help you make a smooth transition.
… (25 comments)

Sherron Pointe & Small's Crossing-New Homes In The Center of Prince William County VA - 06/09/11 07:31 PM
Located in the middle of Prince William County the side by side communities of Sherron Pointe and Small's Crossing offer buyers the chance to get a new home close to shopping, recreation and with easy access to major commuting routes either west or east within the county or to DC.With only a few homes remaining in each community buyers have an opportunity to get a great deal and still have a home personalized to their tastes.   My client's Dave and Linda are closing on their new home next week and are looking forward to enjoying their first new home after traveling … (0 comments)

Dreaming Of Cooling Off From The DC Heat Wave? Then Join Us On The River In Belmont Bay - 06/08/11 05:50 PM
It's not even mid-June and we are already reaching record breaking temperatures in Northern Virginia.  For homeowners in Belmont Bay the choice of how to cool off is easy.  You can jump into the community swimming pool or if you are a boater you can rev up your engines and head out on the Occoquan River.
Homeowners in Belmont Bay are fortunate to have all of the amenities you would expect to find in a "resort" neighborhood including a pool and tennis courts as well as access to an 18 hole golf course and the Belmont Bay Marina.  The neighborhood features condominiums, … (12 comments)

If They Build It-Can You Use It? Woodbridge VRE Pedestrian Overpass Sits Unused - 06/07/11 08:31 PM
With great flourish, pomp and circumstance the Woodbridge VRE pedestrian overpass open over a year ago.  Yet today the overpass sits unused and inaccessible to commuters headed north on Route 1 hoping to drop off passengers at the Woodbridge VRE Station and continue to their own destination.  The overpass seems to be another victim of the Prince William County, Virginia Department of Transportation and federal funding woes that keep the Route 1 corridor projects from moving forward.Part of the issue with Route 1 in Northern Virginia is the number of municipalities involved in making it all come together.  Last month I … (8 comments)

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital-The Future Arrives For Local Troops in August 2011 - 06/07/11 03:24 PM
For the last few years driving through the Pence Gate on Fort Belvoir military families have watched the progress of the new $1 Billion Fort Belvoir Community Hospital could be seen.  From the first set of plans to the finishing touches everything is being done to make the new hospital a world class facility.
In addition to the world class care within the hospital a new Warrior in Transition facility is also nearing completion as well.  For injured service members this allows easy access to the hospital facility but independent living in a shared apartment with separate bedrooms.  The hospital is … (10 comments)

Lake Ridge VA-Another CJ Realty Group Listing Goes Under Contract - 06/06/11 08:50 PM
This terrific renovated townhouse in the Lake Ridge neighborhood is the latest Lake Ridge listing by CJ Realty Group to find a new buyer.
 
 
Lake Ridge is one of the 10 largest planned communities in the United States but it still retains the feel of small town America.  Check out a current list of Lake Ridge homes for sale.If you are looking for a reasonably priced home in a neighborhood with loads of amenities then give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213 to talk.  If you are planning on selling your Lake Ridge VA home … (1 comments)

River Falls On The Occoquan-Luxury Living in Prince William County Virginia - 06/05/11 05:15 PM
If you are a buyer looking for a luxury home in Prince William County you need to check out River Falls. 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.
Even though a good portion of the community is built around the golf course, non-golfers were not forgotten. Spread out over 280 acres the community features pools, tennis & basketball courts and plenty of walking paths owners have their choice of … (12 comments)

National Open House-Marina Landing in Belmont Bay - 06/04/11 09:14 PM
Marina Landing in Belmont Bay brings affordable waterfront living to Northern Virginia. Marina Landing features 12 new townhouses with unobstructed views of the Belmont Bay Marina and Occoquan River. The townhouses at Marina Landing offer three full levels of finished living space inside and big second floor patio facing the marina. Enjoy all of Belmont Bay amenities including waterfront walking paths, community pool and tennis courts. If you are a boater you can rent a slip at the Belmont Bay Marina and be able to walk across the street to your boat. Golfers can get in 18 holes at the end … (6 comments)

Think You Can't Get Farm Fresh Food Delivered To Your Door In Northern Virginia? - 06/04/11 05:35 PM
During the summer in Northern Virginia most residents think that the local farmers market are the only way to enjoy great produce and baked goods.However for some of us we know there is a way to have farm fresh produce, eggs, cheese, and even organic wine delivered to our door or a convenient pick up spot.  For those who aren't familiar with the term Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) it is a way for anyone to support local farmers by buying directly from the farm cutting out the middle man who takes the profit away from the growers.   You buy a … (14 comments)

Burke Lake Park-A Great Place To Escape The Dog Days Of Summer in Northern Virginia - 06/03/11 10:01 PM
The dog days of summer are starting to creep into Fairfax County. When they do one of the best local places to escape is Burke Lake Park.
Burke Lake Park is located just off of Route 123 and a few miles from the City of Fairfax. With over 850 acres including a 220 acre lake there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. For the walkers, joggers and bikers the 5 mile dirt loop around the lake is a great way to take in all of the vistas. For the youngsters the miniature train ride chugging along at 10 MPH is a … (20 comments)

Summer Time And The Living Is Easy-And The Children Are Looking For Something To Do - 06/02/11 09:32 PM
MOM I"M BORED. THERE'S NOTHING TO DO.Fortunately for families living in Northern Virginia there are a variety of local water parks where you can spend the day working off your kids boredom and also stay cool at the same time.In Lorton you can check out Pirates Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay Regional Park just a few miles down Gunston Road off Route 1. With a sand beach, a 24 foot tall climbing tower and water slides kids will be sure to have a good time. The pool is up from 10:30 am to 7 pm Monday-Friday and 11 am to 7 … (20 comments)

Does Your Home Bring A Smile To The Face Of Prospective Buyers? - 06/01/11 09:39 PM
There are a number of ways to make your home stand out in today's market. One of them is to make it noticeable to everyone that drives by. Honestly every time I pass this home it makes me smile. I have no idea what the neighbors think but since it is on a street lined with eclectic homes I'm sure they don't even notice.If you are thinking of putting your home on the market in the near future you may want to forego the bright pink paint and consider instead some more traditional methods of getting your home ready to sell.
… (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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