Now Available Waterview Two Bedroom Rental in Belmont Bay - 10/31/11 09:07 PM
Looking for a rental where you can walk to the Woodbridge VRE station, enjoy a round of golf when you get home or enjoy a waterfront walk?  Then check out this nice 2 BR/2.5 Bath Condo in the River Club in Belmont Bay. 

Hidden just across the Prince William County line is the waterfront community of Belmont Bay. As you cross the Occoquan River take a glance to your left and you will be surprised at what you will see. A community Washingtonian Magazine has twice picked as one of the "best communities" to live in the DC area … (5 comments)

Sorry There Isn't A Bridge In Old Bridge Estates In Woodbridge VA - 10/31/11 07:08 PM
But there are plenty of great houses for you to call home. Located just off the intersection of Old Bridge Road and Smoketown Road the Old Bridge Estates neighborhood offers prospective owners a convenient location for daily commuting and shopping.The neighborhood offers both townhouses and detached homes on well landscaped and treed lots. With over 850 homes you will find a wide variety of options to choose from. Old Bridge Estates also offers owners a community pool, tennis courts and tot lots included in the HOA fees. Just a few miles away you will find the Chinn Acquatics and Recreation Center … (2 comments)

Drive By Shootings-Do They Really Show Off A Neighborhood? - 10/30/11 07:09 PM
Perhaps it is because Realtors® spend so much time in their cars that the drive by neighborhood video came into existence.  It was simple to hold a little camcorder in your hand or place it on a suction cup on the dashboard.  Turn it on and start driving down the street.  But wait is that drive by video really working for propsective buyers?How many videos have you watched where the noises from the car distract you from the video?  Car radios, dashboard squeaks, cell phones ringing and windshield wiper blades are just a few of what you might hear.   During … (20 comments)

Checking Out The Latest REO Listings In Prince William County Virginia - 10/29/11 05:18 PM
Even though the weather outside is frightful and some of Northern Virginia is seeing an rare October snowstorm it didn't keep me from heading out to show Prince William County REO properties.  We gave our buyers a warning when we saw the weather report...bundle up....as most REO properties are without electricity and heat.
Now there are always a few surprises when you are showing REO's.  Some of them make you back out the door but then there are the ones that make you say "I wonder what they were thinking?"  In this case it was a rambler on a nice 1/3 … (6 comments)

Quantico MCB and Montclair In Dumfries VA-A Winning Combination - 10/29/11 03:20 PM
Are you headed to Quantico MCB with PCS orders?  Are you coming to the FBI Academy located at Quantico?  With the expansion of Quantico MCB there are a lot of new organizations now calling Quantico MCB home.  If you are one of the active duty military or civilians headed to the area then you should check out the Montclair neighborhood as a place to call home.
Money Magazine recently named Montclair #35 on it's Top Ten List of Best Places to live in the US. There are plenty of reasons why Montclair would make the list. You can start with the … (0 comments)

Dumfries VA Military Family Gets A Treat For Halloween - 10/28/11 06:51 PM
For a military family with PCS orders in a turbulent real estate market the options of what to do with an underwater home can be stressful.  For the family of this home in the Southbridge neighborhood of Dumfries VA they discovered they were eligible for the Department of Defense of Homeowners Assistance Program (DoD HAP.)
Today they went to closing and to make the sale even better was they buyer was also active duty military stationed at Fort Belvoir.  Since the DoD HAP program was funded in the fall of 2009 I've had the good fortunate to assist 33 Northern Virginia … (16 comments)

The Reserve at Port Potomac-A Treat For Buyers Halloween Weekend 2011 - 10/27/11 03:23 PM
Tucked off of Port Potomac Boulevard in Prince William County, VA, the Reserve at Port Potomac is being built by M/I Homes and offers 5 classic floor plans ranging in size from base size of 2500 to over 3100 SF. Finished square feet can be enhanced by completed lower level recreation rooms and a variety of floorplan options. Most of the homes are standard with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 Baths but can go up to 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.Halloween Weekend 2011 (October 28th to October 31st) M/I Homes is offering incentives on their move in ready homes at the Reserve … (8 comments)

Weems-Bott Museum-Are You Brave Enough To Tour This Dumfries Landmark? - 10/27/11 12:18 PM
It looks innocent enough.  A small house located just off the main road through Dumfries Virginia. If you ask local historians and ghost hunters they will tell you the Weems-Bott Museum is not for the faint of heart.  The museum is listed as the 2nd most haunted spot in Virginia. 
 

Lets start with a little history.  The town of Dumfries is the oldest charter city in Virginia.  At one point it was a bustling seaport but silt from the Potomac River eventually closed the port.  The museum is named after two of the owners.  The first was Mason Weems, … (17 comments)

River Falls On The Occoquan-Beautiful Homes And Wonderful Community Amenities - 10/26/11 07:06 PM
If you are a buyer looking for an affordable luxury home in Prince William County you need to take a tour of River Falls on The Occoquan.  This upscale community is located just off of the Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.  As you drive into the community you notice the wide boulevard entrance way, the greens of the Old Hickory Golf Club and the treed lots. 
Home size and lot sizes in the community vary.  Closer to Old Hickory Golf course you will find homes on smaller lots of 1/5 of an acre.  As you move further back in the community … (4 comments)

Tuesday Stroll-Rippon Lodge in Prince William County Virginia - 10/25/11 02:41 PM
Rippon Lodge in Woodbridge VA was built around 1747 and still stands today as the oldest still standing home in Prince William County VA.  Though it is not as grand as other local historical homes, Rippon Lodge has a beautiful vantage point across Neabsco Creek and played a significant role in Virginia history.   Richard Blackburn the original owner of the home was an architect.  He designed the original Mount Vernon Estate owned by George Washington.  With it's prominent location on the "Kings Highway" (now Route 1), Rippon Lodge was often a stopping point for George Washington and George Mason among other well known early … (10 comments)

Port Potomac in Woodbridge VA-Home Sales For 2011 - 10/24/11 08:35 PM
Port Potomac is one of the popular new Prince William County Communities designed and developed in the last few years in Woodbridge VA. Multiple builders including Ryan Homes, Drees Homes, NVR and Kettler Brothers have helped shape Port Potomac. New homes are still being built by Ryan homes and M/I homes at the Reserve at Port Potomac. The neighborhood has a mix of townhouses and detached homes with multiple floor plans.
When you first enter the community you can't help but notice the large community center. The community center features a place for neighbors to gather and host special events. The … (3 comments)

Alexandria Pastry Shop-A Great Place for A Sweet Treat - 10/23/11 06:58 PM
In a way you hate to give up the "secret" of your favorite little places to sneak off for lunch or a sweet treat. On the other hand you want others to realize that you don't have to spend a fortunate at one of the mega chain coffee stores or settle for fast food when in the same area is a great little deli and pastry shop that will satisfy your hunger with real food.
In this case the little secret spot is the Alexandria Pasty Shop and Deli in the Bradley Shopping Center on King Street. Since I own a … (60 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Hanging On To Summer As Long As I Can - 10/23/11 10:24 AM

On this morning's stroll in Belmont Bay it was a brisk 40 degrees.  Despite the chill in the air this rose is still hanging on the to the warmth of the daytime sun.  Most of us where the leaves are changing colors can understand the hope of soaking in a few more days of sunshine before the cold winter months sink in.Hope you have a beautiful fall day where ever you are this weekend.Photo taken with iPhone
… (39 comments)

Charlestown Townhouses in West Springfield-There's a Surpise Inside - 10/22/11 07:34 PM
They say that fine wine ages well. The same thing can be said for the townhouse neighborhood of Charlestown in West Springfield. Maybe it is the all brick construction or the tree lined streets that make it standout from other area neighborhoods. It might even be the residents of the neighborhood who have a strong home owners association which even maintains the exterior of the townhouses. But whatever the combination it has worked well for 40 years.Anytime you read an MLS description for a Charlestown townhouse you will find out about the surprise inside. The first is the "dramatic curved staircase." … (8 comments)

Port Potomac-Tracking The Changing Market In the Neighborhood - 10/21/11 07:57 PM
Over the last few years I've had the good fortune to list and sell a few properties in the Port Potomac neighborhood in Prince William County Virginia. As one of the newer communities in eastern Prince William County the impact of the downturn of the real estate market was readily apparent as the sales prices for the neighborhood plummeted and the number of short sales and foreclosures skyrocketed.
Besides keeping up with the prices in Port Potomac, I've also been tracking the change in the number of distressed properties in the neighborhood.
Taking a look back to 2008 here is … (8 comments)

The Power of Active Rain....Compassion for The Loss of a Loved One..Jamie Caulk - 10/21/11 08:05 AM

Many of us have watched the Facebook updates and prayed for a miracle for Missy and the rest of the Caulk family since Jamie's accident last Friday.  Their pain over the loss of a beloved son, brother and friend is unfathomable. 

Jamie Caulk - Holding On from Matthew Caulk on Vimeo.


Via Sally & David Hanson WI Realtors Luxury\Short Sale\CDPE\ABR\e-Pro\REDS (Keller Williams 414-525-0563):
   Lots of blogs talk about the POWER of Active Rain....the potential to learn, share ideas, promote properties, understand technology, stay on top of your real estate game....and there are all kinds of ways that agents, lenders, suppliers, … (8 comments)

One Data Entry Error Can Skew Neighborhood Market Reports For Years To Come - 10/19/11 05:48 PM
Whether we publish reports on our blog, include them in mailings or use them for listing appointments, market reports and comparative market analysis (CMA) are an important part of tracking our local markets.  We depend on the data in the MLS and also other agents to make sure the data entered is accurate.When the data is wrong and a Realtor®  pulls a report the information will be skewed for years into the future.  The data we publish to the public could easily suggest a significant increase or decrease in sales prices or seller subsidy.  This week looking for updated data on … (101 comments)

Port Potomac A Woodbridge VA Community-Detached Home Tour - 10/18/11 07:03 PM
Port Potomac is one of the popular new Prince William County Communities designed and developed in the last few years in Woodbridge VA. Multiple builders including Ryan Homes, Drees Homes, NVR and Kettler Brothers have helped shape Port Potomac. New homes are still being built by Ryan homes and M/I homes at the Reserve at Port Potomac. The neighborhood has a mix of townhouses and detached homes with multiple floor plans.
When you first enter the community you can't help but notice the large community center. The community center features a place for neighbors to gather and host special events. The … (10 comments)

New Construction Is Selling All Over Prince William County VA - 10/16/11 02:43 PM
The national news may be talking about a slow down in new construction sales but in Prince William County VA the earth is moving.

 
Driving around Prince William County you can see the Reserve at Port Potomac, Villas at Eagles Pointe, Powells Landing and Potomac Crest as just a few examples of home home sites with inventory selling.  Major builders are delivering homes within 90 days of contract signing depending on location and a few builders have already finished homes ready for move in within 30 days.
If you are thinking about buying new construction in Northern Virginia give … (16 comments)

Community Profile-Old Bridge Estates In Woodbridge VA - 10/16/11 12:23 PM
Looking for a new neighborhood to call home in Woodbridge VA?  Then you may want to add the community of Old Bridge Estates to your list.  Located just off the intersection of Old Bridge Road and Smoketown Road the Old Bridge Estates neighborhood offers prospective owners a convenient location for daily commuting and shopping.The neighborhood offers both townhouses and detached homes on well landscaped and treed lots.  With over 850 homes you will find a wide variety of options to choose from.  Old Bridge Estates also offers owners a community pool, tennis courts and tot lots included in the HOA fees.  … (4 comments)

The Cost Of Overpricing Your Northern Virginia Home-It Might Be More Than You Think - 10/14/11 07:56 PM
Early this summer I met with a couple who wanted to sell their home.  They had two goals, sell as quickly as possible and maximize the amount of money they could take away from the sale.  After touring the home with them and suggesting a few staging ideas, we sat down to discuss the comps.  Of course the shock of what the home might be worth and what they would like to be able to sell the house for was a bitter pill to swallow.  Since it was the height of the summer market my suggestion was to price the home … (22 comments)

Goldilocks & The Three Bears-Writing The Best Offer For Your New Home - 10/12/11 04:16 PM
In Northern Virginia the competition for listings is strong.Not as crazy as the height of the market but in many cases listings will bring multiple offers. For Northern Virginia buyers that means working closely with a buyer’s agent to craft the best deal you can on your dream home.Recently while reviewing offers on a listing in Woodbridge the book “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” came to mind. Make an offer that is to low and your offer most likely will not even be considered.What is to low?  If the average percentage of list price to sales price in a neighborhood is … (52 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-Even Extroverts Need A Break Now And Then - 10/12/11 03:11 PM

Birds of a feather might flock together but occasionally even the most social of birds needs a little down time.  This sandpiper seemed to be oblivious to anyone feathered or not who was walking along the shoreline with him.  Even extroverts need down time to recharge their batteries and get away from the chirping of other birds or in my case the sound of the ringing phone.   Hope you find a place to recharge your batteries this week.
… (10 comments)

Tuesday Stroll-Mason Neck State Park in Lorton VA - 10/11/11 05:08 PM
Mason Neck State Park along with the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge combine to create close to 2000 acres of tranquility within 15 minutes of the bustling community of Lorton VA and Fort Belvoir. The park sits on a peninsula of land with three bodies of water, Pohick Bay, Belmont Bay and the Potomac River creating the shorelines.
The Mason Neck peninsula is named after George Mason who's home Gunston Hall is just a across the road from the park. Originally the area was part of a 5,000 acre corn and tobacco plantation. Regular visistors to the area included George Washington … (14 comments)

Crosspointe In Fairfax Station-Join Us For A Quick Tour - 10/11/11 07:43 AM
No matter what season you look at the Crosspointe neighborhood in Fairfax Station you can't help but notice the well kept landscaping, large lots and mature trees. An encouraging sign that the owners in Crosspointe care about their homes. The streets are wide and no two homes sitting side by side look alike. Driving through the neighborhood you will find Victorians with wide front porches, Tudors and stately Georgian Colonials.
Residents of Crosspointe enjoy the proximity to major parks and recreation activities including Burke Lake Park and the new Laurel Hill Golf Club. The neighborhood itself features two community pools, multiple … (2 comments)

Using the Four Day Window of Opportunity to Help Five Military Families Close with The Lower Funding Fee!!! - 10/10/11 09:02 AM
This is important information for anyone working with military buyers.  It appears there is a vortex that has sucked up the reduced VA Funding fee for closings until November 18, 2011.  Unfortunately this could have a negative impact for buyers who had anticipated the lower fee for closings in October.  If you are a VA buyer in Northern Virginia please check with your lender to see how this impacts your upcoming closing.
Via Louise Thaxton #6 in Nation for VA Loans 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA Louisiana Loans (Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289):
VA Funding Fees.......Are you confused yet?  It has been … (5 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Appreciating The Glory Of Another Sunrise - 10/09/11 07:50 AM

This morning watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean was just another reminder of how glorious every sunrise is.  Though I don't always get to watch them enjoying  a cup of coffee overlooking the ocean, when I do I want to savor every moment.  Hope your Sunday is beautiful wherever you are today.s
… (16 comments)

Why I'll Miss The Redfin Scouting Report - 10/08/11 08:16 PM
Okay Okay perhaps that is a stretch.  I was among those who notified Redfin they had a major error in the reporting statistics for my sales.  Do I think a national database of information on real estate agents is a reliable way for a consumer to determine who to hire to help buy or sell a home?   No, there are more variables to finding the right agent than just a pile of numbers.  In fact some agents numbers are so staggering you wonder when the sleep. 
However having just looked at the agenda for another conference where  "experts" in real … (20 comments)

Friday Fotos-Breaking From The Expected To Take A New Path - 10/07/11 07:58 PM

This plant has decided not to put down roots in the soil at the bottom of the wall but instead take root on the brick wall.  By attaching itself to the wall it is safe from the lawn mower, weed eaters and potentially harmful fertilizers used by the landscaping crew. Most of us would think our chances for survival, if we try to work outside the norm, are slim.  I think I'll take a lesson from this plant and go my own way more often.  Sometimes breaking out what everyone thinks as "normal" can bring interesting new opportunities.
 
 
… (20 comments)

It Looks Innocent Enough-But What Were They Thinking? - 10/06/11 08:37 PM
This evening while showing a property in Lake Ridge the buyer and I found a few interesting items.  My suspicions about whether the homeowner may have been doing a little of their own handwork was confirmed when we wandered to the utility room.Do you know what the problem is with this switch and outlet?
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The problem is they are both on the ceiling! 
We couldn't even reach the rocker switch to see what it turned on but that's probably a good idea.  I wondered what my favorite local home inspector Jay … (26 comments)

Somerset at Westridge-Condo Living In Townhouse Design - 10/06/11 07:38 PM
Tucked in the trees just off of Old Bridge Road in Prince William County is the quiet community of Westridge.  Coming down the main tree lined Westridge Drive you find the sign leading you to Somerset at Westridge.  The 200 condominiums located in Somerset at Westridge offer both garage and non-garage options.  The community is clustered around parking islands and some owners front doors are on walkways in the "rear" of other units.  Unlike more traditional condominiums, Somerset at Westridge owners each have their own front door that opens directly to the outside.
Owners in Somerset of Westridge have their own … (2 comments)

Welcome To Luxury Living-River Falls In Prince William County VA - 10/05/11 06:24 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. )wners have their choice of … (6 comments)

Tuesday Stroll In Northern Virginia-Wandering the Grounds Of Woodlawn Plantation - 10/04/11 03:57 PM
Woodlawn Plantation is just a few miles from George Washington's home of Mount Vernon and there is a reason for that.  Woodlawn Plantation was built for George Washington’s grand-daughter Nelly Custis-Lewis.  The home is a classic Federal brick home built between 1800-1805.  The home was designed by William Thornton who also designed the US Capitol in Washington DC only 20 miles north along the Potomac River.The estate was originally comprised of over 2,000 acres and if you stand at the top of Gray's Hill you can still catch a gilmpse of the Potomac River in the distance.  Just like many of … (18 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Do You Keep An Eye On Your Competition? - 10/02/11 10:53 AM

Though you may not notice it at first this groundhog has his eye on something.  If you look closely you will see my reflection in his eye.  Of course for this guy I'm not really any competition.  I have no interest in stealing his burrow or eating any of the local vegetation.  Realizing this guy was keeping an eye on me made me reflect on why as a Realtor® keeping an eye on our competition might be a good thing.  It can help us understand what they are doing that makes them successful, get new ideas on how we might … (26 comments)

Beautiful Fairfax Station Rental in The Barrington Community - 10/01/11 09:06 AM
Read more about the Barrington Community in Fairfax Station VA and then give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call to tour this recently rennovated rental property in the community.
 
… (6 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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