VA Eligibilty Still Means You Need To Qualify For A Mortgage - 07/30/12 04:40 PM
This week an offer came in on one of my my listings in Northern Virginia.  It was a good offer, well written with terms and conditions that could work for the sellers.  However there wasn't a lender letter included which is a key piece of an offer.   When I called the agent their answer floored me.  "But they are VA eligible so we don't need a lender letter."For any agent who isn't familiar with a VA Letter of Eligibility perhaps it could be confusing.  In Northern Virginia we have a lot of active duty and retired military who are eligible … (18 comments)

It Was A Double Down Down Day in Belmont Bay - 07/27/12 03:58 PM
Today was double down day in Belmont Bay in Woodbridge VA.  No I'm not talking about a great hand of poker but the closing of two of my Belmont Bay listings.
The first was a 1750 SF waterfront condo in Harbor Point West.  The property was a cash transactions and settled for $375,000.  The second transaction was in the Harborside Condominium building for a non-waterview condo for $322,000.  It's been a busy year in Belmont Bay for Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group.  We have settled 5 condo sales transactions and handled 5 rental transactions as well.
 
Belmont Bay is … (6 comments)

Red Is For Barns-Or Maybe It's Yellow Or Blue Or Green - 07/24/12 02:46 PM

Last few days have been a mind numbing whirlwind of real estate deals and packing for a move.  I've been trying to figure out the color scheme for my living room and was reminded of the photo of this barn I passed.  Appears the owners were having the same trouble I am.  As a result they ended up with a patchwork barn.Not bad but I'm thinking I'll go with a blue and white scheme.  At least until the cat sheds on the couch and then it will be more gray than white.
… (37 comments)

Screwing It Up - 07/22/12 03:44 PM
It's always informational and fun to have a home inspection with Billy Jays oh now I mean Jay Markanich.  And of course it was a hoot to find Lenn Harley's card sitting on the counter.  Looks like Active Rain was crossing paths on Saturday in Woodbridge.
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
There is many a thing I like to see installed by screwing it up.
Drywall is one.Decking boards would be another.Kitchen cabinets, with the proper screws.Guardrails, support joists, long beams - all screwed, or lagged, or bolted to screws - all good when … (12 comments)

Sydentsticker School-It Wasn't Always A Little Red Schoolhouse - 07/22/12 02:34 PM
I've written blog posts about Fairfax County Virginia's last one room school house, Sydenstricker School aka Pohick School #8 since 2007.   Along the way I've had the chance to learn a bit more about the school with contacts with it's current caretakers the Upper Pohick League.Though the school is a distinct red color, when it was operating as a school it was white, not red.  In fact up until the late 1950's the school was a traditional white clapboard color.  The first school house on the site was built somewhere between 1897 and 1900.  However the original school burned in July … (4 comments)

A Bright Spot After A Rainy Northern Virginia Weekend - 07/22/12 05:50 AM

It's been a rainy weekend in Northern Virginia.  No complaining since we clearly needed cooling off and the plants needed a good soaking.  Even with the gray skies it's possible to find some "sunshine" in the daylilies growing in the garden.  Hope you have a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead
… (8 comments)

Dawson Landing-Community Information And Homes For Sale - 07/21/12 05:46 PM

Homeowners who discover the development of Dawson Landing in Prince William County are in for a treat.No only do they live within walking distance to a Virginia Rail Express station but they also live on part of the land once belonging to Admiral Blackburn who designed George Washington’s Mount Vernon home.With the 270 plus homes spread out on 1/3 to ½ acre lots the neighborhood offers plenty of green space for residents to enjoy.Some homes offer views of the Neabsco Creek that runs along the edge of the development and leads out to the Potomac River.  
 
 
Nearby … (0 comments)

Village of Accotink-If You Blink You Will Miss A Piece Of Fairfax County History - 07/16/12 07:22 PM
Unless you are paying attention you will zoom through the Village of Accotink and not think it's anything more than shortcut from Fort Belvoir to the Fairfax County Parkway.  Yet these few blocks were in the late 1800's part of a a small thriving area known as The Village of Accotink.
Once part of a larger Accotink/Woodlawn community the Village of Accotink was founded by the growing local Quaker community.  According to historic records and the 1860 Federal census the residents in the Village of Accotink were a combination of professionals such as lawyers and doctors as well as carpenters and … (18 comments)

Just Horsing Around-How The Old Guard Horses Are Working For Wounded Warriors - 07/15/12 05:01 AM

Among the duties of the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), at Joint Base Fort Myer-Henderson Hall is the training and care of the horses used for official functions including funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.  These two were out in the paddock recently doing a bit of mutual back scratching.In addition to ceremonial duties the Old Guard also runs a Therapeutic Riding Program TRP) for soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Taumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at their facility at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County VA.  Currently there are approximately 175 wounded … (46 comments)

Lake Terrapin & Ridgeleigh Crossing Homes For Sale & Community Information - 07/14/12 06:13 AM

This home listed by Cindy Jones & CJ Realty Group in the Lake Terrapin neighborhood in Prince William County was fully under contract in 20 days.  Built in 2004 this NVR Virginia II model features 4000 SF of living space on 3 levels. 
Both the sellers and the buyers are active duty military and both were attracted to the neighborhood for the ease of commuting to the Pentagon, Ft Belvoir or Quantcio.
About Lake Terrapin & Ridgefield Crossing
 Are you looking a great home in the Lake Terrapin neighborhood and can't find it on the MLS?  The reason is … (5 comments)

Looking For A Townhouse In The Woodbridge 22192 Zip Code? - 07/13/12 10:55 AM
Townhouses for sale in Woodbridge 22192 With low inventory in the Woodbridge area townhouses in the 22192 are in short supply.  In June only 43 new townhouses came on the market in the 22192 zip code which includes the popular neighborhoods of Lake Ridge, Ridgeleigh, Old Bridge Estates and Westridge to name a few of the largest neighborhoods.
 
Though this is not the lowest townhouse inventory in the last year the days on market for a townhouse in the 22192 zip code is.
Preparing To Buy A Woodbridge VA Townhouse You need to think fast and be ready if the … (0 comments)

What's Next For The "New Lorton" in Fairfax County VA - 07/12/12 01:29 PM
Lorton VA neighborhoods have been around a long time. In fact the Lorton area has plenty of history that goes all the way back to our early famous neighbors, George Washington and George Mason. There are older neighborhoods which are just as popular today as they were when they were built in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Over the last 15 years a "new" Lorton has emerged which has brought a renewal to southern Fairfax County. Most of the "new" Lorton growth came about when the DC Correctional Complex in Lorton was ordered closed in 1998. With just over 3200 acres … (6 comments)

Ashland Homes For Sale & Community Information - 07/11/12 02:44 PM
This home listed by Cindy Jones & CJ Realty Group in the Ashland neighborhood in Prince William County went under contract in 24 hours.  Curious as to why buyer's think the Ashland neighborhood which straddles the two postal address of Woodbridge and Manassas VA is such a great place to live?   Here's just a few of the reasons why.

About the Ashland Neighborhood There are approximately 800 homes, a combination of detached and townhomes, located in the Ashland neighborhood. The homes are traditional colonial style homes in a combination of brick, stone front and siding. Many of the detached homes … (5 comments)

These Are Not The Type Of "Military" Clients I Want To Help - 07/11/12 10:41 AM
There are times when you get an email that just flat out makes you angry.  I realize it's a scam and would never fall for this.  However almost daily we hear about someone who has been sucked in by a scam that has cost them thousands of dollars if not more.  Since I work with dozens of military families every year, many recently who have served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq this is about as low as a scam can get in my opinion.
"Hello my good friend , I am Colonel Brian D. Kent, an officer of the U.S … (10 comments)

Orange Hunt Estates-Community Information And Recent Sales - 07/11/12 05:08 AM
Orange Hunt Estates a West Springfield VA Neighborhood
If you are looking for a well-established neighborhood in Fairfax County VA then the Orange Hunt neighborhood in West Springfield may be right for you.  About the Orange Hunt Neighborhood
Orange Hunt Estates was first established in 1967 and has approximately 700 detached homes on ¼ to 1/3 acre wooded lots.   The community has an active Civic Association and Welcoming Committee to help new residents learn about the amenities in the neighborhood.  There are a variety of home styles in the neighborhood including 3 level colonials, split levels, raised ramblers and bi-levels.  … (4 comments)

Making Local History Leap Off The Page-Stories From The Field - 07/10/12 12:23 PM
Local history is fun to discover and research.  Along the way those posts have brought contact from those who "lived" some of the history or knew more about the property than I have discovered.  A few years ago a member of the Keen family sent me some information after I had posted about the small cemetery located behind Greentree Village in Springfield VA.  Then Kara Hedges contacted me after I wrote What's At Your Mall cemetery located at Potomac Mills in Woodbridge VA.  Turns out she is a relative of the Nash and Hedges families buried in the plot at the … (16 comments)

How To End A Recording Breaking 105 Degree Day - 07/08/12 12:57 PM

Yesterday the temperature reached a record 105 degrees in Northern Virginia.  Having lived 6 years in Arizona the number on the thermometer didn't scare me but the humidity made it almost unbearable.Fortunately the opportunity to escape came in the way of a boat ride and float on the Potomac River at a well known local boaters hangout called Tim's Rivershore.  We dropped anchor then briefly lost the Captain and the First Mate to a swiftly moving current.  Another boater retrieved them and their rafts bringing them safely back to the boat.  Note to self, make sure the raft ropes are … (18 comments)

Belmont Bay Condominiums-Luxury Living On The Occoquan River - 07/06/12 05:17 PM
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 sits right on the Occoquan River. What makes it even more unusual is the VRE station at the entrance to the community making the commute in to DC a breeze. The main gate of Fort Belvoir is less than 10 miles away, Quantico is the … (36 comments)

Ridgeleigh-A Lake Ridge VA Townhouse Community - 07/06/12 05:01 PM
Ridgeleigh is a small section of townhouses which are part of the larger Lake Ridge planned community in Woodbridge VA.  The area was the last part of the development of Lake Ridge in the mid 1990's.  A number of the townhouses in the neighborhood have either partial or full views of the Occoquan Reservoir. 
 
Ridgeleigh Location
Ridgeleigh is located on Springwoods Road about a mile off of Old Bridge Road.  It is the last Lake Ridge neighborhood before Springwoods Road ends.  The neighborhood backs to a section of the Occoquan Reservoir.  A number of the townhouses in the … (1 comments)

Old Bridge Estates-Welcoming You To Your New Home - 07/05/12 04:30 PM
Old Bridge Estates Woodbridge VA
Old Bridge Estates is a tree-lined community of 862 single-family and town homes in the Woodbridge 22192 zip code in Prince William County VA.

Old Bridge Estates Quick Tour
 
Old Bridge Estates Location

Old Bridge Estates is located about 10 miles off of I-95 in Prince William County VA.  The neighborhood sign is prominent at the intersection of Old Bridge and Smoketown Road.  The main road into the community, where the clubhouse and pool are located is Beaver Pond Road.  There is a small section of homes also accessible from Catawba Drive.
 
… (8 comments)

Crest Ridge Estates-Luxury Living In A Small Enclave Of Homes - 07/05/12 12:20 PM
If you are looking for luxury neighborhood in Woodbridge VA then the small enclave of homes in Crest Ridge Estates should be on your must see list. About the Crest Ridge Estates Neighborhood
Crest Ridge Estates was built between 1997-1999 by Sorenson and NV Builders.  The neighborhood is small with just 100 homes on ½ to ¾ acre lots.  There are no thru streets in the neighborhood keeping traffic to a minimum.  Homes range in size from approximately 2700 SF to up to 6000 SF. 
 
Crest Ridge Estates Location
The main entrance to the community is off of … (4 comments)

Fisher House At Fort Belvoir-On The 4th Of July Remember The Families Standing By - 07/04/12 08:07 AM
Recently a new Fisher House opened on Fort Belvoir.  The Fisher House is located across the street from the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and Wounded Warrior Transition Unit.
The Fisher House is “home away from home” for military families to be close to a loved one who is hospitalized for an illness or injury.  The new Fisher House on Fort Belvoir features 12 suites with a private handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, dining room and living room with a library.  The houses also have toys and games for children.

Military families do not pay to stay … (10 comments)

Lynnwood A Lake Ridge Neighborhood That Breaks the Mold - 07/03/12 06:23 PM
Lynnwood a Lake Ridge Neighborhood in Prince William County VA. Lynnwood is one of the neighborhoods that make up the 7800 home planned community of Lake Ridge in Prince William County VA.  The Lynnwood section of Lake Ridge offers winding streets and ½ acre or more tree-lined lots.
About the Lynwood Neighborhood The Lynnwood neighborhood was built between 1980-1986 by four well known local builders,  Calvert Homes, Fairfield Homes, Long Homes and VanMetre Homes.  The variety of models gives the Lynnwood neighborhood a custom home feel.  New buyers will find colonials, Victorian style with front porches, split levels and a mixture … (4 comments)

Lenders Announce Plans To Assist Military Families With Short Sales - 07/02/12 10:56 AM

In March 2012 the White House and major lenders reached an agreement on providing additional relief to active duty military who are upside down on their mortgage.  The only problem was the lenders weren’t ready to act on the announcement causing even more frustration for anyone in the Northern Virginia area with orders in hand.  Calls to lenders were meet with “it takes time to roll out these programs.”
According to the Richard Cordray Chief of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) “those who serve our country deserve to be given the best service b y their mortgage servicer,  members … (14 comments)

The End of a Crazy Weekend in Belmont Bay - 07/01/12 05:39 PM

Just about 48 hours ago we were listening to the warnings of severe thunderstorms rolling in to Northern Virginia, DC and MD.  The "Derecho" storm arrived at 10:30 PM and instantly knocked about power to over 1/2 million people in the area.  Belmont Bay was black for almost 24 hours with power coming back on at 8 PM Saturday night.  Fortunately in our area the damage was minimal.  The Belmont Bay marina and boats suffered no damage.For others they weren't so lucky and some are still without power tonight.  It's a reminder to make sure you have emergency supplies on … (13 comments)

You Won't Find Any Oranges But You Will Find a Great West Springfield Neighborhood - 07/01/12 03:15 PM
Orange Hunt a West Springfield VA Neighborhood
If you are looking for a well-established neighborhood in Fairfax County VA then the Orange Hunt neighborhood in West Springfield may be right for you.  About the Orange Hunt Neighborhood

Orange Hunt Estates was first established in 1967 and has approximately 700 detached homes on ¼ to 1/3 acre wooded lots.   The community has an active Civic Association and Welcoming Committee to help new residents learn about the amenities in the neighborhood.  There are a variety of home styles in the neighborhood including 3 level colonials, split levels, raised ramblers and bi-levels.  … (2 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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