Perspective and News On Northern Virginia Real Estate

Springfield Oaks-Just a Hop, Skip and A Jump to Fort Belvoir and NGA

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:32:58 -0600

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 in Springfield Oaks I knew how well the association worked to keep the neighborhood up to date and they have recently completed a brand new tot lot. The neighborhood is divided into two sections crossed by Alban Road. Both the upper and lower sections of the neighborhood share services including twice a week trash pickup, community leaf cleaning and snow removal.

Every year the community sponsors events to bring the neighbors together including ice cream socials, Easter egg hunts and Halloween parties. If you need a lesson on Oak tree species all you have to do is drive through the neighborhood and look at the street names including, Blue Oak, Chapman Oak and Pin Oak to realize how many types of Oak trees there are.

If you are headed to Fort Belvoir check out www.militaryrelocationnews.com or Fort Belvoir On-Line Relocation Guide for more information. Give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213 to chat. If you are in the area we can meet for coffee and talk about about whether this is the right time for you to buy a home. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about the home buying process property in today's market.

Springfield VA- Hang Your Crown in This Terrific New Kings Park Listing

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:28:10 -0600

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 figure out what the developer of the first Kings Park was planning when they laid out the plan for the community and the homes. With one look at the street names Thames, Victoria, Trafalgar and Cromwell among others you might think you have made a trip back to England. Then when you add the names of the five original models; King, Queen, Princess, Duke and Duchess, you realize absolutely there is a royal connection!

Our family bought our very first home in Kings Park in 1981. Having just returned from five years overseas we were anxious to settle down for awhile and having grown up in Springfield it was an easy choice to make the original Kings Park the place to buy our first "real home." We were attracted to the neighborhood due to the mature trees, green space parks, community pools and easy commuting to our jobs. With the gentle slope of our 1/3 acre lot we were able to set up a zip line between the top of the back yard and the back fence which became a neighborhood hangout for the under 5 age group!

Since the neighborhood was first built over 40 years ago it has been popular with military families looking for easy access to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir. Children attend schools in the Lake Braddock School Pyramid and both Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University are close by. Public bus transportation, a VRE station and slug lines are easy to get to from anywhere in the neighborhood. Homeowners can walk to the Kings Park Shopping Center and even the Kings Park Library branch of the Fairfax County Library System.

When you want to take a break you walk or ride your bike through two different "back" entrances to Lake Accotink or for anyone who likes the challenge of dirt biking the nearby trails through Wakefield Park are considered some of the best in the area. Wakefield Park is also the location for the Audrey Moore Recreation Center where you will find an indoor pool and popular fitness center. During the summer Lake Accotink Park hosts free Friday night summertime concerts which are an absolute hit with everyone. Music ranges through swing, jazz, pop and rock. If you haven't seen your neighbors for a few days chances are you will find them there with a picnic basket and folding chairs

If you are interested in learning more about Northern Virginia Relocation, local neighborhoods or things to do give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a home in Kings Park or any Springfield (VA) neighborhood.

Military Relocation-The Best Part of the Latest Tax Credit Extension

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:03:26 -0600

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!

Wordless Wednesday-Remnants of High Tide on The Occoquan River

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:55:35 -0600

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.

Buying a "Pig in a Poke" in Northern Virginia

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:45:26 -0600

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 for the new owner to be able to move in.

It is an issue that buyers in Northern Virginia face everyday when they look to purchase a foreclosure or short sale. Since most of these properties are sold "as is" you don't have many outs when it comes to discovering major defects.

If you see a home that is in the middle of a major remodel take a few minutes and check for building permits and inspections.

Alexandria City

Arlington County

Fairfax County

Prince William County

If you have questions most of the city and county government agencies are more than happy to answer them for you.

Before you buy a "pig in a poke" in Northern Virginia check to make sure that what you are buying won't be better as a tear down than a place to call home. If buying a new home in Northern Virginia is in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me help you navigate the murky waters of our current market. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time to buy a new home.

Applebee's Restaurants Offering Free Food to Veteran's on November 11, 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:23:04 -0600

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!

Fort Meyer in Arlington VA- Site of the First Commercial Airline Flights

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:02:56 -0600

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 up and flew for one hour and 12 minutes.

Later that week on another test flight Orville Wright and his passenger First Lt. Thomas Selfridge made another flight. That flight crashed killing Lt Selfridge, making him the first military flight casualty in the US.

The Signal Corps had one more requirement. The plane needed to fly at least 40 MPH. In July 1909 the Wright brothers came back to Fort Meyer and flew a course between Fort Meyer and Alexandria and hit an airspeed of 42.6 MPH. The US Government then ordered their first military and commercial aircraft. A production and test facility were established across the river in College Park Maryland.

Today as you pass Fort Meyer you see the spires of the Air Force Memorial honoring not only the men and women of the Air Force who have given their lives but also for the early pioneers of flight. Lt. Selfridge is buried in Arlington Cemetery close to the spot where his plane crashed. Fort Myer serves as home to the US Army School of Music and The Old Guard the army's ceremonial unit.

Short Sale Train Wreck Coming to Northern Virginia Soon

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:11:32 -0600

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 agents are handling the deals.

There are a lot of agents running around Northern Virginia suggesting they are "short sale experts" when in fact that don't even understand how a contract is written and ratified. Last week while working through multiple offers for buyers I encountered not one, not two but three agents who "ratified" contracts when the buyer's offer had clearly been countered by the seller.

In one cases the agent even wrote on the contract that instead of agreeing to our subsidy request that they would let the lender determine the amount. Say what? Anyone who works with short sales or foreclosures knows the lender will say ZERO if you give them an opportunity. This isn't a ratified contract but a counter offer. Yet this contract went to the bank as part of a short sale package.

It doesn't take much if you get a group of agents together to hear the horror stories of these types of examples and many far worse. There is going to be a major collision between agents who know what they are doing and agents who are unresponsive and far worse. It will be interesting to see the listing agent explain to their client when the home goes to foreclosure why the contract they thought was ratified in reality was not.

It is time for standards to be in place and enforced by the associations to keep the entire industry from getting a black eye. Otherwise the collision between the two sides that are forming among agents is not going to be pretty.

This post originally appeared on my blog VaRealEstateTalk

Speechless Sunday-Looking Down River in Belmont Bay

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:16:42 -0600

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.

Springfield (VA) Greentree Village is More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:04:49 -0600

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 well. Multiple shopping centers add to the appeal as well as being in the West Springfield HS Pyramid.

However the neighborhood also contains a little mystery as well. Tucked behind the basketball court protected by a wrought iron fence are three gravestones from the 1800's. One has the name Addison Keen and another one with the name Clarintine V. Close by you can also see a broken headstone for W. Keen. Unlike other historic graveyards in the area there are no markers to explain how these final resting places ended up in this location.

Anyone who drives through Springfield knows the main road is called Old Keene Mill and Greentree Village lies at an "L"to Old Keene Mill and Keen Road. So what part of the history of the area did the Keen family bring to this particular area? First of all there was a mill on the Pohick Stream that runs through the area and records show it was owned by William Keen. An 1850 census of the area shows that William Keen was 35 years old, married and his occupation was miller.

In 1855 William Keene was convicted of murdering another local man. Local history reports disagrees as to whether William Keen was legally convicted of the murder but he was sentenced to death by hang. Over the following years additional information came forward that perhaps there had been jury tampering which led to his conviction. In 1858 his death sentence was commuted to 10 years in prison by the governor of Virginia. However it is unknown what actually happened to him. Prison records were lost when parts of Richmond was burned during the Civil War. It is not known whether William Keen died in prison, was released or walked out along with all of the other prisoners in 1867.

Whatever the story it makes living in one of the 124 townhouses in Greentree Village just a bit more intriguing. So as you are wandering through your neighborhood in Fairfax County take a closer look around. There is an amazing amount of history tucked in very unusual places.

If a move to Springfield or anywhere in Northern Virginia is in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me help you find the neighborhood that is just right for your needs. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a new home.

Springfield (VA) Townes of Orange Hunt FSBO Under Contract

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:41:28 -0500

UNDER CONTRACT-Military Family Relocating to the Pentagon has Scooped up This Terrific Townhouse

If you have been waiting for the right opportunity to purchase an immaculate three level townhouse in the Townes of Orange Hunt in West Springfield then your wait is over.

Offered for sale through an exclusive FSBO arrangement with Cindy Jones of RE/MAX Allegiance this home in the Townes of Orange Hunt offers buyers a lot to like. Step into the foyer and notice the new gleaming hardwood floors which flow into an updated kitchen with adjoining eating space. The living room and dining room combination have new carpet and sliding glass doors that open up to a fenced yard that backs to a common area and woods. Upstairs are three nice size bedrooms and two full remodeled bathrooms. The lower level has a recreation room, third full bath and laundry room.

Located just minutes from the Rolling Valley commuter lot and within walking distance of both Fairfax County Connector and Metro buses, the home makes commuting into DC a breeze. The home is ideally situated for anyone stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon or any of the Military District of Washington Installations.

For families the townhouse is located within walking distance of Orange Hunt Elementary School and is part of the West Springfield HS pyramid, including Washington Irving Intermediate School. The Pohick library is less than a mile away and you can shop at a variety of grocery stores within a few mile.

This home is priced to sell at $299,000.

This home will not be offered for sale in the MLS and is only available to be shown directly to qualified buyers. If you are looking for a great townhouse then give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213 to schedule your appointment to see this terrific property in the Townes of Orange Hunt.

If you are considering selling your home on your own give me a call to talk about how my marketing to military buyers relocating to Northern Virginia might put your home in the SOLD column.

Kingstowne and Fort Belvoir-The Good Neighbor Policy

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:28:49 -0500

We don’t always get to decide who are neighbors are going to be. We take our chances when we see new houses going up around us. Deciding to put out the welcome mat often helps pull your new neighbors in and makes them feel welcome. And this is case with Fort Belvoir and Kingstowne.

When the earth movers first arrived on a large expansive of dirt between Van Dorn and Beulah roads everyone waited with anticipation to see how the newest neighborhood would grow. And grow it has. Into a community divided into three villages made up of commercial and residential space including 5300 hundred residences. With two main streets that lead to the gates at Fort Belvoir the connection between the two communities has grown. Many owners in Kingstowne also work at Fort Belvoir either as active duty Army assigned to the post or as civilians supporting the Army’s mission.

For military families who decide to live in Kingstowne they can take advantage a variety of recreation options including 18 tot lots, three multi-purpose courts, almost 22 miles of hiking and biking paths, and community centers which offer swimming pools and a fitness center. There is a wide selection of eating options in the neighborhood including Bone Fish Grill, The Noodle Company, Panera Bread, Chipotles and King Street Blues. With the addition of the new AMC movie theater complex and the close by miniature golf course it easy to see why Kingstowne continues to be a popular neighborhood for military families to live.

Besides its location close to Fort Belvoir another key to success of the neighborhood is the easy access to two metro stations within a short distance of the neighborhood. Some residents can walk to the Springfield Metro or take a quick drive to the Van Dorn Street Metro Station which makes the neighborhood popular with military families who need to get to the Pentagon or other Military District of Washington sites besides Fort Belvoir.

With the upcoming influx of BRAC personnel the works both Kingstowne and Fort Belvoir will see even more growth in the future. Hopefully the great relationship that has already been forged between the two neighborhoods will continue to grow with the expansion of Fort Belvoir’s mission.

Springfield (VA) Drivers-Prepare For More Aggravation

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:53:19 -0500

The 7 year project to upgrade the Springfield Interchange is barely behind us and now the extension of the Fairfax County Parkway will once again make Springfield commuting a challenge.

Starting in a few weeks the Fullerton Road exit off of I-95 (166B) will be closed. If you are a local commuter who likes to sneak off the I-95 at this exit when southbound traffic is stacked up you will now need to remember to get off at the Backlick Rd exit instead.

A study done by VDOT during the morning peak, an average of 345 vehicles an hour travel along the two lane Fullerton Road to Rolling Road. That becomes 873 an hour at the afternoon peak. On southbound Backlick Road, you will find 1,776 vehicles an hour in the morning peak and 2,918 in the p.m. peak.

Anyone who has sat in the traffic in Springfield knows the extension to the parkway and providing an exit directly from the Parkway to I-95 is sorely needed. With the influx of 21,000 personnel to Fort Belvoir area unraveling the roads around Springfield is a major priority for the VDOT. The parkway project is Virginia's largest Recovery Act project.

If staying off the roads in Northern Virginia during another road construction project appeals to you then check out :

Northern Virginia Commuting

If you have PCS orders to Fort Belvoir or moving to the area as part of BRAC give me a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about the Northern Virginia housing market and a few hints about local back roads.

The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:09:42 -0500

At a "we need to let off steam" session at ReBar Camp DC this week a group of us started telling tales of houses we had seen. There was a recurring theme of flea infestations and the results of spening time showing homes with these pesky little creatures.

This post contains great information to remind everyone that to kill the flea circus in your house you need to take care of them from eggs to adult. Flea infestations are not limited to rural properties but can happen in the city as well. Foreclosures are prime candidates since the pets and people have moved on leaving the fleas hungry for anyone who walks in the door.

Via Kathryn Gorham Emerald Isle NC Crystal Coast (Green Key Properties):

The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door as fast as they can go and never look back. This is a word that Real Estate educator, Bill Gallagher, spoke about last week in our Mandatory Update class and had everyone laughing. Yesterday when it happened to me I was NOT laughing. That 4 letter word is FLEA. The size of a spec of dust these little creatures have the power to turn me into a gyrating, gasping, goofy lady slapping at her clothes and grasping for seemingly non-existent somethings as they jump out of my way.

The flea was a funny matter last week as Bill Gallagher talked about an agent in her white pantyhose - fleas love the color white - entering a home infested with fleas only to turn and escort her buyers outside and returning to remove her pantyhose and leave them on the floor. He went on making the room laugh again and again as he made his points hit home. Oh his words came to mind again for me yesterday, but I wasn't laughing. I was trying to pinch the little critters between my thumb and forefinger -- mostly unsuccessfully -- before they could jump away.

Facts about fleas:

They can jump as high as 4 feet

They feed on blood

They can live up to 100 days without food in the coccoon stage unfed

Once fed they live 3 to 4 months

Once feed a female can lay up to 2000 eggs during her life

Female lays eggs within 36-48 hours of a meal

Gestation period is 14 days

Only 5% of fleas found in a dwelling will be on the pet

Very tiny up to 1/8 inch in size

They can bite up to 400 times a day

When you treat for fleas you must take into account all 4 stages of a flea from adult, young (hide in a cocoon until food is near), larvae and the egg stage. Most sprays will not penetrate the cocoon. The cocoon is a shell used by the young where they hide inside until a warm meal passes by then they "unzip" and hop on for a bite. Once fed they reproduce and the cycle starts over again. In addition to treating you should vacuum every day and a half to two days for at least two weeks (gestation period) to pull up all the cocoons and eggs. You must either toss the bag after each vacuuming or add moth balls to the bag. Moth balls? Well it has been used for years to kill the larvae of moths in your closet so why not the larvae of fleas in your vacuum cleaner bag. Now your house won't smell like a spring breeze, but if it does the trick you'll be sighing with relief as you inhale that pungent scent.

Now to complete my story of yesterday. I had to measure the inside of a new listing. It is a fixer upper to say the least. The owner resides outside the area and recently had a non-paying tenants that had to be evicted. Bonnie, my dog, was in the car because I don't take her into property, but when I got to the door to unlock it -- it was slightly ajar. With no power on and the bad tenant history I went back to the car and got Bonnie dog out and took her in with me.

Well believe it or not I did NOT notice the fleas until we had measured and returned to the office. Then they were jumping on and off me as I sat at my computer. I had to go into the bathroom take off my top and pick off the fleas. The were on my "white" socks under my jeans. I even picked a couple off Bonnie's face. Figuring I didn't want them infesting the office I went to Ace Hardware and got a couple of bombs and let them off and headed home to brush Bonnie figuring it couldn't be that bad right. Keeping her outside I began brushing, but after finding a half dozen fleas crawling on her we headed for the tub and a flea bath. A shampoo, 30 dead fleas and a final coating of flea dip later she was briskly running around to thank me. Next we washed her bed from the office and just for good measure the one from home too. I have a healthy (or unhealthy) dose of bites myself and would love to douse my body in some flea dip if it would help the itching!

Beware of this four letter word as you enter vacant dwellings! FLEA

See my article on: Bill Gallagher teaches at the Crystal Coast for some Halloween Fun

Kathryn Gorham | Green Key Properties | Emerald Isle North Carolina
2010 President Women's Council of REALTORS® Crystal Coast Chapter
252.646.4656 cell · 252.354.7007 office
Southern Outer Banks NC | Crystal Coast NC | Coastal Carolina
ActiveRain an Online Referral Network
Women's Council of REALTORS® a National Referral Network

The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door - FLEA - was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door - FLEA*

Wordless Wednesday-Witches Caldron Waiting for a Bubbling Brew

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:32:23 -0500

During the month of October you can enjoy Ghost tours at Country Morning at 203 Washington St open daily to 5 pm or call 703 494 6983. Tours October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31, 2009 at 7 and 8:30 pm.

Read more about Historic Occoquan in Prince William County VA

Giving Back to Your Community-Real Estate Bar Camp DC

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:04:22 -0500

There are a lot of great things that can be said about yesterday's Real Estate Bar Camp DC. Besides the knowledge shared by our peers across the area the biggest part of any ReBar Camp is the moment when we give back to our community.

ReBar Camp DC selected DC Central Kitchen as an organization to support with donations from the event. The DC Central Kitchen has been serving the DC by compating hunger and providing culinary training to "prepare unemployed, underemployed, previously incarcerated persons, and homeless adults for careers in the foodservice industry."

We were fortunate yesterday to have lunch catered by the staff of Fresh Start Catering part of the DC Central Kitchens program.

ReBar Camp DC raised $1000 from donations from the attendees and sponsors of the event. It is a great feeling to know that ReBar Camps not only in our area but around the country and make donations to help support our communities.

Thanks to everyone who donated to this terrific organization!

Don't Like the Weather in Northern Virginia? Wait a Day it Will Change

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:11:54 -0500

As native of the Northern Virginia area I've had a chance to see most of the extremes that have hit the area. Blizzards and hurricanes we've had a few. Sometimes you can even get three seasons in one week. As a military spouse I've also had the opportunity to experience the weather in a few other choice locations and learned a thing or two about how weather forecasters throw around terms that don't necessarily make sense unless you've never lived anywhere else.

When you hear the term "monsoon season" when you live in the Far East you know what that means. However when you later move to Arizona and you hear the weather guessers use the term "monsoon season" you think they are off their rockers. Trust me they aren't the same. In Europe the definition of "oppressively hot" is far different than spending August in Little Rock Arkansas and hearing that same term used. It is indeed "oppressively hot" in Little Rock!

So when it comes to the seasons in Northern Virginia I've learned to ignore what the calendar might say and have come up with my own definition to know when we've gone from one season to another.

When the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom around the Tidal Basin and you can't move for everyone stopping to take pictures then you know that spring has officially arrived.

Summer is here when you see the fireworks exploding around the Washington Monument and you hear the National Symphony Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture.

If you sense a change in the air and the leaves on the trees strut their brightly colored leaves like proud peacocks then fall has arrived.

Winter is the easiest season of all to spot. In fact you don't even have to open your eyes to know it has arrived. When your radio goes off in the morning and you hear the news that cars are sliding on the ice at the Springfield interchange, a veteran of the seasons in the area knows just what to do. Turn off your radio, pull the covers back over your head and wait until the Cherry Blossoms bloom again before you get up!

The great news is that Northern Virginia has all of the season to offer both visitors and residents alike to enjoy. So forget what the weather forecasters have to say and make up your own seasonal calendar. You will be just as accurate and maybe even more so than they are! Check today's weather in Northern Virginia.

If relocating to Northern Virginia is in your plans in the near future give me a call at 703-346-2213. I'd be glad to help you navigate not only our four seasons but the home buying process as well.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Speechless Sunday-30,000 Runners Will Finish Here Today

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:33:25 -0500

This morning 30,000 runners took off through the streets of Arlington Va and DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon aka the Peoples Marathon. It is fitting that the end of the race everyone should see how the dedication and sacrfice of our military keep us free. Congratulations to all who ran and thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country.

Bank of America Short Sales and Their Endless Runarounds and Contradictions

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:24:54 -0500

I'm facing a Bank of American short sale from the buyer agent side and though I will remain optimistic it makes me wonder what are the banks thinking?

We have ready willing and able buyers who can take these toxic loans off the books. Instead they are forced to jump through hoops and in the end the lender does what seems to make the least amount of sense. Refuse a market value buyer in favor of foreclosure. No buyer is going to stick around for a year while a bank figures it out.

Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):

Bank of America short sales and their endless runarounds and contradictions have left a bad taste in my mouth for this banking and lending institution. Two years ago, my largest short sale problem was Countrywide. Countrywide would take many months to review files and just when you were getting ready to dig your own grave, the approval would come through. That wasn't the end. Just because Countrywide approved your short sale, didn't mean squat. I had an approved file closed for not sending in a form that Countrywide never asked us for. That was dealing with Countrywide.

Well, when a seemingly good bank (Bank of America), swallows a large problem whole (Countrywide), you know the outcome. The problem remains, but under a different name. Bank of America.

I had been working on a short sale with Countrywide/Bank of America for well over a year. It was a divorce. The first contract we sent at the beginning of the listing, was denied in one month. Why? Not enough money. It was the the highest offer we would ever see on the property in question.

The second offer came about six months later. Was with Countrywide/Bank of America for three to four months. Lower offer, but the writing was on the wall. The local market was in decline. The neighborhood where the property was located was in a steeper decline. Those months it took to accept the offer came back to haunt Countrywide/Bank of America when the buyer's appraisal came in. It was nearly $20K off the accepted sales price. Countrywide/Bank of America refused to accept the appraised value and my sellers were forced to kick that buyer to the curb.

Put the property back on the market, not expecting what we really needed. A cash buyer willing to overpay for the home and forgo their own appraisal. My short sale prayers were answered when that third offer came in. My sellers sent it in. It was the amount that Countrywide/Bank of America has refused to move down from in our second scenario AND, there was no seller subsidy as there had been in that second scenario.

Despite what should have been flagged as a slam dunk, Bank of America (no longer calling the monkey on its back Countrywide) took four months to get back to us on this deal. The deal was accepted BUT, the approval letter wa not the same approval letter as Countrywide had sent before. This one left my sellers wide open to collections in the future for the shortfall of the mortgage payoff.

We asked Bank of America to remove that wording. After all, they had received MEGA money from the U.S. Government to help them cover such shortfalls. Seemed qutie greedy of them to take from the government and then threaten to take that same shortfall amount from my sellers. The loan would be repaid and then some.

When Bank of America refused to changed their short sale approval letter and remove the collections language, my sellers declared bankruptcy and told Bank of America to shove it. My sellers refused to move forward with the short sale, and who can blame them? Now Bank of America has paid the attorney's fees to foreclose (estimated at a low end of $40K in my state) and will continue to face the same or worse market conditions. Not a good business move, but that's Bank of America for you. Wasting America's money!

Chris Ann Cleland, Realtor- Licensed in Virginia, GRI & Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com.

Fort Belvoir Relocation-On Line Resource Guide

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:24:34 -0500

Relocation is never easy. It doesn't matter how many times the PCS orders arrive there are the usual questions about your new area and this on-line guide is here to help you answer a few of them.

What is the BAH rate for Fort Belvoir? Use zip code 22060

Where is Fort Belvoir Located?

Northern Virginia
Fairfax County

What's On Post?

To know everything about the post you need to check out the official Fort Belvoir website. In addition here are a few posts on my personal perspective of Fort Belvoir:

Fort Belvoir Housing
Fairfax Village-Platinum Green Status
Fort Belvoir Accotink Trail
Fort Belvoir Not Your Usual Army Post
DeWitt Hospital

Where can I find out about local schools?

We have compiled a list of the local school systems in one place for you to be able to see both secondary and post secondary education opportunites.

Northern Virginia School Districts & Post Secondary Education

What types of neighorhoods are there close to the post?

Since housing is a very personal choice providing you information on every neighborhood in the area without knowing your needs could be confusing. Once you have your orders in hand we can talk about your housing needs and find the neighborhood that best suits your needs. Here is a sample of some local neighborhoods that are popular with military families in our area.

Belmont Bay
Burke
Daventry
Kingstowne
Lake Ridge
Landsdowne
Lorton
West Springfield

You can also check out my Fort Belvoir interactive map on with photos of some of these neighborhoods as well.

What attractions are there close to post?

Northern Virgina and DC are full of great things you can do, many of them for free. Here are a few that you can consider for anytime of year.

Lorton Workhouse Arts Center
Mount Vernon and Woodlawn
Five Great Local Attractions
Sorry You Can't Borrow A Cup of Sugar From These Neighbors

Do you have any recommendations for places to eat?

You can find plenty of great places to eat around the area. Whether you want formal or casual here are a few that our family frequents when we want to eat out.

Alexandria Pastry Shop and Deli
Dixie Bones
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Madigan's In Occoquan
Sunflower Café

If PCS orders to Fort Belvoir are in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213. I'll be glad to answer your questions about Northern Virginia, Fairfax County and the surrounding Fort Belvoir area. I've been in your shoes many times and understand the complexities that come with a PCS move.

Walk to the Pentagon from the Daventry Neighborhood in Springfield (VA)

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:19:57 -0500

Cindy have you lost your mind? You can't walk to the Pentagon from Daventry in Springfield (VA). It's 20 miles. You will be arrested as soon as you set foot on I-395 aka Shirley Highway. What is wrong with you?

Alright already but you can walk to the direct Pentagon Slug Line at the entrance to the Daventry neighborhood. From there you will be whisked safely down the highway to the drop off point at the Pentagon. If you aren't familiar with the term "slug lines" in relation to Northern Virginia commuting don't panic. It is a unique and legal way to hitch-hike your way to the Pentagon, State Department, World Bank or many other locations in DC.

A free ride isn't the only reason that Daventry is a popular neighborhood in Springfield. The community offers a community pool, community center, tennis courts, four tot lots and access to walking paths connected to the huge Fairfax County Park Authority network of trails and access to Lake Accotink.

Daventry offers a variety of housing including 512 townhouses most with garages, 212 single family homes and Ramblewood at Daventry offers 160 condominiums. In addition to the ease of commuting to the Pentagon using the slug line, it is also within 5 miles of the Springfield Metro Station accessible by driving or taking the Metro or Fairfax County Connector Bus also located at the entrance to the community.

Multiple shopping centers are close by featuring Giant Foods, Trader Joes and Whole Foods. You can find plenty of places to eat including Mikes American Grill, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Austin Grill and Chicken Out.

If living in a neighborhood where you can "walk" to the Pentagon sounds appealing then give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me show you how to take advantage of the slug line and all of the other great benefits of the Daventry neighborhood. If you are headed to Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon or any of the Military District of Washington installations stop by my blog Military Relocation News to learn more about a PCS move to the Northern Virginia area.

Wordless Wednesday-When You Need a Blogging Break

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:09:46 -0500

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1998 and is the intersection of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers. The 644 acre refuge was formerly a military research site and is another one of the hidden gems that many residents of Prince William County and Northern Virginia don't know exists. In the Spring and Summer the area is known as one of the top local nesting spots for Osprey and Blue Heron.

Northern Virginia Relocation-Take a Drive Down Shirley Highway

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:08:01 -0500

It is obvious when you look at the large overhead signs, I-95 is the interstate running outside the beltway and I-395 runs inside the beltway to DC. However if someone asks you how to get to DC and you say take Shirley Highway then you know you are a "native" of Northern Virginia. Officially Shirley Highway runs from the Pentagon to just north of Route 1 in Woodbridge. The start of the construction of the highway started in 1941 and lasted until 1952 when the four lane road was completed. Originally known as the Fort Belvoir bypass the road was renamed for Henry Shirley who was the first the first highway commissioner in Virginia.

Our first family home was just outside DC on Shirley Highway in the Parkfairfax neighborhood. Built in 1941 as an apartment complex to alleviate a housing shortage for government workers the neighborhood today is thriving condominium complex known for it's hilly streets, landscaped courtyards and ease of commuting back to the city.

Parkfairfax-Two Past Presidents Called it Home and So Could You

A few more miles down Shirley Highway is the famous or is that the infamous Springfield Interchange? Before there was a need for 50 ramps and 20 lanes to get commuters past Springfield there was an airport instead. In 1945 part of the area that is now part of the north bound lanes of Shirley Highway (I-95) was the unpaved 3000 foot runway that was part of Springfield Airport.

What Happens When You Build a Highway Instead of An Airport?

Even after the airport disappeared in the early 1950's Springfield was still a rural community just being discovered by families. With new homes in central Springfield starting at $16,000 it was the perfect place to move and still be able to work in the city. Families flocked to the area and over the years the small sleepy area grew and spread into North Springfield, West Springfield and even though there isn't officially an East Springfield development went that direction as well.

Springfield Virginia-Homer Simpson Doesn't Live Here

As prices in closer in areas in Fairfax County began to escalate and families started looking for bigger and newer the migration further south on Shirley Highway to Prince William County began. Commuting options began to expand and along with it the neighborhoods of Lake Ridge began to grow. Starting in the late 1970's when the visitor center opened at Old Bridge and Harbor Drive until today Lake Ridge has been a popular choice for anyone who wanted to live in large community with a "small town" feel.

Lake Ridge-Avoiding the Cookie Cutter Home Syndrome

Now Shirley Highway is a thing of the past. The small green signs are still there if you look for them. They are dwarfed by the the large signs for I-95 or I-395 headed north and south from DC into Virginia. Your GPS won't direct you to take Shirley Highway but a native of the area may. Don't be alarmed they haven't lost their minds it is just a habit that is hard to break.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the neighborhoods along the 17.3 mile stretch of the original Shirley Highway give me a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a new home in Northern Virginia.

Fort Belvoir Relocation-New One Stop In-Processing Center Coming

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:54:53 -0500

Anyone who has gone through the process of in-processing at a military installation knows it can be complicated. At Fort Belvoir it means 24 stops at the various required departments located throughout the installation.

Starting in 2010 anyone arriving (or departing) from Fort Belvoir will be able to head to one location on post and find all of the departments they need under one roof. With the influx of BRAC personnel, cutting down on traffic on post is one reason for moving all the in-processing to one location. The new offices will be located on the North Post next to the Bowling Alley between Gunston and Belvoir Roads. Though it may not cut down on some of the crazy lines it will certainly cut down on the frustration of trying to find the right office on an 8500 acre military installation.

If you find yourself with PCS orders to Fort Belvoir you can read all of the official installation information at the Fort Belvoir website. If you are looking for information about the surrounding communities and life outside the gates you can check out my Fort Belvoir Relocation Guide and www.militaryrelocationnews.com. If a tour of duty at Fort Belvoir is in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213 to help you with your off post housing needs.

Speechless Sunday-Ready to Launch for A Day's Adventure

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:26:00 -0500