Newington Forest, Springfield VA - 2 Level Town Home Market Report 2/26/2009 - 02/26/09 05:08 PM
Newington Forest (over 1800 homes) is the largest subdivision in Springfield.  It is located in the southeastern corner of the Springfield area of Fairfax County.  Since construction began in the 70's and was completed in the 80's there are numerous features not to be found in many newer subdivisions
Detached homes with large lots Town homes with treed and grassy central areas for separation Extensive amount of treed common area Close-in convenience Since there have been no settlements of two level town homes in Newington Forest as yet in 2009, a comparison with 2008 sales is not possible..  However, it is encouraging to note … (2 comments)

Greentree Village, Springfield VA - Market Report as of 2/25/2009 - 02/25/09 04:28 PM
Greentree Village is a small town home community (124 homes) very conveniently located off Old Keene Mill Road.  The entrance is just west of Huntsman Boulevard on Fieldmaster. 
It is sited between Old Keene Mill and Sydenstricker surrounded by trees.  The community itself has trees throughout and several treed common areas that resemble a village green.  Two of the principal features that were standard when the homes were built are
All brick construction Three finished levels Since no homes have sold and seetled as yet in 2009 a comparison with 2008 is not possible 

Commuting 
There are 628 parking spaces at the … (4 comments)

Middle Valley, Springfield, VA - Market Report as of 2/24/2009 - 02/25/09 09:49 AM
 
 
Middle Valley is a community of detached homes sited on 1/4 acre lots.  The homes were built by two highly respected builders, Ryland Homes and NV Homes,  However, the majority of Middle Valley homes were built by Ryland Homes.
 
No Middle Valley homes have sold and settled in 2009 and a comparison cannot be made with 2008.  It is interesting to note that the average liist price for homes in 2009 is 8% higher than the average list price for homes in 2008.  If this phenomenon continues throughout the year it will be good news for Middle Valley homeowners.

Commuting
… (0 comments)

Newington Forest, Springfield VA - Community Profile - 02/25/09 09:23 AM
Newington Forest (over 1800 homes) is the largest subdivision in Springfield.  It is located in the southeastern corner of the Springfield area of Fairfax County.  Since construction began in the 70's and was completed in the 80's there are numerous features not to be found in many newer subdivisions
Detached homes with large lots Town homes with treed and grassy central areas for separation Extensive amount of treed common area Close-in convenience Commuting Options to the Pentagon, Washington, DC, Fort Belvoir and all Northern Virginia work centers
FAIRFAX COUNTY COMMUTER BUS ROUTE #305 service to FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO  operates within Newington Forest.  It is … (0 comments)

Cardinal Forest Condominium, Springfield VA - 3 Level Unit Report as of 2/24/2009 - 02/24/09 04:21 PM

 
Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away  
 
Currently there are more 3 level homes listed for sale than sold in 2008 - 7 for sale in 2009 versus 6 sold in 2008.  It would appear the market has softened for 3 level homes in Cardinal Forest Condominium.

Commuting
Metrobus Route 18G Express … (2 comments)

Cardinal Forest Condominium, Springfield VA - 2 Level Unit Report as of 2/24/2009 - 02/24/09 04:07 PM
 
 
Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away  
 
Two homes have sold and settled in 2009 at an average sale price of only 6% less than the average sale price of 2008.  That is certainly good news for Cardinal Forest homeowners of 2 level units.

Commuting
Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to … (2 comments)

Cardinal Forest Condominium, Springfield VA - 1 Level Unit Report as of 2/24/2009 - 02/24/09 03:36 PM

 
 
Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away  
One home has sold and settled in 2009.  However, that is inadequate to make a meningful comparison with 2008 sales.  The average list price of the 8 homes on the market is 16% below the average list price of the 22 homes that sold in … (2 comments)

Cardinal Forest Condominium, Springfield, VA - Community Profile - 02/24/09 03:25 PM
Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away Commuting
Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on Forrester Boulevard The scheduled time to the Pentagon is 30 minutes This would be a good transfer point if you are continuing on to Washington, DC  Fort Belvoir is approximately 15 minutes south via Rolling Road to … (0 comments)

Winter Forest, Springfield VA - Detached Home Report as of 2/23/2009 - 02/23/09 05:55 PM
Winter Forest is a community of 268 detached homes and 171 town homes located on both sides of Rolling Road in Springfield, Virginia
Although there is one home for sale, no homes have sold and settled so far in 2009 making an analysis impossible.  However, the home for sale is a foreclosed property and is being offered considerably below the 2008 prices.

Commuting
One of the most attractive features about Winter Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options. It is just a few minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway and Less than 10 mimutes to the intersection … (2 comments)

Winter Forest, Springfield VA - Town Home Report as of 2/23/2009 - 02/23/09 05:41 PM
Winter Forest is a community of 268 detached homes and 171 town homes located on both sides of Rolling Road in Springfield, Virginia
Although there is one home for sale, no homes have sold and settled so far in 2009 making an analysis impossible.

Commuting
One of the most attractive features about Winter Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options. It is just a few minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway and Less than 10 mimutes to the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads. Metrobus Route 18S operates on Rolling Road for a 10 minute … (2 comments)

Now You Can Catch Trout And Cook It In Springfield, VA - 02/21/09 09:37 AM

 
Each year the Fairfax County Park Authority stocks two parks with trout - Lake Fairfax Park and Lake Accotink Park in Springfield.
A 55 acre lake is an important  and well used feature of the 493 acre park at Lake Accotink.

 
 
 
The first 1,000 pounds of trout were placed in the stream (it will be restocked weekly) for the February 6 season opening which will continue through April 19,2009. 
For full details see Lake Accotink Trout Fishing.
Of course, we fishermen know that after the thrill of catching trout has passed the sooner you get trout to "the cooking site" … (2 comments)

Townes Of Orange Hunt, Springfield, VA - Market Report as of 2/19/2009 - 02/19/09 05:57 PM
The Townes of Orange Hunt homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced.  There are several reasons.  They are all brick, have a superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities.  Additionally, there are large courtyards throughout the community minimizing the proximity one normally associates with town homes.
Since only 1 home sold and settled so far this year it is inadequate to make a meaningful comparison with 2008.  However, the average list price of homes in 2009 is only 9% lower than the average list price of $300,312 in 2008.  That … (2 comments)

Orange Hunt Estates, Springfield, VA - Market Report as of 2/19/2009 - 02/19/09 05:02 PM
Showing and selling homes in Orange Hunt Estates for the past 3 decades has been a very gratifying experence for the Kruschka Team. The homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced in 1967.  It is due in no small part to their superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities.
Currently, there are 8 homes for sale in Orange Hunt Estates - none have sold and settled as yet in 2009.   A year-to-year comparison is not possible at this time.  However, the average list price of the 8 homes for sale is … (4 comments)

Cardinal Forest, Springfield VA - Market Report as of 2/18/2009 - 02/18/09 04:58 PM
Although 2 Cardinal Forest homes have sold and settled in 2009, it is my opinion it is too early in the year to draw any conclusions from the 19% drop in net sales price when compared to 2008.

Cardinal Forest homes are located off Carrleigh Parkway near the intersection of Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads. Their continued popularity is due in no small way to the fact they are
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping and Have a wide variety of home styles Commuting
Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on … (4 comments)

Kings Park, Springfield VA - Market Report as of 2/18/2009 - 02/18/09 04:36 PM
Although there are 6 homes  on the market only 1 has sold so far in 2009.  A comparison with the 54 homes sold in 2008 would not be realistic at this point in time
Kings Park, with models named King, Queen, Duke, Prince, etc, is located just west of the Capital Beltway (I-495) off Braddock Road.  It is a popular community of 1,100 homes that were built in the 60s. There are five basic models - two colonials, one split foyer, one cape cod and one rambler.  They are Richmarr homes who was the one of the premier Springfield developer/builders during the … (2 comments)

Townes of Orange Hunt, Springfield VA - Community Profile - 02/18/09 03:45 PM
The Townes of Orange Hunt homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced.  There are several reasons.  They are all brick, have a superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities.  Additionally, there are large courtyards throughout the community minimizing the proximity one normally associates with town homes.
 Commuting
MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service to the Pentagon Metro Station - it's about a 40 minute trip  Additionally, it is a relatively short drive to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for subway service to Washington, DC and … (0 comments)

The Oaklands, Manassas, VA - Market Report as of 2/17/2009 - 02/17/09 05:03 PM
Entrance to The Oaklands is on Hoadly Road about halfway between The Prince William County Parkway and Dale Boulevard.  The homes are approximately 6 years old.
Although one home has sold in 2009 it is too early to determine if the price for which it sold is indicative of a market trend for 2009

 Commuting
Commuter buses to the PENTAGON, WASHINGTON, DC and the WASHINGTON NAVY YARD/BOLLING AFB are located at the Lindendale Road Commuter Lot (Approximately 10 minutes) Bus service to the FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO is available at the Horner Road Commuter Parking Lot SLUG LINES can be found at the Horner Road Commuter … (2 comments)

Winding Creek, Woodbridge, VA - Market Report as of 2/17/2009 - 02/17/09 04:51 PM
There are 400 homes in Winding Creek.  It has two entrances on Minnieville Road and is approximately 5 miles west of I-95.  Its' central location in eastern Prince William County makes it an ideal location for ease of commuting throughout Northern Virginia.
It would appear at the outset of the year that prices in Winding Creek are stabilizing since there has been only a minimal decline compared to 2008.

Community Advantages
Pool and tennis club Large usable lots Underground utilities Sidewalks Wide streets Fortuna Village Shopping Center is approximately 10 minutes.  Lake Montclair Center and Staples Mill Center are approximately 5 minutes Well maintained homes Numerous … (4 comments)

Rice Hardware, Manassas Virginia - A Prince William Treasure - 02/16/09 03:20 PM
 
One of my favorite places to shop is small local hardware stores.  They have a "flavor" that the Lowe's and Home Depot stores do not and never will.  The J.E.Rice Hardware Store is located in the Manassas Shopping Center on Mathis Avenue.
Their saying is, "If we don't have it you don't need it or they don't make it."
J.E.Rice, Sr. opened the store in 1936 at another location and opened this store in1957.  The founder's three grandchildren still operate the store which stocks in excess of 35,000 items. One of the reasons for the store's continued success is the willingness … (4 comments)

Winter Forest, Springfield, VA Detached Home Report - 2/14/2009 - 02/14/09 06:17 PM
Winter Forest is a community of 268 detached homes and 171 town homes located on both sides of Rolling Road in Springfield, Virginia
Since ther have been no homes sold in 2009 it is impossible to make a comparison with year 2008

Commuting
One of the most attractive features about Winter Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options. It is just a few minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway and Less than 10 mimutes to the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads. Metrobus Route 18S operates on Rolling Road for a 10 minute trip to … (0 comments)

Cardinal Forest Condominium 2 Level Town Home Report - 2/14/2009 - 02/14/09 06:08 PM
Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away There are two type homes available 
Two or Three level town homes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms or Garden apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms  The 2 level town home market appears to be off to an excellent start in 2009 - almost twice as many homes have … (0 comments)

Cardinal Forest Condominium 3 Level Town Home Report - 2/14/2009 - 02/14/09 05:55 PM
Cardinal Forest Condominiums, located between Rolling Road, Carrleigh Parkway and Forrester Boulevard, are extremely popular with all buyer age groups.  The reason is simple
Centrally located in Springfield Just a few blocks to shopping There are more than 1,000 units featuring brick construction Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools are less than 10 minutes away There are two type homes available 
Two or Three level town homes with either 2 or 3 bedrooms or Garden apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms  Since there are 7 of this model home on the market and only 4 sold in the entire year 2008 it would appear … (0 comments)

Winter Forest, Springfield, VA Town Home Report- 2/14/2009 - 02/14/09 05:38 PM
Winter Forest is a community of 268 detached homes and 171 town homes located on both sides of Rolling Road in Springfield, Virginia
The 26% decline in list price for 2009 over 2008 is not indicative of an annual trend since only one home is on the market this early in the year.

Commuting
One of the most attractive features about Winter Forest in Springfield is the availability of excellent commuting options. It is just a few minutes to the Fairfax County Parkway and Less than 10 mimutes to the intersection of Rolling and Old Keene Mill Roads. Metrobus Route 18S … (0 comments)

Trust Me - Tonight's The Night, Not Tommorow Night - 02/13/09 02:38 PM
Several weeks ago I wrote a blog about an upcoming FREE romantic musical presentation by the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra.  Well, tonght's the night for all you aspiring romantics to make your big move. 
It's not necessary to tell her it's free.  I can assure you once she's heard this group perform she'll think you must have paid big bucks for tickets.  The members of this all volunteer orchestra are "heavy hitters" musically.  Don't worry, you'll hit a home run for this one!!


 

… (0 comments)

700 Trout In One Of Our Swimming Pools? Yes !!! - 02/10/09 06:57 PM

 
The time for one of the events planned by our homeowner's association is rapidly approaching - the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association Ridgewood Pool Fish Out.  Sorry, no boats allowed in the pool!!
Hard as it may be to believe 700 trout will be put in our Ridgewood pool for anglers of all ages and ability to catch or attempt to catch.  This is one of the very well attended Spring events in our community.
The association also needs many levels of "fishmongers" from among us to assist with the program.  I plan to be there and I hope many … (6 comments)

May Means Puppet Shows In Prince William County - 02/10/09 04:15 PM
 
 
 
Locust Shade Park in Triangle is one of the premier parks in the PrincweWilliam County Park System.  The Jane Smith Ampitheater is the site of numerous attractions, but puppet shows are one of their mainstay attractions.  The stage is covered, but the seating area is not.  You can also bring a blanket and relax on the lawn
What can you bring to the park?
Picnic lunch and snacks Non-alcoholic beverages The fee for ages 2 and up are $4.00 unless otherwise posted.
Locust Shade Park is located at 4701 Locust Shade Drive in Triangle 22172.
Puppets and people all … (0 comments)

Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, Virginia - 02/10/09 02:27 PM

 
"In the summer of 1861, enthusiastic volunteers in colorful uniforms gathered to fight the first major land battle of the war. Confident that their foes would turn and run, neither side anticipated the smoke, din and death of battle. Nearly one year later, both sides met again on the same battlefield with the Confederates winning a solid victory bringing them to the height of their power." from the Manassas National Battlefield Park web site.
Each side in the conflict had a different name for the battles. If you were in the Confederate Army you fought in the 1st Battle of … (0 comments)

What Happens When You Give The State 542 Acres? - 02/09/09 04:39 PM
 
 
In 1978 philanthrophist Daniel K. Ludwig donated the land for Virginia's  542 acre Leesylvania State Park. How did Virginia reward his generosity?  They named the road into the park Daniel K. Ludwig Drive.  So, why didn't they honor him by naming the park after him?
The first three letters, LEE, say it all.  Leesylvania Plantation was the ancestral home of Harry Lee III (Light Horse Harry), Revolutionary War hero.  He also was the father of General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame.
The park itself was opened in 1992 and has become increasingly popular with each passing year due to … (2 comments)

Easter Egg Hunt At Leesylvania State Park - 02/09/09 03:34 PM

See LESYLVANIA STATE PARK for more information on the park in general and on upcoming events as Leesylvania is one of the most popular parks in the immediate area
Howver, for more information about homes in Prince William County please consider that the Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the Prince William County area. We invite you to try our
                                    NO REGISTRATION PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY HOME FINDER
and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, … (0 comments)

Call An Accredited Buyer Representative To Buy A Home In Springfield - 02/07/09 08:15 PM
 

 
The law in Virginia determines "agency". 
When I list a home for sale I am a seller's agent When I sell a home to clients I am a buyer's agent Any real estate agent in Virginia can be either a
Buyer's agent or a Seller's agent - it has nothing to do with the type of license they have. When buying a home I recommend you work with a real estate agent who has earned the right to display the REBAC logo and be known as an Accredited Buyer Representative.  My wife, Karen, is the member of the Kruschka Team who … (0 comments)

It's The Only One In Northern Virginia - 02/07/09 04:45 PM
 
The Mount Vernon Rec Center is the only facility of its' kind in Northern Virginia.  You can
Ice skate at the 200' x 85' indoor ice arena Swim in the 25 meter heated indoor pool with poolside spa and children's beach/play area Exercise on the state-of-the-art fitness equipment Additionally, you can go to the library that adjoins it and draw out a book to read at poolside or on the exercise equipment.
Both Fairfax County and Prince William County have rec centers with pool and exercise facilities, but Mount Vernon Rec is unique since it also has the ice rink.  My wife … (0 comments)

There Is A Gate At The End Of The Road - 02/07/09 03:10 PM
 

 
Forest Hill Road to be precise.  Only Lake Ridge residents can obtain a key to use the park and boat ramp at the end of the road. 
It is a very peaceful site disturbed only by the occasional osprey that swoops down to fish or the fish that breaks the tranquil surface.
There is ample space for anglers to park their trailers after launching their boats. 
It is also a favorite spot for kayakers to "do their thing" in a protected cove, but with access to the main body of the Occoquan Reservoir.
The 2,100 acre reservoir is … (2 comments)

Cold Ice And A Warm Heart - That's True Love - 02/07/09 12:33 PM
 

 
Not everyone will be showing their love on Valentine Day with flowers and candy.
 
The Prince William Ice Center is a privately owned facility that has both NHL and Olympic-sized ice rinks.  When you visit their site you will find they offer a wide range of instructional, recreational and league oriented programs.
Although the ice rink is heated we are available to assist you if you plan to purchase a "warming place' with bedrooms and baths
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the Prince William County area. We invite you to try our
                                   NO … (4 comments)

3600 Heather Court, Alexandria, VA - Rehab Special In Virginia Hills - 02/06/09 07:15 PM
The Kruschka team has just listed an all brick home within minutes of the Huntington Metro and the Capital Beltway in Virginia Hills.
It is an estate sale and could possibly qualify for FHA 203K.  For those of you have never done this type financing it is important you contact us for guidance.  The purchaser MUST be pre-qualified by Wells Fargo Mortage
… (0 comments)

Lake Ridge Has Its' Very Own And Kids Love It - 02/06/09 06:05 PM
 
It is one of the very first things we see as we enter Lake Ridge with our clients.  They very shrewdly placed a McDonald's in plain view in the Tackett's Mill Shopping Center.  When there are kids with us the search is over as far as they are concerned - Lake Ridge is their choice
There are many reasons we moved our family to Lake Ridge 26 years ago.  Take a look at
LAKE RIDGE AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF A RESIDENT
If you are planning a Lake Ridge home purchase you should consider using the services of a
… (0 comments)

Oh, Go Take A Hike In Springfield, Virginia - 02/03/09 05:57 PM
 

Walking and hiking are both popular and effective forms of cardio exercise.  It's more enjoyable if you can do the exercise in pleasant, outdoor surroundings.
If you live in Springfield, Virginia there are two venues where those conditions come together
Burke Lake Park has a 4.7 mile hiking trail around a 218 acre lake.  The American Hiking Society rates the trail among the top 10 in the US Lake Accotink Park has a 3.75 mile trail in the 493 acre park that also has a 55 acre lake. Of course, you'll probably want a comfortable Springfield home where you can relax after your … (4 comments)

Happy Trails To You - At Prince William Forest Park - 02/01/09 08:51 PM
 
 
This 15,000 acre national park is exactly what the name says - a forest.  It has
21 miles of bicycle accessible roads.  Twelve of them are paved and 9 miles are gravel fire roads.  Mountain bikes are needed for the fire roads. 37 miles of hiking trails - a variety of skill levels and lengths are available Additionally, camping is a major park attraction.  You can rent a cabin or pitch a tent and ride your bike or hike through the forest for several days.  It is an economical way to enjoy several days" in the outside" and not spend a fortune … (2 comments)

"The Marines Have Landed - The Situation Is - 02/01/09 07:57 PM
 
Well In Hand"
Volunteers from MCB Quantico have "invaded" Prince William County Public Schools as part of the Adopt-A-School program.  Yes, Marines visit schools and, in cooperation with the teachers,
read to students from kindergarten to third grade chaperone field trips assist with physical education It is part of theTMarine Corps Commitment to "America's Promise - The Alliance For Youth"  The Marines present positive role models to the childern with the ultimate goal of steering them away from crime, violance and drugs
We are fortunate to have USMC involvement in our community.  Similarly, my wife and I are proud to have assisted … (0 comments)