Stafford Area Real Estate Blog

Drinking and Driving - Nassau County's Wall of Shame

2008-06-19T12:56:55Z

The story of critically injured police officer Kenneth J. Baribault of Long Island's Nassau County Police Department hit very close to home. Not only was Ken a rookie cop working with my husband in Prince William County back in 2001, but he was also one of my very first clients. Soon after the 9/11 attacks, Ken, a native Long Islander like me, felt a strong calling to go back home to protect and defend as a police officer. He entrusted me with the sale of his very first home soon after the birth of his son, Christopher. They were going to start a new life "back home" to be closer to his family.

No one could have imagined what was in store for Ken that fateful morning of May 18^th of this year. Ken was making a routine DWI stop and performing a sobriety test on the morning of May 18^th at 5:50am on the eastbound shoulder of the Long Island Expressway. After administering the test, he went back to his cruiser to write his report. During this time, another alleged drunk driver driving with a suspended license hit his cruiser from behind going approximately 70 miles an hour.

Ironically, 9/11 FDNY survivor, Philip Scarfi, was driving westbound on his way to work when he witnessed the accident. His heroic efforts to cross 6 lanes of traffic on the LIE undoubtedly saved Ken's life. Ken was already turning blue when Scarfi arrived at the scene and carefully took him out of the vehicle with the assistance of a volunteer and began administering CPR.

After immediate surgery to remove a blot clot on his brain and subsequent surgeries on his pelvis, the road ahead for Ken is a long one. He is still in intensive care and will likely be moved to a rehabilitation facility in New Jersey in the near future. At the moment, he is still heavily sedated in an effort to help promote healing of his multiple injuries. He is communicating by blinking and squeezing hands.

In the meantime, Nassau County has begun a new Wall of Shame posting photographs of those arrested with DWI charges. It may not seem like much, but for a county that has seen such a high number of DWI deaths, this is a move in the right direction, in my opinion.

A college fund has been established for Ken's son, Christopher, with donations starting from 2008 Preakness and Kentucky Derby winner, Big Brown jockey, Kent Desormeaux and Big Brown owners. Desormeaux actually witnessed the scene of the horrific accident on his way home to Garden City, LI after winning the Preakness in Baltimore. Attempts are currently being made to establish an assistance fund through the FOP. Updates and information will be forthcoming if you would like to make a donation.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Buyers - Start Your Engines!

2008-04-11T08:21:48Z

This time of year is so invigorating. Not only are we emerging from a long winter of high gas prices and gloomy weather, but also one of the worst housing slumps in recent history!

The last month has been full of changes. Banks are coming to terms with the reality on the street....folks are NOT willing to pay too much for a house in this climate. Prices are actually competitive in many foreclosure markets and buyers are competing with each other for first dibs on a hot property.

It's an exciting time to be buying and not all deals are showing up in the foreclosure market. Arm's length transactions are also available if you find a homeowner who hasn't used his home as an ATM machine and actually has equity in a home that he's owned for more than 5 years. In this area, some of the more mature communities with established hardwoods are wonderful places to get a great price on a home. A home that is 10 to 15 years old, many times fairly updated, can have tremendous character and allow for a much more flexible deal to be made.

Buyers, now is the time to come off the fence. On your mark! Get set! GO!

Irene Morales Ward, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Stafford County, Virginia Market February 2008

2008-02-29T18:21:21Z

Stafford Single Family Home Market February 2008

Active Sold or Under Contract

399 22554 26

206 22556 16

213 22405 20

194 22406 17

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Foreclosures Updated Weekly

2008-02-24T11:55:51Z

While these links are certainly not the only source of information on FORECLOSURE and REO properties, it will help provide many of you with a brief synopsis of what the current market is offering in terms of Active Foreclosure properties marketed in the MRIS(R), the Metropolitan Regional Informational System or the Greater Baltimore/DC Metro area's MLS. I will be updating these links weekly and hope they provide you with some insight into the Foreclosure market in the Northern Virginia area.

Feel free to email or call if you should have any particular questions about any of these properties or areas. Remember, they do not include Short Sale properties. If you would like more information on Foreclosures, REO's, or Short Sale properties, please visit my web site for more information.

***FORECLOSURES, REO'S AND HUD OWNED PROPERTIES PER MRIS®***

Prince William County - Detached

Prince William County - All Others

Spotsylvania County

Stafford County

LAST UPDATED 2/24/2008 12PM

Please check MLS for up-to-date information on property status

***All information deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Foreclosures listed per MRIS® as "Foreclosure", "REO", or "HUD Owned Property" - NOT Short Sale Properties. Properties updated weekly.***

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Will Primmer House Road EVER Open?

2008-02-01T12:51:37Z

Anyone living in the southeast portion of Stafford County understands the frustration everyone feels when passing Primmer House Road. The road, developed by Maryland Development Company as a part of Leeland Station subdivision, will provide easy access for VRE commuters and residents from that portion of Stafford County to access Rt 1 and the 95 interchange.

At the moment, drivers are taking the original (and longer) route along Morton Rd to Layhill Rd. This alternate route is about 1 mile longer and much more difficult to navigate as the road is extremely windy.

On numerous occasions when passing Primmer House Rd, I would notice the ROAD CLOSED barricades moved as frustrated drivers got fed up with the delays and decided to take matters into their own hands. The road had passed inspections on two occasions from both VDOT and CSX engineers.

The reason for the delay was simple - money. The developer would have had the opportunity to open the road without the road having to be entered into the state road system had they been willing to assume liability for maintenance of the road. However, a spokesman for the developer has said that it cannot afford maintenance costs, and wants to keep the road closed until it's in the state system.

The Stafford Board of Supervisors will petition VDOT to approve the road into the state's road system at its meeting on February 5^th. By all accounts, proposed resolution R08-100 is awaiting approval as part of the consent agenda for the afternoon session. Now, when the road will actually open is anyone's guess!

Stafford County Market Activity for January 2008

2008-02-01T09:28:50Z

Stafford Single Family Home Market January 2008

Active Sold or Under Contract

385 22554 21

208 22556 7

237 22405 14

199 22406 14

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Get Out and VOTE in Virginia Presidential Primary

2008-01-31T11:29:32Z

The Commonwealth of Virginia is preparing to hold its presidential primary election February 12^th. This primary will come a week after the "Super Tuesday" contest in which 24 other states hold their presidential primaries. February 12^th will be the first opportunity that Virginians have to vote for the presidential candidate they feel will best demonstrate the characteristics needed of the next Commander in Chief.

Virginia voters who registered prior to the January 14^th deadline will be allowed to vote for the Republican or Democratic presidential candidate of their choice. Nearly 2,500 polling locations will be open within Virginia's 11 Congressional districts. Under a special provision of Virginia law, Virginia residents who will turn 18 years of age on or before the November 4, 2008 presidential election are eligible to register in advance and vote in the presidential primary.

Polls open February 12^th at 6am and close at 7pm. If you are planning to vote by absentee ballot, you must register in person at the Stafford County Voter Registrar's office no later than February 5^th.

For more information about the primary election in Stafford County, visit the Stafford County web site.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Looking for a Deal? Foreclosure may not always be the way to go...

2008-01-25T12:17:50Z

I love a deal, don't you? I'm not simply talking about finding something cheap. I'm talking about finding something of quality that will endure the test of time and hold and even increase its value. It doesn't matter if it's a fine piece of furniture or a piece of real estate. It needs to fit my criteria.

When working with buyers, my goal is always to find the best deal. This doesn't always mean the cheapest price. This is a really hard concept for buyers to understand. You must look at the big picture and see where the true value comes into play.

I'll give you an example. Mr. and Mrs. Buyer are looking for a home in a certain price range and are considering only foreclosures. Why? Because they feel these are the best deals out there. Well, that's not necessarily true. There are so many variables to consider when determining if the property is a good deal and understanding all these factors is imperative.

If you are looking at this investment in the long-term (over 5 years), then it is wise to consider the following:

Is the community seeing a disproportionate number of foreclosures? If so, you'd better understand the consequences with regard to financing. Fannie Mae is flagging declining markets and that home you think is a steal, your lender may think is a clunker! It won't do you any good to invest in a community if your lender isn't on the same page.
Is the home in need of serious updates or repairs? Many foreclosures might be in disrepair and will require some serious investment of time, energy and resources to bring it up to par. If you can get past the lender for approval, have you considered the cost and magnitude of what you are facing? Roof, windows, siding, appliances, flooring, baths, plumbing, electrical, HVAC....these can be very high dollar ticket items. Price your repairs before you make that offer. Then understand that it will take you a considerable amount of time to recoup that investment in the form of appreciation of equity. The more you spend to improve the home, the longer you may need to be there to see your equity increase, as well.
Is the home on a bad lot? Consider a gorgeous home. It has everything you want inside - gourmet kitchen, beautiful flooring, lovely floor plan, even great schools. But is the lot backing up to the train tracks or a 4 lane road with high traffic volume? Is it on a main road that is destined to be widened? There are a lot of things we can do to change or improve a home's condition. We can even do significant landscaping to add privacy and curb appeal. Recognize what you can change and what you can't before you invest in the property.
Are there environmental factors to consider? As indicated above, noise pollution can contribute to the fact that a property doesn't sell. So do things like water treatment facilities, airports, landfills, wetlands, etc. You can find the perfect home on the perfect lot but If it backs up to a waste management facility, your summers may be spent indoors because of noxious smells!

These are just some of the most obvious points to remember when you are considering purchasing a "DEAL" in real estate. Remember to use an agent who will give you 100% fiduciary duty and always put your interests first.

Irene Morales Ward is an experienced and exceptional Realtor® representing clients in the Northern Virginia area since 2001. Irene's expertise in the field of agency and fair and honest client representation is recognized by her past clients' testimonials and is the driving force that continues to inspire her to exceed her clients' expectations.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Aquia Towne Center to get an Overhaul

2008-01-19T13:53:04Z

I've been going to the Aquia Towne Center Movie Theatre for almost as long as it's been up! Built in 1986, it was a wonderful addition to a growing area. Sitting just outside the gates of the Aquia Harbour community, the Aquia Towne center, owned by Michigan-based Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust, was a perfect addition for families looking for nearby entertainment. Every summer, Regal Cinemas offered free children's movies to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. I can't tell you how many movies we sat through. It was a perfect escape - especially on swim meet days when the kids couldn't go in the pool until later in the afternoon.

Ramco-Gershenson plans to redo the Aquia Towne Shopping Center which has various one story shops and restaurants such as Big Lots, Minnieland, Achara Flowers and Gifts, Rite-Aid, as well as Northrup Grumman and much more. In its place will be upscale office buildings, restaurants and shops, parking garages, as well as between 69 and 287 residential units with a maximum of 727,473 of commercial use. The Aquia 10 Regal Cinema is expected to remain open until this coming June when plans for its demolition commence. In its place will be a 14-screen, state-of-the-art theater which is digitally enhanced and will seat up to 2,500.

Understandably, while the "idea" seems ideal from a commercial perspective, area residents are less than enthusiastic about the consequences of such a proposal. Most impacted by the proposal are the residents of bordering Aquia Harbour who have issue with the developers plans to try to access two additional entrances into the Town Center which will need Aquia Harbour HOA approval.

Also, groups such as Stafford Citizens for a Sustainable Future (SCSF), a non-partisan group made of local Stafford citizens concerned about the county's growth, have strong concerns about traffic issues, among other things. Currently, traffic at the intersection of Rt 1 and 610 sees significant traffic delays specifically at peak evening rush hour times. VDOT's impact study shows concerns about the future traffic generated as a result of the developer's proposal.

Changes to the applicant's proposal which were to appear before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on December 18th, were made on December 17th. The changes were significantly different from the original proposal with regard to proffers paid by the developer (see page 7).

In conclusion, while I welcome progress and would love to see Aquia Towne Center renovated to reflect a more modern and attractive shopping center, it is imperative that the county residents realize that with progress comes a price and traffic concerns are at the top of many Stafford commuters' minds. Like most improvements in the county, it is my opinion that Stafford won't have a well thought out and financed infrastructure to accommodate this much anticipated renovation.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

It's Snowing In Stafford County!

2008-01-17T10:25:16Z

I'm sitting here looking at how lovely everything looks right now - white and clean and so inviting. I wonder how long it will last. The snow has actually stopped and the forecast is for rain and sleet. My poor 10 year old son is probably sitting in class right now staring out the window with longing eyes for an opportunity to get home before it all melts. His brand new snowboard sits propped in his room - never before used.

Stafford doesn't see very much snow accumulation during the winter. Typically what begins as snow ends up as a slushy, wet mess. Depending on what side of the county you're on, could also influence the amount of snow you get. The eastern side of the county which borders the Potomac River, typically has higher air temperatures which effect how much of the white stuff we get and keep. The western end, which borders Fauquier, may see more snow depending on which direction the precipitation is coming from.

For those parents sitting at work in DC or Northern Virginia with kids in school, a wonderful feature the Stafford County Schools has in place is the email notification system (available in most counties). You may visit Stafford Schools or the School's Out web site to register for email and/or cell phone notifications. Doing this ahead of time is imperative to have up to the minute information on your child's school's situation.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Stafford County to Reassess Real Estate

2008-01-17T10:05:21Z

In a report in the Stafford Sun by Jennifer Buske, Stafford's Commissioner of the Revenue, Scott Mayausky, sites that there has been a decrease in real estate assessments for the first time in 12 years and the county expects to see a decrease in revenue from real estate tax of about 4.5%.

"The economy is not that great," Mayausky said, adding that the average assessment of Stafford County home is about $327,000, compared to $390,000 in 2006.

Reassessments of approximately 48,500 properties in Stafford county will be generated mid to end of February. These reassessments may reflect negative changes by as much as 15 to 20 percent. It is important to note that while many may see a decrease, some may actually see an increase.

To determine property values, the county sends five assessors out to visit about 10 percent of Stafford's residential and commercial properties, Mayausky said. The process stretches over two years, beginning the moment after one cycle is complete.

Stafford residents may appeal their reassessment notices using this form no later than March 31, 2008 (county web site still shows last year's form with a date of March 15, 2007) or by calling 540-658-4125. According to the Commissioner of the Revenue's office, the new appeals form will not be available online until assessments are completed and mailed out which may not be until late February or early March.

The reassessments are not an accurate reflection of your tax bill. The tax rate will likely increase somewhat to make up for some of the loss in revenue that a budget adjustment cannot achieve alone. The real estate tax is currently set at $.70 per $100 assessed value. The County Board of Supervisors set the personal and real estate tax, not the county commissioner.

The new tax rate will be set in April with tax bills going out in May and due June 5^th. The bill will reflect the 1st half taxes due with another subsequent billing for the 2nd half sent later in October/November and due December 5th.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Market Trends in Stafford County, Virginia

2008-01-15T10:09:29Z

I've gotten many calls from anxious buyers looking for a forecast into what the future holds with regard to the market in Northern Virginia, in particular, Stafford County. Many of my military clients and referrals are heading back from their deployments abroad and are making plans to get back into the market while prices are holding low and steady. Here is a picture of active and sold properties for the last quarter to present in each of the county zip codes. This information reflects single family homes ONLY. Feel free to contact me if you want more specific information.

Active Properties as of January 15, 2008 Sold Properties as of October 1, 2007

22405 Fredericksburg, Falmouth 22405

22406 Hartwood, Fredericksburg 22406

22554 Aquia, North Stafford, Garrisonville 22554

22556 North Stafford, Rock Hill 22556

Military buyers relocating to Stafford typically commute to the following bases:

Quantico Marine Base, Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Myer, Fort Belvoir, Pentagon, Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center, Langley Air Force Base

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Virginia Real Estate Tax Increase Going to Virginia Supreme Court

2008-01-05T14:42:00Z

Back in February of 2007, the Virginia General Assembly passed a law (HB3202) which, among other things, will allow the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to increase taxes on homeowners in the form of an increased Grantor's Tax. Previously, the tax was set at $1 per $1000 assessed value to be paid on the sale of all residential property. Now that tax is increased to $5 per $1000. The new fee is still lower than our neighbors in Maryland and DC who see figures nearly 3 times higher with regard to transfer fees.

That said, no one wants higher taxes. But then, no one commuting in Northern Virginia really believes we can sustain the level of road congestion we see today. Something has to be done and no one is in agreement on how to do this.

Considering the state of the housing market, this may have been a great plan back when sellers were seeing record sales at record prices in record time! A mere $4 per $1000 in assessed value would have had little to no impact on the unstoppable market sellers enjoyed over the course of the last 5 years. But to impose this tax now seems like another nail in the seller's coffin. Those who have barely enough equity to sell, let alone pay their fees, will be hardest hit.

Originally, the tax increase was projected to generate about $171 million dollars in revenue. That, of course, was before the recent housing slump. The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors has gone on the record in support of this bill. "The law gave the nine-member Northern Virginia Transportation Authority the power to increase specific taxes to pay for transportation improvements in the traffic-choked region. The authority covers Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas and Manassas Park. Other taxes slated to rise are the motor vehicle rental tax, the transient occupancy tax and the sales tax on auto repairs, as well as fees for vehicle safety inspections, and initial and annual vehicle registration."

There is significant opposition and online petitions have been spreading like wildfire since the bill was passed last year. Some in Northern Virginia oppose the plan. "In January, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear the combined appeals of State Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) and Loudoun County, challenging the constitutionality of an unelected authority having taxing power. The plaintiffs say the transportation authority's ability to tax is an end run around the wishes of the voters, who rejected an increase in the sales tax to pay for transportation in a 2002 referendum."

The NVTA petitioned the courts on July 13, 2007 to verify whether or not they had the legal right to raise and spend more than $300 million dollars in new taxes and fees. The court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8^th to review whether the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority can impose taxes and fees to pay for transportation projects. While the attorney general's office has assured the NVTA that they are within their legal rights to do so, the authority wants to be assured all petitions, objections and appeals will be resolved by the beginning of this year so that expensive projects will not have to be stopped in their tracks once started.

The authority will hold a public hearing Thursday, January 10^th at 6pm at George Mason High School Auditorium located at 7124 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church to discuss its six-year transportation plan and solicit suggestions as to how these funds should be allocated.

Source: The Washington Post

http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080105/BUSINESS/225558785/1006

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/07/AR2007120701000.html?nav=hcmodule

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Benefit for Al Sharp at Brock's in Fredericksburg

2007-12-12T20:22:26Z

When tragedy touches our lives, none of us knows exactly how we will handle it. We certainly never think a tragic accident will leave us unable to do what we take for granted everyday - giving our children a hug, tying our shoes, bathing, eating a bowl of cereal or driving to the grocery store or to work.

For those of you who have been selling real estate for any length of time here in the Fredericksburg area, you may know a very good family friend (and I am proud to say, my neighbor), Al Sharp. Al deals primarily in commercial real estate and is affiliated with Johnson and Glazebrook in Fredericksburg.

Back in July, 2007, Al suffered a traumatic injury from a boating accident and suffered nerve damage which has left him a quadriplegic. While the doctors (and most importantly, his family and friends) feel confident he will walk again, it will take a tremendous amount of effort, resources and intense physical rehabilitation. To help Al during this incredibly difficult time, friends have gathered to show their support and encouragement at a benefit at:

Brock's Riverside Grille in Downtown Fredericksburg on Wednesday, December 19th, from 6pm to 9pm.

If you are in the area, please stop by and share your good wishes with the family. Donations will be graciously accepted and sincerely appreciated. For more information, contact me directly at 540-371-6157 or email at Irene@IreneMoralesWard.com.

Al with the "Ladies"

Al with Granddaughter, Lauren

Al and Ellen Sharp

*Photos by Johnathan Sharp*

Donate to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association Just By Clicking Your Mouse!

"This holiday season, Altimate Medical, maker of the EasyStand standing frame, decided to do something a little different. In lieu of a printed holiday card, they decided to make a special donation to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA). For each unique click on the webpage www.easystand.com/holiday, Altimate Medical will donate $1 to NSCIA. On December 31, 2007, the company will issue a check to the NSCIA for up to $3000. EasyStand has reached out to customers and friends with fun, unique holiday cards in the past. But when evaluating the cost for a mailed paper greeting to our customer base, they realized the impact the money could have if used in another way. We started our holiday charity drive during the 2006 holiday season, giving $2500 to Wheels for Humanity http://www.wheelsforhumanity.org/. This year, they increased their goal to $3000, added a fun holiday video starring our employees, and chose the NSCIA as the recipient."

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

The ABC's of Life from a Child's Perspective

2007-12-10T11:06:18Z

I have not really taken much time this month to post on my blog as the holiday is quickly approaching and true to form, clients are anxious to close on their homes. Sometimes, I just have nothing to share that would be of any consequence to anyone else. But today, I couldn't resist an opportunity to share an assignment my daughter had from her literature teacher. I am not going to take credit for this amazing literary masterpiece. Its innocence and humor speak volumes and it's something we can all learn from...So here are the ABC's of life according to Mia Ward - my 11 year old daughter.

Adrienne

Adrienne is my sister and 10 years older than me. My sister Adrienne is very kind, caring and generous. When ever I visit Adrienne she's doing better and better with her life style choices. I always look up to Adrienne for help. I think of Adrienne as a role model for everyone. I believe that Adrienne will go far in life and she will have a happy life.

Brother

I have two brothers. They both are special in there own unique way. One of my brothers is 10 years old, and his name is Matty. I also have another brother named Billy. He's very tough but very nice once you get to know him and I mean like lived your whole life with him knew him. My brothers are very nice to me and very tough on me, like I'm another guy.

Church

Church is a very sacred place and it helps me think about what I've done wrong. I love that I can open up there. I love the priest there very much, and they're very nice there. I really love how the church is right next to the school and how I don't really have to go that far on cold days.

Dad

My dad's nickname is Dollar Bill. We named my fish after him. He's very strong and helpful. He goes to people's houses and solves problems as a police officer. I love my father very much and he is very funny.

Elegant

I think I am pretty elegant, although most people that know me know I'm a cluts. Elegance is a very important thing to have at my age or older. My mom and sisters are elegant as for me not so much. I'm trying to be more elegant.

Family

Family is very special to me. I am so happy when my whole family is back together because they're usually at college or at high school. During the holidays is the perfect time for the family to get together. I love that when the family is together there is constant noise. In my house I like noise and I hate the quiet. So I can't wait for Christmas.

God

God is the ruler of the entire world. God is really Jesus. It's so cool I can't explain it! God sent the angels to tell Mary that she was going to have Jesus and since God is Jesus I really don't understand it. How can you be in one place and then another?

Heaven

I picture that heaven has beautiful horses and you never fall off. Heaven is a place were you watch over the people you love and you make sure nothing bad happens to them. There are choirs of angels singing and they never stop. There are dogs and cats running around so that you will never feel lonely.

Intelligence

Having intelligence is a gift because you can grow up to be a good, intelligent person with a good job. I am intelligent when I'm trying. When I am awake I can learn a lot of stuff. I believe that intelligent people can pursue a lot of good things.

Joy

I have a lot of joy in my life. My friends are always joyful and my family is always joyful. I also have a teacher named Mrs. Joy and she is sometimes joyful, too. If you look around you you will see joy. In the worst thing that has ever happened to you, you can find joy out of it.

Kindness

Everyone is kind in my family and my friends are kind, too. Kindness is an act of generosity. It comes from your heart. When I'm kind to other people, I can make them feel good about themselves. Kindness is putting other people before yourself.

Love

God is love. Love is the main ingredient to having a healthy family. I love my family very much. Love never dies.

Mary

Mary is the mother of Jesus. Mary saw two angles and they told her she was going to have Jesus, our Savior. Mary had a husband named Joseph.

Nicole

Nicole is my older sister. Nicole is 17 and about to graduate high school. Nicole is an awesome older sister because she does a lot to entertain me. She also is a great gingerbread maker.

Oprah

Oprah is sort of like my sisters but black. Oprah is kind, giving and she has her own talk show. My sisters aren't on talk shows but are kind and giving. Oprah gives to the poor. She also looks like a kind person.

Pretty

There are a lot of pretty people out there and I know a lot of them. I don't think of myself as pretty. I think of myself as unique.

Quackalackine

Quakalakine is my pet on Webkinz. I really love my pet because if you can't afford a pet or your family members are allergic to animals, you can have Webkinz. Webkins are digital. It's like having your own pet but not.

Reindeer

Reindeer are cool animals. They can run fast and they have cool antlers. I have a lot of reindeer in the field near my house. I love where I live. There are no street lights and you can catch fireflies.

Sugar Cookies

Who doesn't like sugar cookies? I love sugar cookies! They're my favorite cookie.

Teachers

I have a lot of teachers. They're pretty cool. I think that a teacher that would give us no homework every day would be the coolest. I really like my teachers. They are nice.

Unicorn

Unicorns are awesome. They have pretty colors with a pointy end to protect themselves. I have never seen a unicorn. I'm pretty sure they aren't real.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is the holiday that you celebrate love. It is also my Grandmother's birthday. She loves Valentine's Day so much that she wears hearts all the time and chocolate is her favorite food.

William

There are many Williams in my family. My grandfathers' names are both William. My brother's name is William. My mother's brother's name is William, and my Dad's name is William. I love them all!

X-ray

I've had a lot of x-rays because I'm a little clumsy. I had got a button stuck in my nose when I was 3 and they took an x-ray. I ran in a big gym and slid into a concrete wall when I was four. I had an x-ray and a CAT scan. I broke my wrist when I was 8.

Yummy

My mom's food is really yummy. She is a really good cook. My mom is always coming up with creative, yummy dishes that are also healthy for our family.

Zoo

My sister Adrienne took my brother Matt and I to the Zoo in DC. I had a very good time but my brother whined most of the time because he had to walk a long way and it was hot. We saw a zebra, a lion, a bear, an elephant, a giraffe, and lots more.

By Mia Ward

Mia's Proud Mom, Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Potomac Point Winery Holiday Open House in Stafford, VA

2007-11-30T20:11:32Z

Virginia has some of the most magnificent wineries in the country and several are right here in Stafford County. One such rare find is the brand new Potomac Point Winery in the Widewater section of Stafford County. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and minutes from the Potomac River, this impressive facility is a magnificent addition to the county's landscape.

Rated among the Top Ten Wineries in Virginia by the Virginia Wine Festival 2007 Poll and also listed as 'Top Five Not-to-Be Missed Stunning Wedding Sites' in the Fall/Winter issue of Virginia Bride magazine, this winery is a delicious experience. I visited to get some pictures and found a very helpful staff and gorgeous, relaxing atmosphere. Stop by this weekend for their Holiday Open House. There'll be LOTS of treats for the both the young and young-at-heart!

You are Cordially Invited

Potomac Point Winery's Holiday Open House

When: December 1^st and 2^nd, 11am to Close

Where: Potomac Point Winery

275 Decatur Road

Stafford, VA 22554

Phone: 540-446-2250

Fax: : 540-658-9939

10% off selected wines
10-20% off selected Holiday gift items

Carolers singing 12-3pm
Cookie Making Station only $5 for 10 Cookies to decorate!

Potomac Point Winery is a Toys for Tots Station
Bring an unwrapped new toy and receive $2 off your Wine Tasting!

Wine Tasting
Vintner's Selection of 8 Varietals - $5
Includes Complimentary Embossed Wine Glass

Olive Oil Tasting
Be among the first in the area to try
Stella Cadente Extra Virgin
Flavored Olive Oils
Currently available: Persian Lime, Lemon, Blood Orange, and Extra Virgin.

A pet friendly winery.
No Outside food permitted.
Hours of Operation

Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 6 pm
Closed Tuesday
Friday - Saturday 11 am - 9 pm|

Now offering Soup and Sandwich lunches!

Soups: $4.99, Sandwich: $6.99

Soup & Sandwich $10.

Potomac Point Winery

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

A Home Make-Over On a Budget

2007-11-29T15:12:11Z

If you are one of the very many homeowners who will be putting their home on the market, I'm sure you've given the house a once over and thought, "There is SO much to be done." Every homeowner understands the importance of making the home look its best and of course, for many of us with older homes, that might mean very costly updates.

The truth is there are great ways around this that will not only give your home an impressive facelift, but do so with minimal expense. House systems and structural concerns aside, most of the cosmetic features in our homes can be enhanced rather than changed outright. Here are some design tips to consider before plunging in headfirst. All of the prices quoted reflect supplies only from national home improvement chains. Plan on doing the work yourself and save yourself a bundle.

Consider the age, style, and location of your home. If you are living in an urban area and your buyer is likely to be a young, professional, consider more contemporary colors and designs. On the other hand, if you are moving from a historic, farmhouse, you'll need to consider the practicality of certain upgrades as they apply to your target market - your buyer! Consider hardware upgrades in pewter, brushed nickel, polished silver, wrought iron, or antique brass.

Kitchens:

Faucets - $80 - $100
Sink - $200 - $300
Hardware - $3 - $6/each knobs/handles
Paint or refinish/reface cabinets - $200
Light fixtures - $200
Under Cabinet lighting - $30

Bathrooms:

Painted or refinish/reface cabinets - $100
Hardware - $3 - $6/each knobs/handles
Light Fixtures - $60
New toilets - $200 - $300
New Mirrors - $80

Throughout:

Painted Trim - $75
Paint using soft, neutral colors - creams, soft yellows, earth tones - $150
Remove wallpaper - labor
Replace flat panel doors to 6 panel doors - $50 - $70 each OR
If keeping flat paneled doors, use two tone paint on trim and door to accentuate

Investments you can take with you:

Throws, pillows, accent pieces - create a color palette to coordinate and accent paintings, furnishings, area rugs
Coordinate Linens
Update furniture
Flowered pots outside

Invest in what you can take with you. If you have furnishings from the 70's or 80's and you're going to be moving into a new home, are you going to take all that old furniture with you? If not, perhaps it's time to have a yard sale before the home goes on the market. Get a little extra cash, minimize and buy solid pieces you'll enjoy for years to come. In the process, you'll be staging your home to look more updated and sleek which will enhance your home. You and the buyer know the furniture won't convey with the sale but the furnishings are important to complete the packaging of the "product"...your home!

Here's a GREAT, free tool powered by Armstrong for designing your room before you lift one finger.

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Put That Candle Out Before You Leave!

2007-11-29T10:13:45Z

As homeowners, we've all been tempted to light a nicely scented candle to get rid of some underlying odor - pets, smoke, the lingering odor of garlic from dinner, or just a stale smell. Never is this practiced more that at the holidays. We not only want our home smelling festive, but lighted candles add a wonderful glow which electric lighting simply cannot duplicate. It doesn't matter what holiday we are celebrating, candles are a universal symbol of warmth and beauty.

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission has released today a list of tips for those of us decorating for the holidays. This is especially helpful for those of us decorating and SELLING our homes during the holidays. We all know a beautifully staged home for the holidays is a wonderful way to increase buyer traffic and give the home an added "wow" factor. However, simple oversights can have alarming consequences.

"CPSC estimates there are more than 14,000 candle-related fires each year, which result in about 170 deaths and $350 million in property loss. Dried-out Christmas trees are involved in about 200 fires annually, resulting in 10 deaths, and about $10 million in property damage. During November and December of each year, about 10,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms as a result of falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday decorating."

While many of us apply common sense when dealing with holiday decorations, it is particularly important to review some of these tips provided by the CPSC to help ensure our family's safety.

Trees and Decorations:

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
In homes with small children,

take special care to avoid sharp or breakable decorations,
keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces,
and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.

To avoid eye and skin irritation, wear gloves when decorating with spun glass "angel hair."
To avoid lung irritation, follow container directions carefully while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Lights:

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA. Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and are required to have safety fuses to prevent the wires from overheating.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.
If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
When using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles or a portable GFCI.
Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Candles:

Keep burning candles within sight.
Keep lighted candles away from items that can catch fire and burn easily, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.
Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.
Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room or leave the house.

Fireplaces:

Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting. Keep them away from children.
Do not burn wrapping paper or plastic items in the fireplace. These materials can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, resulting in a flash fire.
Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable materials.

Source: US Consumer Protection Safety Commission

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

My Not-So-Serious Thanksgiving Prayer

2007-11-20T10:31:44Z

I have a habit of going to extremes. So if you haven't yet visited my more serious Thanksgiving Wish for you, you might want to take a peek before reading on!

Thanksgiving Prayer

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

My Thanksgiving Wish for You

2007-11-20T08:41:38Z

As you head out to enjoy your holiday with family and friends, my warmest wishes go out to you and your family for a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

A Day of Shopping with My Stager

2007-11-19T10:31:27Z

I'm not a big shopper...in fact, I pretty much hate it. I don't mind window shopping but the idea of having to actually buy anything makes me cringe. I do it reluctantly, at best. But last Friday, I called my friend (and Stager, Margie Keller) to come out with me for lunch and a day of window shopping in Fredericksburg.

One of Margie's favorite little shops is Moore Unique Designs on Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg. The store is going to be moving to a new location down on William Street in February and have much of their merchandise discounted. If you happen to find yourself shopping in the "Burg" during the holidays, don't forget to stop in to this lovely shop. It offers just about anything you'd need to for the hard to shop for recipient.

BEWARE OF THE KILLER WATCH DOG!

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

College Open Houses

2007-11-17T20:37:42Z

It's that time of year. If you haven't already been through the drill, plan on spending lots of weekends in your child's junior and senior year traveling to see what's out there. As a parent with a third child heading off to college, the internet has given us a wonderful opportunity to get information and view virtual tours online. But like buying a house, you won't know if it's "HOME" - or, I should say - your child won't know if it's home until they visit.

We spent the last few weekends traveling the beautiful roads of Virginia to see the wide array of state universities available to us. This week, we took a tour of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. I must say, I did not go this morning with exceedingly high expectations. Up until now, my daughter had been determined to go to Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Unlike my older two children, she wanted a smaller, hometown feel for her college experience. With only about 4800 undergraduate students, she thought CNU would fit the bill perfectly...until today!

The drive from Fredericksburg, Virginia was quick and lovely. Located about 60 miles southwest of Richmond, it is slightly less than a 2 hour trip from our home. Close enough to get home if she needs/wants to but not close enough for mom and dad to just "pop in"! My husband and I want her to experience college away from home and the area seemed perfect. Not too far from major shopping outside of Richmond, she will have the option of getting out of town when she needs to. She really won't need to, though. The offerings of this small town are many...Applebee's, WalMart, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Belk, Ruby Tuesdays, and a brand new shopping center being built - The Shoppes at College Park.

The campus is about 65 acres with about 4,000 students but it feels much larger as it is wedged in the center of a quaint town with cobblestone streets and adorable shops. I was impressed with the campus, the academic programs, but most especially, with the friendly atmosphere which the students, faculty, staff and residents were directly responsible for. There wasn't one person we walked by who didn't greet us with a big hello. And these weren't just folks associated with the open house.

A HUGE thank you go out to our Longwood Ambassador, Junior Communications Major, Chris Davis of Richmond, and his Ambassador-in-Training, Senior Sociology/Pre-Law Major, Ben Adams of Fredericksburg (Stafford High School Graduate!). These gentlemen guided our tour across campus and entertained all the questions we inquisitive parents had about campus life, academics, and Longwood, in general. They were exceptionally helpful, friendly and just all-around nice guys. Great job!!

One of the greatest things about living in Virginia is the tremendous opportunity to attend a state university which is perfectly suited to your personality and needs. It appears, Longwood University may be just that school for my daughter.

Brand New Health and Fitness Center is AWESOME!!

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Suze Orman a Modern Day Mr. Potter?

2007-11-15T11:04:21Z

It's no secret my favorite movie of all-time is It's a Wonderful Life. With the holidays upon us, it's time to break out the DVD and kick off the season. I always wait (well, I try to wait) until Thanksgiving night...it's tradition. Get's me in the mood.

The reason this movie resonates so well with me isn't simply the Capraesque message that good overcomes evil but the underlying message that everyone deserves a roof over their heads - one they can claim as their own. I embrace that concept and apply it to every buyer I represent.

So I was a little confused when I read Suze Orman's article today, 5 priceless money-saving tips. I have tremendous respect for Ms. Orman's tips. She's usually right on the money (no pun intended) when it comes to the sage old advice with regard to money management. But in this particular article, something didn't sit right with me. I wondered immediately how distanced she is with the reality of young folks today - particularly first-time home buyers - starting their lives and their families. I went right back to "It's a Wonderful Life".

Excerpt from Suze Orman's Article

"Scenario No. 2: A young single professional in their late 20s to mid 30s. Perhaps they are either finished paying off their college loans or close to it. They may have credit card debt. Maybe they just received a recent promotion or have taken a new job; they are making more money, and want to start being more aggressive when it comes to saving, perhaps for retirement, perhaps as a nest egg to start a family. What is the best investment option for a young, single professional?

Do: Buy a home you can call your own. There will never be a better tax write-off than a home. Next, contribute into your company's 401k if the company matches their contribution, but only up to the point of the match. Finally, contribute to a Roth IRA (if you qualify), or a nondeductible IRA if you don't qualify for the Roth, so you can take advantage of the Roth conversion possibility in 2010. However, before putting money toward any of the investments above, you MUST pay off any and all credit card debt you have. Getting out of debt is the most important priority before investing for retirement.

Never: Never buy a home or piece of real estate if you do not have at least 10% to 20% to put down. While buying a home is a great investment, if you do not have at least 10% to 20% of the purchase price to put down, then you can't afford the home and are buying before you have demonstrated the ability to save, which is a bad idea in the current market."

Now, I know all of you remember this scene from the movie. George Bailey was in a hurry to catch his train out of town to find a "better life" outside of Bedford Falls. His father's death had members of the board of Bailey Bros. Building and Loan gathered trying to decide who would take over the company when George gave this speech.

"Just a minute - just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. You're right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I'll never know. But neither you nor anyone else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was - why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what's wrong with that?
Why - here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You - you said - what'd you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken down that they... Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be."

I understand Ms. Orman's scenario was for a young professional, but what is she saying about young working married couples? How long would it take the average married couple (with or without children) to save $40,000 for a 10% down payment on a $275,000 home and closing cost funds needed in today's world? I suppose if they had no student loans, didn't have to pay rent, and were paid $80,000 a year each no time at all. But as Ms. Orman suggests, waiting until you are in your late 20's to mid 30's is nearly half a lifetime for many folks! I had 3 children before I was 30! Does that mean I don't deserve to buy a home?

While logically, it might make sense to wait as long as possible to save money to buy a home, for those of us living in reality, we'd like to buy our first home before it's time to put the kids through college!

Ms. Orman, George has spoken....I rest my case!

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate

Flushing $8 BILLION Down the Toilet This Holiday

2007-11-15T08:22:19Z

I typically put together a handmade basket of "goodies" for my clients after they close on their home. I figure it's something they will use and even if they've forgotten about me long after it's gone, it's something they can enjoy right after their purchase. On occasion, I've considered getting a gift card. But am I throwing my hard-earned money away?

Considered a great "green" gift, gift cards have become the the top gift choice for the hard to shop for recipient - especially during the holidays. Advertising Age reports, "Once regarded as an option for the lazy, inconsiderate or time-starved, gift cards are expected to reach $100 billion in sales this season."

This year BizReport commissioned Deloitte to conduct an Annual Holiday Survey. They found that 69% of holiday shoppers are expected to purchase gift cards, up from 66% the previous year. "Clearly we want them," said Stacy Janiak, Deloitte's U.S. retail leader. "They're the No. 1 gift because people want to receive them."

Hmmmmm, do we want to receive them or do we want to give them? That is the question. It would appear if such a large number of recipients are not redeeming them then perhaps they are not what we all want.

In an effort to educate consumers, Consumer Reports took out a full page ad in the New York Times this Tuesday.

"We've gotten a lot of complaints from readers recently about them, and it's clear that an enormous amount of money is going to waste here," says Greg Daugherty, the magazine's executive editor.

With a whopping estimated $8 billion worth of gift cards given last holiday season still not redeemed, could it be the wrong gift? It would appear so.

Consumer Reports surveyed gift card recipients and the results showed that 27 percent have not used one or more of the cards they received last year. The reasons vary:

58 percent didn't have time
35 percent couldn't find anything they wanted to buy
32 percent forgot about the card
4 percent tried to redeem the cards too late - they had expired
3 percent said the cards were lost

The financial-services research firm TowerGroup estimated that of the $80 billion spent on gift cards in 2006, roughly $8 billion were never redeemed - "a bigger impact on consumers," Tower notes, "than the combined total of both debit- and credit-card fraud." This same group estimates that $100 billion will be spent on gift cards for 2008.

Retailers contend that the unused cards are not automatically credited to the institutions issuing the cards. "In most states, if a gift card is not used within a few years it is considered unclaimed property, and the retailer must give that money to the state. "

"It's not leftover money that most retailers can put in their pocket," says Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation.

Consumer Reports sees this as a clear advantage to the retailer because they can invest the money spent on the gift card until it's used to buy something. "It's not a good thing for consumers regardless of where the money happens to be on the accounting ledger," says Daugherty. "It's a winning proposition for stores all around, but not for consumers."

Clearly, Consumer Reports sees bank issued gift cards as the most costly to consumers. "The terms and conditions of bank-issued cards vary widely, even among those with the same credit-card logo. That makes it difficult for card givers and recipients to know exactly what they're getting. Compounding the problem is that it's not always clear where to look for information--on the card, on the packaging, or on the issuer's Web site." Consumer Reports

Do we have so much dispensable income that we can afford to throw our money away? Well, I certainly don't! Think long and hard before you spend your hard earned money on a gift card this holiday season. It could end up sitting at the bottom of someone's old purse or worse - in a stranger's pocket! It might have been a better idea to give cash. Green goes with EVERYTHING!

Additional Source: MSNBC.com "Look this gift horse in the mouth"

Target Gift Cards - have no fees and do not expire - ever. Thank you - Debbie Cook! Updated

Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate