It's That Time Of The Year Again- School's Open - 08/31/08 12:46 PM
It seems like only a few weeks ago that the school speed limit signs stopped blinking, kids stopped getting on and off the buses and the schoolhouses were closed.
Whether it was or wasn't is beside the point - they are now open.  The laws about stopping behind a school bus with blinking lights, driving at or under the school speed limit should be taken seriously by everyone.  It annoys me when I see a young mother or father with a toddler in the car drive above the speed limit in a school zone when the sign is blinking.  I wonder what they will expect … (0 comments)

Mom, I Wanna' Live In Lake Ridge - 08/29/08 02:08 PM
Recently, I was showing clients homes in eastern Prince William County.  Dad was up front - Mom and daughter were in the back seat.  Since they were interested in homes with some land I, of course, included Lake Ridge in my tour along with Westridge and Old Bridge Estates
As we approached Lake Ridge on Old Bridge Road the traffic lght was red at the entrance to Lake Ridge at Harbor Drive.  While I was stopped the 9 year old young lady looked to her left and saw Mickey D's, looked to her right and saw the Lake Ridge Swim Club.  She … (0 comments)

Lake Ridge Today Is About Lake Ridge Tomorrow - 08/29/08 12:50 PM
Those of us who call Lake Ridge home regularly receive "Lake Ridge Today"  It is an extremely informative newsletter (the September issue is 15 pages) that keeps us posted on association finances, facilities management, area information,rules changes, participation of life in the community by residents, contests and a Schedule of Upcoming Events
September 6  The Doggie Paddle at Tall Oaks Pool with 2 sessions (10 AM to 12 Noon and 12 Noon to 2 PM)  You must be a Lake Ridge resident and pre-registration is required.  Either you OR your dog will be charged $5.00. September 13  This is always a big hit … (0 comments)

Lorton - Home to Another Patriot Named George - 08/28/08 09:27 PM
Greorge Mason IV (1725-1792) authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights,  It was eventually incorporated into the Virginia Constitution as Article 1.  Why is this of interest?  Many of the guarantees of the document were  incorporated into the Declaration of Independence and the US Bill of Rights.
At the time George assumed responsibility for the family's plantation, Mason Neck, the Gunston Hall home had not been built.  It was completed in 1759 when he was only 34 years old.  Aside from the 5,500 acres on Mason Neck,  George Mason owned other plantations - some of which are now the names of popular residential areas … (9 comments)

Lynnwood - Lovely Lake Ridge Homes on 1/2 Acre Lots - 08/28/08 01:59 PM
The majority of Lake Ridge detached homes are on approximately 1/4 acre lots - great for gardens, swing sets, lawn parties, pools, etc.  Lynnwood homes, on the other hand, are sited on minimum 1/2 acre lots and they are heavily treed.  Wherever feasible, Ridge Development left stands of trees in the front and side yards.
There were 4 premium builders selected to build out the site - Long Homes, Fairfield Homes, Calvert Homes and VanMetre Homes.  They all developed models that they had not offered in previous subdivisions giving Lynnwood a fresh and distinct look.  The homes were built between 1980 and 1986 … (0 comments)

Homes For AARP Members in Lorton - 08/28/08 08:42 AM
Spring Hill is a community of Over 55 Homes being built on the Laurel Hill section of Lorton Prison land that was released for residential construction by Fairfax County.  Title to the land was passed to the county when the prison was closed.  They are, of course, one level homes with garages - seniors won't have to climb stairs or scrape ice off windshields.  It is a fenced and gated community to maximize security.  As the photos show there is a minimum amount of land for the homeowners to maintain, but there are broad open areas adding to the overall appeal.
Planning to Buy … (0 comments)

Signs Of The Times In Lake Ridge VA - 08/26/08 01:04 PM
With the cost of gasoline being extremely high, the availability of public commuter service has become an increasingly important consideration when purchasing a home.  Similarly, it is provides value added when you put your home on the market.
The folks in Lake Ridge are fortunate - the subdivision is 1 of 3 in eastern Prince William County where commuter buses operate within the subdivision providing service to the Pentagon, Crystal City and Washington, D.C.
Homeowners in Westridge and Old Bridge Estates frequently come into Lake Ridge, park in commuter lots or park along public streets and use the bus service
See schedules and interactive maps at Lake … (0 comments)

A Bird Grocery Store In Lake Ridge VA - 08/26/08 09:28 AM
When you live in a community with as many trees as Lake Ridge it is not surprising to find a store that specializes in seed and whatever else you might need to keep the birds happy.  They also sell "critter food" since we also have tons of squirrels. 
I've been a customer ever since the Wild Bird Center opened in the Festival at Lake Ridge shopping center.  Unless you've been a long time Lake Ridge resident you may not be aware the shopping center was the site of the Woodbridge Airport.
My backyard is a bird haven - I feed the likes of cardinals, goldfinches, … (0 comments)

Gold's Gym Lake Ridge VA - Top Notch Exercise Facility! - 08/25/08 09:35 PM
There are several excellent gymnasiums in the Woodbridge area, but Gold's Gym at the Festival in Lake Ridge is the most centrally located for Lake Ridge, Westridge and Old Bridge Estates residents.
Additionally. it opens at 4:30 AM and is a favorite with people commuting to the Pentagon and Washington,D.C. since there is a PRTC bus stop just a few feet away.  By the time I arrive at 6:00 AM they have exercised, showered and are on their way out the door.  Believe it or not, the next contingent to arrive almost as early as I do are teachers and administrators with the … (0 comments)

Fall is Coming, But Virginia Apples Are Here - 08/24/08 05:31 PM

 
 
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Our Occoquan - It's Different Than Most People Know - 08/19/08 08:23 PM
Arthur and I are early risers.  We are at the gym by 5:30 AM, exercise and get home to start our business day.  However, we frequently opt for an early morning walk in the Occoquan business district.  Why is it "Our Occoquan"?
Except for an occasional sea gull along the seawall we rarely ever see a car, no less a person.  Many of you know Occoquan as a bustling retail district comprised of many 18th and 19th century buildings.  As we walk with our modern day Starbucks coffee in hand we try to envision what it must have been like in … (2 comments)

40,000 Homes Close To Marine Corps Base Quantico - 08/19/08 09:18 AM
Recently, I did a post WHEN DID MONTCLAIR BECOME A PART OF MCB QUANTICO?  because Montclair is extremely close to the base.  Then I started to reflect - there are approximately 40,000 homes within a maximum of 30 minutes to Quantico. 
The 3 largest subdivisions are   DALE CITY, MONTCLAIR and LAKE RIDGE.  There are numerous others - Twin Oaks, Winding Creek, Ashland, Hunter's Ridge, Port Potomac, River Falls, County Center, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates to name just a few.
They can all be reviewed at EASTERN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY HOME TOUR  There are 19 subdivisions reviewed as well as shopping, recreation, schools and commuting.  … (0 comments)

Lorton Station - Only 15 Minutes To Fort Belvoir - 08/19/08 09:08 AM

 
Lorton Station is a 300 acre subdivision of 950 newer homes just South of Fort Belvoir.  Detached homes and town homes are available and, yes, it is within 15 minutes of the entrance to Fort Belvoir.  Additionally, it is only 15 miles south of Washington, D.C. - the Lorton entrance to and exit from I-95 is just outside the community on Lorton Road.  On those occasions when you need to go to the Pentagon the VRE Lorton Station is in the community.  Take a Northbound train, change to the Metro Blue Line at King Street and go to the Pentagon Station.
Kids attend … (0 comments)

Northern Virginia Bike Paths - Lorton - 08/19/08 08:54 AM
Mason Neck, that section of Lorton with water on 3 sides is a natural wonderland.  The peninsula consists of 9,000 acres - 6,000 of which are under land management.  As a result, it is now home to 200 species of birds, 31 mammals and 44 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Its' most famous landowner was George Mason, an author of the Virginia Bill of Rights, a predecessor of the US Constitution.  His home, Gunston Hall, is open to visitors.
In 1969, the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge was the first park assigned as an American Eagle refuge.  It is considered one of … (0 comments)

Inlet Cove - Your Next Door Neighbor is Fort Belvoir - 08/19/08 08:48 AM
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Occoquan - A Bird's Eye View - 08/19/08 08:31 AM
Occoquan Pointe is a group of 72 town home condominiums with garages.  They sit high above Occoquan away from the hustle and bustle of the business district.  They were built in the mid 1990's.  Even after that length of time the exteriors are absolutely pristine - a testimonial to the management of the homeowner's association. Over the years my husband and I have had several transactions in Occoquan Pointe.
Planning to Buy or Sell Occoquan Real Estate?  Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work … (0 comments)

Lorton Prison - Checkered Past, But Bright Future - 08/19/08 08:11 AM
Initially, the Lorton correctional facility was supposed to house prisoners in an environment where fresh air and hard work would enhance inmate rehabilitation.   As a result, much of the more than 3,000 acres was used for the production of beef, dairy products and vegetables.  Additionally, many of the compound's brick buildings were built by inmates.  More than 6 years would pass from the time the prison was closed in 1998 until title was passed to Fairfax County and public and private development could be started. 
The new South County Secondary School opened in 2006.  It is conveniently located near the residential … (2 comments)

Country Road, Take Me Home - 08/18/08 04:29 PM
  
That looks like any other 4 lane road in the eastern United States heading out of town into the country.  Actually, when you are on this road (Old Bridge Road) you are in the middle of Lake Ridge - one of the most picturesque, well planned, and well maintained communities in Northern Virginia.
Lake Ridge sits along the 2,100 acre Occoquan Reservoir, is minutes from I-95 with excellent bus and rail service to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Arlington and Washington, D.C.  People at Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Belvoir are within 20 to 30 minutes of their desks.
The public schools are in … (0 comments)

It's OK To Drive on Minnieville Road Now - 08/18/08 11:15 AM
Those of us who have lived in the eastern section of Prince William County remember for years the "nightmare" of driving east on Minnieville Road from Caton Hill Road to the intersection with Old Bridge Road.  That was one of the most miserable 2 lane stretches of road in Prince William County.  An accident, of any size, brought out the "traffic jam gremlins". 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As you can see below, work finally started on a badly neede widening, but that took several years since traffic could not reasonably be diverted away from it.
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Go East Ladies, Go East - 08/18/08 10:45 AM
Two of our favorite bakeries have always been "out west" - Grace's Pastries in Herndon and Moms Applie Pie Company in Sterling.  Well, both of these "ladies" delicious baked goods can now be purchased in Prince William County.

 
The good news is that Grace's Pastries are now available at the Farmer's Market  on Dale Boulevard in Dale City on Sunday mornings.  The bad news is that the Farmer's Market is only open in Spring, Summer and early Fall.  The rest of the year you can order online at Grace's Pastries She has received critical acclaim in The Washington Post and other … (4 comments)

South Run Forest Springfield VA Market Report - 08/16/08 03:51 PM
 

 
 
 
 
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Occoquan VA - Before and After Photos - 08/16/08 01:02 PM

The lower of the 2 pictures above is an old aerial view of Occoquan that shows a boat dealership with moorings on the Occoquan River.  That facility has been razed and replaced by a new residential building that can be seen in the upper picture.  Those of us who have sold real estate in Occoquan for more than 30 years were initially concerned that the new building would detract from the historic appeal of Occoquan.  Of course, so were the other business people in the area, but as the photo below shows it is very difficult, if not almost impossible, to distinguish … (2 comments)

KINGSTOWNE Alexandria Virginia Town Home Market Report - 08/15/08 11:35 AM


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Westridge Woodbridge VA Detached Home Market Report - 08/13/08 09:08 PM
 
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Kings Park Springfield Fairfax County VA Market Report - 08/12/08 10:00 PM
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Northern Virginia Bike Paths (Prince William County) - 08/07/08 09:18 PM

 
 
If you enjoy biking at varying levels of challenge and expertise than Prince William Forest Park is for you.
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.  There are bike racks at the visitor center if you decide to hike, fish, picnic or camp.  That's right - tent and cabin camping is available.  Rent a cabin or pitch a tent and ride your bike … (2 comments)

2008 Prince William County Fair Manassas VA - The Midway - 08/07/08 08:57 AM

Finally, tomorrow is the big day when the Prince William County Fair gets under way. 
There will be competitions to judge Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle, Swine, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits and Poultry.
Also, judging will be done for Art, Photography, Ceramics, Flowers, Canning, Baked Goods, Handicrafts, China Painting and Textiles
All those exhibits provide almost limitless opportunities to enjoy the fair.  We all know (at least those of us who are fairgoers) a county fair would not be complete without other events - Food at the County Fair  and The Midway.  Be assured there are going to be rides for all age groups.
Planning to Buy or … (4 comments)

Northern Virginia Bike Paths (Mount Vernon) - 08/07/08 06:12 AM

The 18 mile long Mount Vernon,Trail starts at Theodore Roosevelt Island and terminates at the Washington Estate at Mount Vernon.  It is very popular and heavily travelled by cyclists, joggers and hikers.
You will pass Arlington National Cemetery, Reagan National Airtport, tour through Old Town Alexandria and along the Potomac River to Mount Vernon.  The views of the Washington monuments are spectacular.
It is one of the trails we have enjoyed over the years, especially in the Fall and Spring when both the weather and foliage are spectacular. Also see PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY BIKE PATHS. 
Planning to Buy or Sell Real Estate?  Contact … (6 comments)

No, I Don't Want Your Listing Six Months Later - 08/04/08 10:08 AM

 
Back in March I made a listing presentation  to a homeowner in Northern Virginia.  I recommended the seller list the property at $390,000. .  Of course, my recommendation was based on the extensive analysis I always make to be certain the seller has the benefit of  my many years experience in the area  The seller opted to list the home with a competitor for $460,000.
 There is no doubt in my mind the seller decided I wanted to price the home too low to make a quick sale.  It probably never occurred to the seller that the "high bidder" … (18 comments)

I Meet Clients Every 2 Months In Springfield - 08/03/08 04:43 PM

 
 
Every 2 months the Rotary Club of West Springfield assists the Fairfax County Hospital System with a blood drive at the Pohick Regional Library in Springfield.
We set up in the lobby, answer questions and register donors.  Over the past 3 decades I have sold a lot of real estate to and for people in Springfield.  It is not unusual for me to hear a "Hi Karen",  look up and see one of my clients entering or leaving the library.  It is a great opportunity to visit informally and to have them see me participate in community service activities.
REALTORS® have … (8 comments)

Waynewood, Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, VA Market Report - 08/03/08 07:10 AM
 
 
 
 
 
Waynewood is conveniently located in Mount Vernon along the George Washington Parkway.  In addition to the ease of transportation to Washington, DC, the Pentagon and Fort Belvoir, the fact that Waynewood Elementary is in the subdivision is an important resale feature.  Sandburg Middle Schooll is at the Waynewood entrance and West Potomac High School is within 15 minutes.  Also see WAYNEWOOD for more detailed information,

 
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2008 Prince William County Fair Manassas VA - The Food Is Good - 08/03/08 07:08 AM
It makes no difference which language you use the food will be good at both events.  There are several things to take into consideration - the cost to travel to Beijing, the unhealthy air and they won't have food that in any way resembles the food at a county fair.  So, schedule a visit to the Prince William County Fair in Manassas August 8 - 16 2008.  Go early in the fair so you will have time to return another day for more food and more events.  Also see PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FAIR (Part 1)  The picture below will give you a … (0 comments)

 
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Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service

Woodbridge, VA

More about me…

RE/MAX Olympic Realty

Address: 9214 Center St, Manassas, VA, 20110

Office Phone: (703) 499-9279

Cell Phone: (703) 819-3363

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