Belmont Bay-Where Resort Style Living Awaits You at the End of the Day - 08/31/10 07:41 AM
 
With over 30 condo transactions completed in Belmont Bay in the last 2 years there isn't anyone who knows the scoop on Belmont Bay condos better than Cindy Jones.Today is settlement day on a 9th floor listing in Harborview.  The HIGHEST priced sale in the building in 2 years!  Congratulations on another successful Belmont Bay sale.
 
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
My phone rings daily with prospective buyers or renters looking for information on condominiums in the Belmont Bay neighborhood in Prince William County Virginia. This … (0 comments)

Belmont Bay-Enjoy 18 Holes of Golf At The Osprey Golf Club - 08/30/10 11:21 PM
The Osprey Golf Club in Belmont Bay is a challenging 18 hole course that is open to everyone! Despite the fact that the course is tucked away in the premier waterfront community of Belmont Bay, the course which is managed by Billy Casper Golf does not require you to be a member to play.The club does offer memberships for "regulars" and offers a discount on membership prices for Belmont Bay residents. Haven't yet decided whether the golfing addiction is right for you? Then stop into the club house or call the pro shop and ask for Keith. As the resident instructor … (2 comments)

Zoes Kitchen-Enjoy a New Place to Eat in Woodbridge VA - 08/30/10 11:05 PM
 
Zoe's has turned into one of my favorite lunch spots in Woodbridge.   Want service with a smile?  You will get it at Zoe's.Want freshly prepared food?  You will get it at Zoes.Want a good value for your money?  You will get it at Zoe's.If you live in the Woodbridge area then stop by Zoe's kitchen and enjoy a fresh food and good service.
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
If you live in the Woodbridge VA area head to the Stonebridge Shopping Center and get ready for a … (2 comments)

Hiring A Contractor: Eight Do's And Don'ts for Northern Virginia Homeowners - 08/30/10 10:55 PM
 
Terrific information.  We always recommend to our clients that they get multiple estimates and recommendations from contractors on larger remodeling jobs.  To many scam artists who ask for a large upfront payment and then walk off the job leaving a homeowner with a mess to clean up.  Holmes on Homes on HGTV is the show to watch if you want to see the consequences of bad contractors.
 
Via Scott Hayes (Austin Real Estate Agency):
Hiring a contractor can be one of the most intimidating experiences for a homeowner. Most people don't know a reliable contractor, have some reluctance about major … (4 comments)

Commonwealth of Virginia's Wet Settlement Act and Same Day Flips - 08/30/10 10:48 PM
 
A great explanation of the VA Settlement process and why short sale "flops" in Northern Virginia should raise all types of red flags for buyers.Leave your comments on the original post please.
 
Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI, SFR (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a Wet Settlement Act.  What is of critical importance in the wet settlement act is the duty of the Settlement Agent.  Here is how the code defines the duty of the Settlement Agent:
The settlement agent shall cause recordation of the deed, the deed of trust, or mortgage, or other documents required … (0 comments)

Back to the Future- Water Taxi’s in Prince William County - 08/29/10 08:23 PM
 
Though there have been two successful runs of water taxi's from Quantico and the Town of Occoquan Prince William County won't see any water taxi's running anytime soon.No commercial docks are currently available that can handle the traffic of a commuter ferry.  Though Belmont Bay might be a logical point for a ferry the Marina at Belmont Bay is not designed for the large size of a commuter vessel.
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
It doesn't take a genius to realize that even after spending billions on … (0 comments)

Mark Your Calendars for the Annual Burke Centre Arts and Crafts Fair - 08/29/10 06:14 PM
No sooner do we finish all of the local county fairs then it is time to start the fall Arts and Crafts fairs.  The Burke Centre Craft fair is on tap for September 11 & 12, 2010.  In addition to the wonderful vendors there is fun for all ages.  Pony rides, moon bounce face painting and minature train rides.  For the bigger kids there is a 28 foot rock climbing wall and the Iron Man Obstacle Course.
This year the adults only Wine Garden will have extended hours 5:30 t0 10:30 PM on Saturday.  Featuring wine from Three Fox Vineyards and … (0 comments)

Springfield VA-Before There Was The Springfield Interchange There Was Springfield Airport - 08/28/10 10:27 PM
 
You learn something new every day.  Springfield has been a commuter hub for more than cars over the years as this post by Cindy Jones points out.
 
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
Ask the residents of Northern Virginia who drive through the Springfield interchange everyday and they may tell you that an airport would be preferable to the 50 ramps and 20 lanes they deal with everyday.  Ask a tourist driving through the Springfield interchange and you can bet they would rather be flying over than trying to … (0 comments)

Short Sale Flopping-Mortgage Lenders Have a New Tool To Help Find Them - 08/28/10 07:39 PM
It was reported this week that CoreLogic a mortgage data aggregator has lanched a new program to help lenders find potential short sale property flops.  The program is designed to alert the mortgage lender when more than one person has applied for a loan on the same property.In a post written last fall Welcome to Short Sale Flopping, Cindy Jones posted about the growing monetary loss of short sale flops to lenders.  The FBI in Northern Virginia has been investigating investment groups and real estate agents who are involved in these transactions.  For more information on CoreLogics new program and short … (2 comments)

Fairfax County-Labor Day Holiday Schedule for Services - 08/27/10 06:16 PM
As we start planning for the Labor Day Weekend you may want to remember what Fairfax County offices and services will be closed on Monday September 6, 2010.
 
County Government – Closed
Courts – Closed
Public Schools and School Offices – Closed
Library – Closed Sunday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 6
Park Authority – RECenters will open on regular schedule and close at 6 p.m., except George Washington and Spring Hill RECenters, which will be closed. Nature centers open noon to 5 p.m. and historic sites open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park open 9 a.m. … (2 comments)

Springfield Va Commuters-Heads Up On Closure on Temporary Closure of Park & Ride Lot - 08/27/10 06:13 PM
If you are a Springfield VA communter using the Springfield United Methodist Commuter Lot heads up.The commuter lot behind the church will be closed for repairs August 30, 2010 to September 3, 2010Don't worry this isn't a permanent closure and anyone who has been using the lot knows that pothole repairs are long overdue.  The church parking and ride location serves metro bus lines 18G, H, J & P.
 
 
(2 comments)

Are Americans Overstuffed? Check In Your Closets and Garages To Find the Answer - 08/27/10 05:26 PM
No this isn't a commentary on waist lines but instead on the amount of stuff we seem to accumulate.  Over the last few years I have become acutely aware of the clean up and throw out process.  It started when I began downsizing myself.  Along the way I became friends with the folks at the Fairfax County Dump, Salvation Army, 1-800-Junk, PODS and more   My new routine is if I haven't used it in a year then I can live without it forever.
 Within shouting distance of my home are at least three self storage facilities.  Every time I drive down … (10 comments)

Riding the Rails From Virginia To Florida-A Leisurely Way To Travel - 08/27/10 04:58 PM
 
Cindy's post on the Autotrain is a good reminder that there is more than one way to get to Florida.  As I drove home down I-95 South today the train was in the station and cars were loading up.Meanwhile the traffic on I-95 South was at a crawl.
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
When my parents discovered having two figidty children in the backseat of a car, one prone to car sickness, made travel to visit grandparents in Florida more of a chore than fun they turned to … (2 comments)

Occoquan VA-Mark Your Calendars Now for the Fall Occoquan Arts and Crafts Fair - 08/26/10 01:30 PM
It is time for the fall Arts and Crafts Fair in the Town of Occoquan in Prince William County VA. This event always draws huge crowds due to the quality of vendors and crafts offered. Don't try to drive to town. The narrow one way streets are blocked off starting at 7 am on Saturday-even the post office closes-and stay closed until the event ends on Sunday.
You can grab a shuttle bus from a number of different locations around the area including the old Hechingers Park and Ride Lot. If you want to get out and enjoy the great weather … (4 comments)

Lake Ridge Commuters-Coffee In The Morning and Ice Cream in the Afternoon - 08/24/10 07:10 AM

For residents of Lake Ridge the advantage of the commuter lot at Minnieville Road is enhanced by the Donkin Donuts just a mintue away.  With the convenience of the drive-in window you can grab your coffee and double expresso and be ready to catch the bus within a few mintues.
Of course to make this a double trouble situation the Dunkin Donuts also houses a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop.  You know what that means don't you?  On the way home you can drive through and grab a quart of ice cream too.Just another reason that residents are glad for … (4 comments)

Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Offers Activities For All Ages All Year Long - 08/24/10 06:50 AM
One of the reasons owners in Lake Ridge in Prince William County Virginia enjoy the community is the variety of events that take place. Not only are there the special events such as the Eggstravaganza, Ridgefield Pool Fish Out and Doggie Swim but there are a number of regular events that occur as well.
The following are just some of the clubs and classes that meet in Lake Ridge on a regular basis.Book Club
When: Last Monday of the monthWhere: Tall Oaks Community CenterTime: 7PMBridge ClubWhen: First & Third Friday of the monthWhere: Talls Oaks Community CenterTime: 7:30 PM
Garden ClubWhen: … (2 comments)

Bloomingdales Opens It's First Outlet Store at Potomac Mills Mall - 08/20/10 10:24 PM
Bloomingdales has opened it's new 25,000 square foot outlet store at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge VA.  Located in Neighborhood One  Bloomingdales joins Coach Factory Store, Neiman Marcus and J. Crew in this section of the mall.
"We are very excited about the grand opening of The Outlet Store—Bloomingdale's as it proves how Potomac Mills means more stores, more brands, more savings and more fun," said Mike Sullivan, general manager of the mall.
Potomac Mills Mall features over 200 stores and draws big crowds, even tour bus full of shoppers during the holidays.  Located just off I-95 South to exit at … (4 comments)

Short Sales-How Long Do They Really Take? - 08/20/10 09:55 PM
If you go ask a group of real estate agents who work with short sales if there is one lender they would like to avoid the answer is always the same.  Bank of America.HousingWire magazines recently publishing of the time it takes to complete a short sales among various lenders clearly shows why.  Bank of America ranks last in the time it takes to complete a short sale at 13 months per transaction.And we wonder why buyers get tired of the short sale process and give up.
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Sydenstricker School-The Last One Room School House Used in Fairfax County VA - 08/20/10 09:39 PM
 
A bit of Springfield history mixed in with information on Fairfax County schools today.Please make comments on the original post.
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
The Sydenstricker School in Springfield VA was the last one room school house in operation in Fairfax County. It closed in 1939 but the building is still used today as a community meeting hall. The belfry contains the original school bell purchased in 1920's from the Sears Roebuck store in Alexandria.  The school was named after the first minister of the … (0 comments)

Clifton VA-History and Mystery All in One Historic Town - 08/20/10 07:30 AM
 
Historic Clifton is wonderful place to get away from it all in Fairfax County VA.   If you like historic homes then this is the place to park your car and take a stroll.
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
Driving into the small town of Clifton VA you expect to find ladies in long skirts shielding their faces with parasols and you might during historic Clifton Day but the rest of the time you find a great place to live, eat and shop.  With only 200 residents within the … (0 comments)

Moving With Pets - 08/20/10 07:18 AM
 
As a pet lover and one who moved many times with pets over the years their safety was always on my mind.This is a great set of tips for all pet owners to keep on hand.
 
Via Karin Smith - Slidell Homes - New Orleans Homes - Listing/Buyers Agent (ABEK Real Estate):
Moving With Pets
Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and … (4 comments)

Pohick Church-We Hope George Washington Didn't Sleep Here - 08/18/10 12:53 PM
 
Cindy's post from January has caught the attention of the Lorton Historcial Society and will be included on their website.Congratulations!
 
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
Northern Virginia offers residents and visitors alike the chance to find history around every corner. Most people can easily find the big attractions in both the history and tourist books but it is the little places that you don’t know about that can also be a fun stop on your exploration of the area.
Pohick Church in Lorton VA is one of … (4 comments)

Lake Ridge Residents-Its Time for the Annual Splash Cinema - 08/13/10 02:39 PM
As hot as the weather has been recently the idea of being able to watch a movie while floating in the pool can't help but be a hit.For Lake Ridge residents Saturday August 14, 2010 is the annual Splash Cinema at the Ridgewood Pool.The movie will be "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs".  The gates open at 8PM and the movie will begin as soon as it gets dark enough.  The cost is $10 for family groups under 6 members and $2 for each additional person.  Don't forget popcorn is free but candy and soda is extra.
Get out your best … (4 comments)

Lake Ridge Residents Come Help the Potomac Nationals Honor Police Officers This Weekend - 08/13/10 02:22 PM
This weekend the Potomac Nationals, the minor league team for the DC Nationals will be honoring Police Officers with Police Offers Appreciation Night on Saturday August 14th.  The game on Saturday night starts at 6:35 and is against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans the Atlanta Braves minor league team.  Enjoy the game and then the fabulous fireworks at the end of the evening. The Potomac Nationals play their home games in Woodbridge VA right off of Old Bridge Road at Pfitzner Stadium.
Kids will enjoy the antics of Uncle Slam and the numerous giveaways available at many of the games. Before every … (2 comments)

Tips for Prince William County, VA Tenant Victims of Foreclosure - 08/13/10 01:49 PM
 
Good common sense tips for tenants no matter where they live to be able to deal with a landlord who has stopped paying their mortgage.Head over to the original post to leave your comments please.
 
Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI, SFR (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):
The Prince William County, VA real estate marketplace has been hit hard by the market correction.  Areas like Bristow, Gainesville and Haymarket were built up during the real estate boom.  New construction was purchased at the height of the market and, too many times, financed on 100% financed loans.  A lot of those loans … (0 comments)

Bristow VA-August 14th Yard Sale to Support Transitional Housing BARN - 08/12/10 11:07 AM
If you are looking for baragins this weekend then head to the monthly yard sale at held by Transitional Housing BARN on Saturday August 14th from  8 am to noon.The Transitional Housing BARN is located at 9541 Linton Hall Road, Bristow VA. You will find just about everything you can think of including clothing for children of all ages, household items, toys, CD's and more.
BARN provides transitional housing services to homeless mothers and their children.  They can stay for up to two years and they are supported with life skills and parenting courses as well as education programs for the … (2 comments)

Prince William County Fair-"Celebrate The Bounty in Our County" - 08/11/10 11:22 PM
Though some people might decide that Friday the 13th is a day to stay home but instead you might want to head to the Prince Wiliam County Fair and take advantage of half price admission.
The Prince William County Fair started in 1949 and is Virginia's largest county fair.  This year the Prince William County Fair theme is "Celebrate The Bounty in Our County" and as always provides a variety of events to capture the attention of young and old.  The Grandstand features Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derbies and Freestyle MotorcrossNew this year is the Hansens Thrill Show featuring 6 year old … (4 comments)

Remodeling Your Home in Manassas VA? Think Outside The Box - 08/10/10 06:46 PM

The big box store that is.
If you are undertaking a spruce up project on your home in Prince William County you may want to make the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Manassas your first stop. The Habitat ReStore offers you an opportunity to do a few things at once. The first is to support the great programs Habitat for Humanity offers to low income families to give them an opportunity to own their own home. The money raised by the ReStores across the US provides funds to build an additional 10 homes per year.
The second benefit is the Habitat … (4 comments)

Springfield VA-Helpful Hints for Making The Move To Your New Home - 08/10/10 06:34 PM
It doesn't matter how many times you move each time seems to bring a new set of challenges. Often the move just across town is the hardest as you think maybe I'll just throw the little things in my car and not worry about wrapping them up. It never fails that is the time you have to hit your brakes and everything goes flying.
One of the most important things you can do when you are getting ready for a move is to create a move checklist. If you are undertaking a "Do it yourself" move start scouring your local Craig's … (6 comments)

It's County Fair Time in Northern Virginia - 08/09/10 12:38 PM
It's county fair time in and around the Northern Virginia Area.If you missed the Fairfax County Fair don't worry.  The Prince William County Fair is in full swing.
Prince William County Fair Schedule

Via Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES ):
Days are getting shorter (!!!), the start of school is just around the corner and retailers are dusting off their holiday decorations. That means it's County Fair time in Northern Virginia.
Traditionally held at the end of summer, August and September are chocked full of county and state fairs. County fairs, … (6 comments)

Spring is Coming and So Are the PCS Orders Out of Nothern Virginia - 08/09/10 12:24 PM
Fortunately for sellers in Northern Virginia Cindy Jones understands the DoD HAP program and has successfully gotten 14 military families to settle so far this year.
The HAP program makes a big difference for military families who qualify.If you need to talk about the HAP program and your options call Cindy today at 703-346-2213.  Remember that the current deadline for PCS orders is September 30, 2010.
Time is of the essense.
 

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
A sure sign of spring in Northern Virginia is the steady … (0 comments)

West Nile Virus Found in Woodbridge, VA - 08/06/10 10:40 AM
Something to pay close attention to after all of the recent rain storms we have had in Woodbridge.  Standing water attracts mosquitos and is of course the perfect breeding ground.
Via Anne Clark (Long & Foster Realtors):
According to a WTOP News story, mosquitos captured in early July 2010 in Woodbridge, VA tested positive for West Nile Virus.  West Nile Virus is something that has been present in Prince William County, VA since 2000, yet some people know very little about the disease.  And despite the mosquitos testing positive, the Prince William County Website states that there have been no documented case in our County … (1 comments)

Why Your Listing Agent Wants You Out Of The House At Your Woodbridge Showings! - 08/06/10 10:36 AM
If you ask 99% of agents (okay I made the precentage up) but a large majority of buyer's agents they will agree with the sentiment.However on a TV interview on one of the morning talk shows the head of a large brokerage put in their list of things to help sell a home...I kid you not...have the sellers home to talk about their house.There was a collective scream of NOOOOOO across the country

Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
Today, I showed several houses to a favorite buyer.  And due to a thunderstorm that blew threw town while we were … (6 comments)

VA Tax Free Weekend August 6-8, 2010 - 08/06/10 10:24 AM
If you need to buy school supplies now is your chance!  This weekend is the annual tax free weekend for back to school supplies.No this doesn't mean you can consider a 60" flat screen TV as a school supply.The rules and guidelines are school supplies with a cost under $20 and clothing or footwear with a cost of under $100 per item.Here are the full guidelines for the Virginia Tax Exempt Weekend.
 
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Pat Fenn

Springfield, VA

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Marketing Specialist for CJ Realty Group/Cindy Jones Broker

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Up to date and timely information geared to consumers. CJ Realty Group team specializes in military relocation to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir and Quantico.

Whether they are buying, selling or renting in Northern Virginia give CJ Realty Group a call 703-346-2213. Serving the I-95 corridor including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Prince William County and Stafford County.



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