Want a good real estate agent? Do not hire my mother. - 07/30/10 05:44 PM
 
 
 



I need a good real estate agent. Advice please.
 
Carmine: Is that your mother that you are exploiting in this picture?
 
Steve: She is not being exploited. We are escaping assisted living heading to the beauty shop.
The ladies there always comment on the pure whiteness of her hair.
Her reply is that she is happy to have any hair at all.
She is a retired assoc. prof of elementary education specializing in the teaching of reading…a very useful and worthwhile profession. 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
She is … (16 comments)

Drink beer, get custom draperies, and eat oysters in Old Town Herndon - 07/30/10 04:13 PM


 
 
 
Tommy: What would you suggest I do in Old Town Herndon today since I get off work early. 
By the way my wife is coming with me, we both like ale on tap, we need some custom draperies and some reupholstery work and we want to sit down to a nice dinner with music.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Also did I mention that we want to walk no more than one hundred feet to accomplish all this since did I mention that we like ale on tap?
 

… (12 comments)

Live with exuberant imagination and die peacefully within a 5 block radius - 07/29/10 11:02 AM

 

 
Elizar: You have written before, that I can live with exuberant imagination and die peacefully within a five block radius if I move to Reston….
Steve: Yes
Elizar: I live in Philadelphia and just can’t capture the idea you are attempting to convey…you got pictures and descriptive witty commentary?




 
 
 
Steve: Yup…. If I can get them uploaded….
(if not imagine a lovely well planned urban center amidst what was once considered the souless ‘burbs near Dulles Airport)…
 
 
 
 
  

 
 We have above us Reston Town Center  … (10 comments)

The First Impression Just May Be Your Last When Selling Charlotte Real Estate - 07/29/10 08:29 AM
We know, we know...you have lived with that old mailbox and weedy front yard happily for the last 10 years. That's great, but now you need to compete with other properties to sell yours.
When your home becomes listed, it stops being your "home" It becomes a product that will be compared and shopped against other homes for sale.
You must grab the buyer's attention with your neat, clean, and thoughtfully prepared property at a competitive price. They may only look at your place once for 15 minutes before moving on.
Your house better still be memorable (in a favorable way) … (5 comments)

Your Maine Real Estate Buyer Does Not Want To Be Jammed In Like Labratory Rats - 07/28/10 06:51 PM
 
Time to visit Maine's defacto governor, tourist department and Houlton town mayor and social director Andrew Mooers.
If you haven't subscribed to Andy's blog do so. He captures his beautiful state with great photos and writes with tongue in cheek humor and sometimes just out right humor.
 
Via Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY):
Space, its comes with the property territory in Maine where land is plentiful, low cost and available everywhere you turn. Without acreage, room to roam, people act funny.
So why would a ME real estate buyer want to … (0 comments)

Homes for sale in Foxfield, Fairfax VA 22033. Convenient and affordable. - 07/28/10 06:15 PM
 


  Thanks for stopping by! Our goal is to keep you up to date on what is happening in the Foxfield Town House real estate market and to tell you a bit about this fine neighborhood. 
  In addition to single family homes, Foxfield offers a large neighborhood of town houses that stretches between Stringfellow Rd and Lees Corner Rd.
 

Just off the Fairfax County Parkway, Foxfield has the Franklin Farm Shopping Center close by on one side and all the shopping choices on route 50 at the end of both Stringfellow and Lees Corner.
 
… (4 comments)

Homes for Sale in Kingstream Herndon, VA 20170 - 07/28/10 03:13 PM
Homes for Sale in Kingstream Herndon, VA 20170
 
  Theo:  I will probably be selling my house in Kingstream in the months ahead.  I hate to do it, it is such a wonderful community, but it looks like I will be relocating to Wisconsin soon.  Would show me what properties have sold in Kingstream the last 6 months? I want to keep track of what is happening with sales trends in the neighborhood.
 
 
 
      Also,  could you post a link to showing which  homes  are currently for sale in Kingstream as well as those that are under contract?
 
… (0 comments)

Summer pleasures continue...take time! - 07/28/10 01:52 PM
If you have not subscribed to Li Reed's blog, you should do so now. Reading her posts and looking at her photos is like an electronic vacation. She serves beautiful Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. What a great place to live and work....and buy a home from Li :-)
Via Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring):
Summer pleasures continue, in this lovely Pacific Northwest Coast island gem....yes, it's about the sea, and sailing or kayaking or power boating between the islands, enjoying lunch at Montague Marina on Galiano, or at the Springwater Lodge on Mayne … (0 comments)

Homes for Sale In Hiddenbrook, Herndon 20170. Affordable convenience. - 07/28/10 10:53 AM
omes for Sale In Hiddenbrook, Herndon 20170. Affordable convenience.
 

 
 
Dave:  I will probably be selling my house in Hiddenbrook in the months ahead. It is an awesome community, but it looks like I will be relocating to Chicago soon.  Would post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 6 months? I want to see what is happening with sales trends in the neighborhood.
 
 
    Also, before you do that could you post a link to showing the  homes that are currently for sale in Hiddenbrook as well as those that … (0 comments)

How to Buy and Finance a Reston or Herndon Home Needing Renovation. - 07/28/10 09:45 AM
How to Buy and Finance a Reston or Herndon Home Needing Renovation.
 

 
 
Is the Reston or Herndon home you want to buy, just perfect in size, location and floor plan....BUT...it needs to have the kitchen re-done, the carpet replaced, and overgrown vegetation tamed and the backyard landscaped? If so, there is a loan for you.
 
 
 
The FHA 203(k) loan will allow you to purchase or refinance your Reston property and finance the cost of rehabilitating the property with one loan and one closing.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to … (0 comments)

Decorating, Updating & Staging: What's the Difference? - 07/27/10 12:50 PM
Georgia home stager Patsy Overton does an outstanding job explaining the difference between a well decorated house and a well staged house. The idea of a staged home is not to show off the decorating but to show the home in such a manner that the prospective buyer is not distracted by it...so that they can imagine THEIR stuff being moved in and THEIR lifestyle being complimented by the new property.
Via Patsy Overton (Stage, Show & SELL Home Staging Co. Atlanta, Georgia):
Decorating, Updating & Staging:  What's the Difference?
A week or so ago I wrote a post titled "Please Don't Tell … (4 comments)

Little Timmy's First Summer Swim Meet. Explain what happened would you? - 07/26/10 06:59 PM
Little Timmy's First Swim Meet. Explain what happened would you?


 
Doris: Our family went to our first swim meet last Wednesday evening and it was soooo confusing.
You were there. Can you tell me what was going on? I could hardly find my child or keep track of when he was swimming!
Answerman: I know how you feel Doris. I don’t think my wife and I figured it out until our second season. 
 
 
 
 

 
 
There are 40 parents running around organizing and executing necessary duties;
all that stuff will take … (9 comments)

Movin’ On Up – How the Spread Works for You - 07/24/10 08:56 AM
Sell your current property, buy a more expensive one and still come out ahead in a fallen market.
Karen Crowson does an outstanding job explaining how move up buyers can do well even though the market price for the home they are selling has declined.
The reason this works, is that the higher end properties have declined at a much greater rate than the more affordable home you are moving out of.
This is a truism almost everywhere in the nation.
Via Karen Crowson (Alain Pinel Realtors, Livermore, CA):
Should you wait until the market rebounds to sell your home? And yet, some … (2 comments)

Black Algae - 07/23/10 04:50 PM
Ever see that black stuff on your roof or your neighbor's. Did you assume that is was just stain from the break down of the shingles or the adhesive roofers use?
That is what I thought. Virginia home inspector Jay Markanich chronicles THE BLACK ALGAE story with photos and an understandable explanation. But then he always does that.
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Prevalent in Northern Virginia, and to the south, is a roof staining problem called "black algae."  It looks like a dripping, running black stain, usually on a shaded roof, or on the side facing away from … (4 comments)

The Car Is Rusted, Paint Faded, Rolling In To The Maine Real Estate Office Parking Lot Listing, Creaking. - 07/23/10 01:31 PM
Normally I take an electronic re-blog vacation to Houlton Maine once a week.
However, Maine's caffeinated one man tourist bureau  Andrew Moors, who writes like Hunter Thompson, Andy Rooney and Micky Rooney on three cans of Red Bull, just came up with another gem.
If you think you have to deal with a wide variety of challenges, subscribe to Andy's blog and enjoy his humor and photos of his beautiful state.
Via Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY):
Inside the ME real estate office, you hear the car door open with the same sound the jaws … (0 comments)

Countryside Homes for Sale in Sterling, Loudoun County VA 20165 - 07/23/10 12:31 PM

Countryside Homes for Sale in Sterling, Loudoun County VA 20165
 
Daniel: I just came across this post you wrote about Countryside in Sterling.
I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold in Countryside in the last 3 months? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Also, before you do that could you post a link to show me what single family homes are currently for sale in Countryside?
 
 

 
 
 
 
Steve: Happy to do so Daniel. This report shows single family homes for sale in Countryside as of July … (0 comments)

Blogging Is The King Of Marketing For The Todaro Team - 07/22/10 07:37 PM
We have two ways to make money here on Active Rain. One is by attracting the buying and selling public by posting localisms about our open houses and the neighborhoods we serve. This bores the agent reading public to tears and they say so around the AR world.
The other way to make money is to write posts that show your wisdom, experience and attitude about all things real estate to win friends and referrals In the Rain. These are far more sexy and fun to read. Barbara Todaro does both well.
In this re-blog Barbara makes the case for emphasizing … (8 comments)

Preparing Your Charlotte Home for a Quick Sale - 07/22/10 06:37 PM
What Debe writes here applies perfectly to the Northern Virginia market. Two of our listings received full price offers on the first day on the market. Was that because Jan and I are marketing geniuses? No. All we had to do was display the outstanding preparation that our clients did.... to the market place.
A successful sale depends on team work. The homeowner must do the best he can to prepare the property for showing, price the property appropriately for the market, and the Realtor let's the world know about it.
If you are getting ready to sell, follow Debe's advice … (4 comments)

Golf Course, Resort Living in Penderbrook, Fairfax VA 22033 - 07/22/10 12:28 PM
Golf Course, Resort Living in Penderbrook, Fairfax VA 22033
 
 
 

  Looking for golf course, almost resort living in Western Fairfax County VA?
You must visit the community of Penderbrook.
The Vienna metro is only 3 miles up route 66 ... and the Fairfax Connector bus also can pick you up in the neighborhood and take you to the metro, saving you parking fees and traffic concerns.
 
 
Below are the homes for sale in Penderbrook by type, so you can see the styles and price ranges for the date of: July 22, 2010     … (3 comments)

Another Dangerous Dryer Vent - 07/22/10 11:29 AM
Dryer vents folks. Dryer vents...you gotta keep them clean and they need to be vented correctly.
During the go go year of 2004-2005, against our advice, we had a buyer client waive a home inspection in order to get a house since "everybody was waiving them since the sellers rule and have their pick of easy contracts"
We had her sign a waiver saying that we told her to get and inspection and that would hold us harmless. She had a fire in the first week of ownership.
The vent went into the wall. Period. Debris had built up over time … (0 comments)

Franklin Farm...Beauty in the Burbs. Franklin Farm Oak Hill VA 20171 - 07/22/10 09:57 AM
 
Franklin Farm. Beauty in the Burbs. Franklin Farm, Oak Hill VA 20171
 
 
You don't often associate neighborhood aesthetics with a housing development. However the planners of  Franklin Farm have left open space and plenty of natural beauty in and around the neighborhood.
Its tree lined streets are inviting and its amenities and close proximity to employment and shopping make it a great place to live. It should be on your short list of neighborhoods to visit if you are looking for a home in Western Fairfax County. 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Franklin Farm neighborhood … (0 comments)

Curb Appeal- 10 Points to Consider When Selling Your House. - 07/22/10 09:09 AM
 
In this well written post Kathy Streib lays it on the line about how prospective buyers may view the approach to your property. You must consider the first impression your property makes as folks arrive outside. It is not enough in a slow market to just mow the yard.
She hits the nail on the head when she says that if the outside is well groomed and loved, buyers feel much safer thinking that THIS homeowner has maintained everything well. Great advice.
 
Via Kathy Streib, ASP,IAHSP,RESA, DelrayBch -South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
                                                                                                                                                                   You hear about Curb … (2 comments)

Single family homes for sale in Hunters Woods section of Reston VA 20191 - 07/21/10 12:53 PM
Single family homes for sale in Hunters Woods section of Reston VA 20191
Cara: Can you tell me what  single family homes for sale in the Hunters Woods area of Reston? The 20191 zip code. They must have at east 3 bedrooms and 2 or more full baths. Steve: Here is a link to the July 20, 2010 report on the single family homes for sale in Reston's 20191 zip code...featuring at least 3+ bedrooms and 2+ baths.
You can get this report to SORT anyway you want by clicking on the blue column headers. Cara: I must say that I am … (0 comments)

There is still an underlying value in home ownership that does not involve dollars and cents. - 07/21/10 11:22 AM
Folks, good advice from Richard on the mind set that home buyers should have. Yes your home is an investment and yes you should be cautious and financially prepared.
Just do your homework, analyze your ability to stay in the property for 4-5 years and then buy it. You cannot call the bottom of the market. Just buy something you like and can afford then just enjoy it. Don't keep looking over your shoulder, agonizing and second guessing yourself.
Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate:
As many qualified would-be buyers are opting to rent instead of committing to a real estate … (2 comments)

We Don't Need No Stinkin' Flashing! - 07/21/10 11:16 AM
Ah folks, you need flashing. Yes I know that if you don't have it, it is annoying to add...
but even as a non home inspector, I can tell you that a large percentage of the exteriors of homes we show have water problems that could have been corrected by properly installed flashing and rain gutter extensions that carry the water away from the foundation of the house.
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Apparently the roof was leaking.  So two things were done to "solve" the problem.  A new layer of shingles was laid over the first (not always … (0 comments)

Climb In The Maine Boat (Holding Hand Out To Steady Maine Waterfront Real Estate Buyer) Hang On, Video Starting. - 07/21/10 11:01 AM
It is mid-week and time for a boost in spirit by visiting the cool north woods and waters.
Check out Andy's posts and enjoy his one man tourist bureau of Maine.
Via Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY):
Over and over asked "What do you have on a Maine lake, something I can build a home on eventually for family vacations, retirement, investment?" This video shows you a big piece of land, 250' on Drews Lake in Maine to consider.
Cleared spot for your fifth wheeler, future Maine log cabin or heck to pitch a tent.
… (0 comments)

Homes for sale in Kingston Chase, Herndon VA 20170 - 07/20/10 05:28 PM
Homes for sale in Kingston Chase, Herndon VA 20170
 

 
Sam: I will probably be selling my house in Kingston Chase in the months ahead. It is an awesome community, but it looks like I will be relocating to Huntsville AL soon. I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 6 months? I want to see what is happening with sales trends in the neighborhood.
 
 
 
Also, before you do that could you post a link to show me what homes are currently for sale in Kingston … (4 comments)

How to finance a home in Purcellville VA that needs a lot of work? A 203k loan. - 07/20/10 04:10 PM
How do I finance a home in Purcellville VA that needs a lot of work? What is a 203k loan?
John: I want to put an offer in on a house in Purcellville VA that has an awesome location and the perfect floor plan, but it needs some serious work.
My contractor estimated that I could do what I want for $30k....but I cannot get a loan to buy the house until the work is complete, and the work can't be done until the house has been purchased.
I am in a catch 22 situation if there ever … (2 comments)

How Agents are Paid - 07/19/10 06:01 PM
 
Good post by Doug that explains how folks in our business are paid. The only other things that I would add, is how high expenses can be.
My wife and I both are full time realtors...so we pay our own health care (a very big number) as well as an assistant and all technology costs. Full time realtor's expenses can be more than they actually take home ...I am constantly amazed...and it is all to give better full service to the clients.
 
Via Doug Rogers (Century 21 Millennium):
                               
   There seems to be a little confusion amongst the … (10 comments)

Foreclosure properties for sale in Reston, Herndon, and Sterling VA. REOs - 07/19/10 12:28 PM
 

 
 
 
Foreclosure properties for sale in Reston, Herndon,  and Sterling VA. REOs
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
If you have heard that bank owned foreclosed properties are all disgusting handyman specials, check out some of these outstanding REOs (or Bank Owned Foreclosed properties) in Reston, Herndon, and Sterling on the big blue link a few inches down.
 
 
 
 
Many of the homes in these areas were purchased at the height of the market in 2004-2006 and are now being offered for sale by the foreclosing lender to the general public, listed through … (1 comments)

What are the Metro plans for Reston? The Silver Line is coming to Reston! - 07/18/10 08:51 AM
What are the Metro plans for Reston? The Silver Line is coming to Reston!
Sue: Can you tell me what is happening with metro rail to Reston  in the future? Steve: Good stuff Sue, more good transportation options are coming. If you are a recent Reston resident, you have no idea how lucky you are transportation wise compared to the "old days".
When we first moved to Reston, there was no toll road or Route 66 inside the beltway...no Fairfax County Parkway. We went to Tysons Corner via Baron Cameron (#606) to route 7 or up Lawyers Road to Vienna … (1 comments)

NEVER Pressure Wash A Deck! - 07/16/10 08:27 AM
More good advise from Jay. We have had the same deck for 20 years. I gently wash it and treat it with water proof stain every 2 years. Only have had to replace 2 boards.
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
I tell my neighbors.  I tell my clients.  I tell everybody who will listen.  NEVER pressure wash a deck!  When the pressure-wash companies send their college kids to knock on my door to "wash" my deck, I tell them why they should not be doing that to decks!  When I see their trucks*, they advertise cleaning decks, patios, siding, … (3 comments)

The Reston Museum. Past and current Reston information. It's cool baby. - 07/15/10 08:47 AM

  Reston History: Where is the Reston Museum?

 
 
 
 
 
Sue: What suggestions do you have for how to spend a few hours on Saturday afternoon in Reston? I like discovering the history of things, by the way.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Steve: Well Sue, how about the history of Reston? Head on down to the Reston Museum at Lake Anne Plaza, just off Baron Cameron (Route 606).
 
Afterwards, you can sit bench-ingly with the good looking founder of Reston with a water view backdrop.
 
Sue: Is the Reston … (4 comments)

Where's The HOA When You Need'em!? - 07/14/10 05:51 PM
 
If you are not subscribing to Jay's blog...you should be. He makes the home inspection issues that all of us face, understandable and interesting to read about.
In the post below he addresses the blooming satellite dishes that HOAs around here are supposed to protect home owners from and points out the inconsistencies of the architectural review standards.
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
In most neighborhoods around here there are fascist HOA associations that go about preventing basketball hoops, certain types of play sets and wrong kinds of fences.
The associations ding people for slightly … (7 comments)

Reston Condos for Sale. Walk to Reston Town Center! Parc Reston. - 07/14/10 12:52 PM
 
Reston Condos for Sale. Walk to Reston Town Center! Parc Reston.

 One and two bedroom condos within walking distance of Reston Town Center
 

Sandy: I have been looking for 1 and 2 bedroom condos within walking distance of Reston Town Center. I have looked at several properties inside Reston Town Center's boundaries and they were a bit more than I am prepared to pay. 
Yes, I do realize that I am looking for the best of both worlds.... convenience and affordability. It looks like that complex just across the street from the Center might be good to check … (4 comments)

Lakeshore In Maine, Want Some Waterfront Me Real Estate, Help Yourself To Bargains. - 07/14/10 10:29 AM
I am not buying a vacation place unless it is on the water. Trouble is, it costs a boat load almost everywhere. Everywhere except Andy's part of Maine. Check out this water front cabin for $149,900....you probably can qualify for that with one arm tied behind your back. Check it out then go get wet!
Via Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY):
Many places to be on the water is an impossible dream because local lakefront, oceanfront real estate is sky high priced year in and decade after decade.
Why?
Because there never is enough, folks … (0 comments)

The Swimteam Answerman: Get your kids water safe now. - 07/14/10 10:03 AM

Sandy: We want to buy a house with a pool in Reston and are concerned about our young childrens’ water safety. They have never had swim lessons since they are both in pre-school.
Can kids that are so young learn much? Are there any swim programs for children that young in Fairfax County?
SwimteamAnswerman: I hate to use negative motivation to encourage parents to get their children water safe at an early age, but you are right to be concerned.
Whether you buy a home with a pool or not, you undoubtedly will go to the community pool, be around friends … (3 comments)

Franklin Farm Town Houses for sale, Oak Hill/Herndon VA 20171. July 13, 2010 - 07/13/10 06:48 PM
Franklin Farm Town Houses for sale, Oak Hill/Herndon VA 20171. July 13, 2010 report.
 


  Thanks for stopping by! Our goal is to keep you up to date on what is happening in the Franklin Farm real estate market and to tell you a bit about this fine neighborhood. 
 
 
 
 

 
In addition to single family homes, Franklin Farm has two town house communities, one on either side of  Stone Heather Drive.
 
Each offers convenience to the Franklin Farm Shopping Center which is also located on Stone Heather. 
  
  The … (1 comments)

Homes for Sale in Spring Lake Estates Herndon/Oak Hill VA 20171 - 07/13/10 04:26 PM
Homes for Sale in Spring Lake Estates Herndon/Oak Hill VA 20171 
Sam: I may want to sell my house in Spring Lake Estates in the months ahead. It is an awesome, cozy community, but it looks like I will be relocating soon.  I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 18 months so I can see the price trend in the neighborhood?
Also, before you do that could you post a link to show me what homes are currently for sale in Spring Lake Estates as well as those that are under … (2 comments)

Homes Are Alot Like People... - 07/13/10 02:23 PM
 
Not only is the content of Debe's post well done.....check out the cool layout she uses.
If you blog by posting solid blocks of text...stop! Look at the design and presentation of this post. The content could be worthless but people would still read it because it LOOKS INVITING!
 
Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):
Homes Are Alot Like People...  
...TLC, a healthy diet and even a little surgery may be required!  As a former nurse, I have come to learn the commonalities that Charlotte real estate shares … (2 comments)

Homes for Sale in Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon, VA. July 13, 2010 - 07/13/10 12:01 PM
Homes for Sale in Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon VA July 13, 2010

 
 
Tim: From everything I have heard, Chantilly Highlands is a place I should consider when buying my next home.
Can you tell me more about it and post home sales info?
Steve: Happy to do Tim, I posted Chantilly Highlands home sales reports a few inches down in this post. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Chantilly Highlands is a community of single family homes in Fairfax County located between Herndon Virginia  and Chantilly.
Dulles Airport is approximately 5 miles … (0 comments)

Franklin Glen, Fairfax VA 22033: Single Family homes for Sale. July 2010 report - 07/12/10 01:15 PM
Franklin Glen, Fairfax VA 22033: Single Family homes for Sale. July 2010 report
Homes for Sale in Franklin Glen, Fairfax VA. Proudly served by the Chantilly High School pyramid. Franklin Glen Community information and July 2010 sales report.
 
If you would like to see what is for sale and under contract in the neighborhood   without looking at the nice pictures and neighborhood information below click:

Homes for Sale in Franklin Glen.
This report shows active and under contract listings of Single Family homes as of 7/12/10.
 
To see the Single Family homes that have sold in Franklin Glen since … (0 comments)

Schools in Reston Virginia. The Reston and Fairfax County School System - 07/12/10 11:45 AM
 Schools in Reston Virginia. The Reston and Fairfax County School System

  Tom: We are moving to the Reston Virginia area. What can you tell us about the schools there?
    Steve: Tom, Reston is located in Fairfax County Virginia. The resources at your disposal for evaluating your child's education options are extensive and thorough.
This post will give you the addresses of the school web sites that our clients have found most helpful .
 
Click here for the main page for the Fairfax County school system

 
Diane: How do I know which schools … (2 comments)

Homes for Sale in Oakton VA 22124. Homes on Half Acre or larger Lots - 07/12/10 11:13 AM
Homes for Sale in Oakton VA 22124. Homes on Half Acre or larger Lots
A wooded country enclave near the heart of Northern Virginia's technology central.
 
 

 
 
 
Sandy: I have always loved Oakton VA. Could you tell me what single family homes are currently for sale with 3+ bedrooms, 2+ baths and a 2+ car garage on over one half acre lots?
 
 
 
Steve: Sure Sandy. Most of Oakton is on half acre or larger lots. That is what gives it that aesthetic country feel even though you are only a couple miles … (0 comments)

Rhythms of rural life.... Tieing ( or tying?) our family together. - 07/11/10 09:05 AM
Rhythms of rural life. Tieing (or tying?) our family together.
 
 
 The following little post has nothing to do with real estate. I came across this letter that my sister wrote to our elderly mother. We grew up in a rural environment and my sister still does, running a little hobby farm in Michigan. My own family lives the very organized and somewhat frenzied deep suburban life....I like to escape back to the seasonal rhythms of my youth through my sisters letters.  She writes about vegetables and goat babies and how weather affects the crops.... I write about traffic and soccer, softball, and swimming … (6 comments)

Waterfront homes for sale in Reston. The Wharf: cool classic contemporary. - 07/10/10 09:10 AM
Waterfront homes for sale in Reston. The Wharf: cool classic contemporary.


 
Sally: I will probably be selling my house in Reston's The Wharf neighborhood in the months ahead.  It is such a unique waterfront community that I hate to leave it, but it looks like I will be relocating soon.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 12 months? I want to see what is happening with sales trends in the neighborhood.
    Also, before you do that … (6 comments)

I Want To Be My Real Estate Agents Best Friend! - 07/08/10 12:28 PM
If you are a prospective home seller, Carra gives great advice on the actions and mindset required to successfully navigate a challenging situation. Using her own situation, she describes the sometimes painful choices she had to make in order to market a property in a totally changed environment from when it was purchased.
Team with your agent to make the best move in a tough spot.
Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Author, Speaker, Consultant, Second Homes AZ LLC):
I Want To Be My Real Estate Agents Best Friend!
Being a serious seller takes participation on the real estate agents team.
If you … (0 comments)

Frying Pan Park: Farm animals and more minutes from Herndon and Reston! - 07/08/10 10:16 AM
Frying Pan Park: Farm animals and more minutes from Herndon and Reston!


 If  you need a quick children's outing near Herndon and Reston, go see some friendly farm animals at Frying Pan Park's Kidwell Farm.
 
 
Located off West Ox road near its intersection with Centreville road, the farm is just outside of Herndon on the Chantilly side.
 
 
 

 
  Our young adult children  still stop in to check on the baby animals and relive their childhood memories from years of visits.
Below is a photo tour web site of Kidwell Farm that I … (6 comments)

JP MORGAN CHASE BANK EXECUTIVE IS GIVING US A LESSON IN MORALS ? ! ? ! ? ! - 07/08/10 10:04 AM
Tough tough tough to read banker's and politician's moralizing about our nation's real estate and financial situation. There is definitly blame and fraud at low levels but the big boys and girls on duty at the top could have stopped it with their policies and watchdog roles AND WITH PUBLIC OUTCRIES SHOWING THEIR MORAL INDIGNATION years ago. Arghhh, their pontificating is hard to take. Lenn Harley captures our feelings perfectly in her blog post below.
Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:
I'M PERPLEXED!
The word morals coming out of the mouth of a bank executive is tough to … (4 comments)

Homes for Sale in Greenbriar, Fairfax VA 22033. Chantilly High School District - 07/08/10 08:13 AM

Homes for Sale in Greenbriar, Fairfax VA 22033. Chantilly High School District
 
Sally: I will probably be selling my house in Fairfax's Greenbriar neighborhood in the months ahead.  It is such a pleasant and convenient community that I hate to leave it, but it looks like I will be relocating soon.  I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 2 months? I want to see what is happening with sales trend in the neighborhood.
     Also, before you do that could you post a link to show me what homes … (0 comments)

Whoa, No Mistake, I Said Nearly 40 Acres Of Maine Land, A Hidden Home, $60's. Watch Video. - 07/07/10 12:06 PM
It is hump day and time to escape to the peace of Houlton Maine with super agent Andy Mooers.
Got a few bucks to spare? You can buy a lot in Maine! Call Andy.
Via Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY):
Nothing wrong with your ears, no misspeak with banner headline that you can buy, own, enjoy nearly 40 acres of land in Maine, with a home, two road frontages.
Pretty darn handy to Grand Lake boating, fishing, swimming, sailing too. Use as a sporting venue.
Or a full time Maine hobby farm with the cleared … (0 comments)

Homes for sale in Folkstone, Oak Hill/Herndon VA 20171. Oakton High School. - 07/07/10 11:18 AM
Homes for sale in Folkstone, Herndon VA 20171. Oakton High School district.
 

 
 
Sam: I may want to sell my house in Folkstone in the months ahead. It is an awesome community, but it looks like I will be relocating to Huntsville AL soon.  I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 12 months? I want to see what is happening with the sales trend in the neighborhood.
 
 
 
Also, before you do that could you post a link to show me what homes are currently … (2 comments)

Single Family Homes for Sale in Brookfield, Chantilly VA 20151. July 7, 2010 - 07/07/10 10:19 AM
Single Family Homes for Sale in Brookfield, Chantilly VA 20151. July 7, 2010
Sam: I may want to sell my house in the Brookfield neighborhood of Chantilly 20151 in the months ahead. It is an awesome community, but it looks like I will be relocating to Chicago.  I was wondering if you could post a monthly report that will show homes that have sold here the last 3 months? I want to see what is happening with the sales trend in the neighborhood.
Also, before you do that could you post a link to show me what homes are currently for sale … (0 comments)

Are You Up for Selling Your OWN Real Estate? - 07/07/10 07:53 AM
The only other thing I would add to this great post by Debe is your lack of security when selling your own home. When you sell your own place you or a family member must be there. You have no idea who is going to come to your door...who is going to be interacting with your significant other or your children. In our area, only licensed real estate agents have electronic keycard access to the lock boxes. Our identity is coded onto the plastic. The time your home is shown and by whom is recorded in the lockbox and the house … (5 comments)

Should I Rent or Should I Buy? - 07/06/10 01:50 PM
Should I Rent or Should I Buy?

 
Tom: I want to buy a home but I'm pretty cautious about the whole thing. Is real estate still a good investment or is renting a better idea?
Steve: If you want to buy a home and try to sell it in 3 years and expect to make bunches of money after your sales expenses....then the answer is no…that is not a wise investment.
The likelihood of losing money in that situation is almost guaranteed for the foreseeable future.
 
 
 
 
That was easily done during the go-go years of 2002-2005 where … (2 comments)

Homes for Sale in Deepwood, Reston 20191. Brickfront townhouses in Reston - 07/06/10 11:07 AM
 
Homes for Sale in Deepwood, Reston 20191. Brickfront townhouses in Reston  
What town houses are for sale in Deepwood, Reston 20191? Those tree shaded traditional brick town houses off Glade near Colts Neck.
I have always appreciated the care and creative thought that went into the design and layout of the neighborhoods in Reston Virginia.
If you have not visited the Deepwood neighborhood off Reston's Glade Drive, you should.
Residents there enjoy the large trees and landscaping that makes that place so welcoming. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Even though it is convenient to everything, Deepwood … (0 comments)

Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon 20171. The real estate market is hot! - 07/06/10 09:40 AM
Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon 20171. The real estate market is hot!
 
 

The market for homes in Chantilly Highlands is extremely good. The property we put on the market this past Friday, 2902 Mother Well Ct. received its first offer 4 hours after it was available for viewing. It was shown non stop all weekend and  we reached agreement and completed the paperwork on an acceptable offer last night.
On the market Friday...under contract Monday. There are a number of reasons for this. -The sellers were totally committed to marketing this home regardless of the effort on their … (0 comments)

What is America to You? - 07/05/10 06:02 PM
 
My Grandmother came over on the boat alone from Ireland. A 19 year old orphan, she was a house servant with an 8th grade education. Her two daughters both ended up in higher education. My mother as an Assoc. Prof of Elementary Education at Millersville Univ. and my aunt as head librarian at Penn State's Ogontz Campus.
J. Philip beautifully captures the immigrant spirit of our country in his family post below.
 
Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip LLC) Westchester County NY:
I had a nice day yesterday at my 84-year old uncle's home in Connecticut. He was a graphic … (9 comments)

Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon VA. A great place to call home. - 07/03/10 09:23 AM
Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon VA. A great place to call home.
 
If you have been looking for  a 4 bedroom single family beauty with a 2 car garage in the Chantilly High School district with (if you are lucky) an elementary school right in the neighborhood....Which just happens to be right across the street from the pool, community center, tennis courts and playground...well...
 
That home is here right now.

Jan and Steve Bachman, Chantilly Highland's Realtors present:
2902 MOTHER WELL CT HERNDON, VA 20171 in Chantilly Highlands.
This beautiful home is offered for sale at $650k. The photo tour … (3 comments)

Vienna Homes for sale. Townhouses near the Dunn Loring Metro. Orange Line. - 07/02/10 01:18 PM
Vienna Homes for sale. Town houses near the Dunn Loring Metro.   
Diane:I am interested in purchasing a town house on the Orange Line near the Dunn Loring Metro. What's out there? Have you heard of Dunn Loring Village?
 

I realize that much of this post discusses Vienna VA, but please also post the Active Homes for Sale in Dunn Loring Village and what is under contract. 
Could you report on all the homes that have sold there in the last 6 months as well? That would be great.
 
 
 
 
Steve: Happy to be of service … (2 comments)

Fourth of July Fireworks in Herndon and Reston plus Animals at Kidwell Farm - 07/02/10 08:41 AM
Fourth of July Fireworks in Herndon and Reston plus Animals at Kidwell Farm What is close to Herndon and to Reston?
Try Lake Fairfax in Reston. Lie on the slope above the lake and watch the lights reflecting in the water. Eat.
We took our then 2 year old daughter  to Lake Fairfax fireworks for the first time 20 years ago. She screamed the whole time once they started.
 
 We ended up in the car for the remainder, trying to comfort her.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
5 years later her younger sister made the … (5 comments)

Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon VA-Outstanding New 4 bedroom Listing! - 07/01/10 07:56 PM
Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill/Herndon VA-Outstanding New 4 bedroom Listing!
If you have been watching the Chantilly Highlands neighborhood for an opportunity to buy a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath, brick front colonial with 3 finished levels, deck, patio, AND an awesome  screened porch within the Chantilly High School Pyramid, your wait is over.
Below you will find the photo tour for 2902 MOTHER WELL CT Herndon VA 20171. If you are not familiar with Chantilly Highlands, there is a photo tour of the neighborhood following.


 
 
 
 
 
 
… (3 comments)

Chantilly Highlands home for Sale. 2902 MOTHER WELL CT is on the market. - 07/01/10 07:22 PM
 
Chantilly Highlands home for Sale. 2902 MOTHER WELL CT is on the market.
 
 
 
If you are looking for a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath, brick front colonial with 3 finished levels, deck, patio, AND an awesome  screened porch within the Chantilly High School district, your wait is over.
 
 
 
Jan and Steve Bachman of RE/MAX Gateway present:
2902 MOTHER WELL CT HERNDON, VA 20171 in Chantilly Highlands.
This beautiful home is offered for sale at $650k. Watch this space for  a full photo tour of this perfectly maintained and neutrally decorated home it will be posted by 8 … (0 comments)

 
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Steve and Jan Bachman--Northern Virginia Realtors

Herndon, VA

More about me…

RE/MAX Gateway, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, Sterling, Fairfax

Address: 4090-B Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly, VA, 20151

Office Phone: (703) 652-5782

Cell Phone: (703) 943-6592

Email Me

Find out what homes are for sale in Northern Virginia, what the real estate market is like and discover more about neighborhoods in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. You can also find us on Google + where we post photographs of Northern VA and the experience of living here. https://plus.google.com/105077527117694452632/about


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