Old Lucketts Store in Leesburg VA is ready for their annual Holiday Open House.  For anyone in Northern Virginia who hasn't ever made it out to Old Lucketts Store this is a great chance to see it dressed in it's holiday finest.This year besides all of the holiday goodies there will be local vendors on the grounds as well.Oak Spring Dairy from Upperville VA will be bringing their fresh cheeses. Brothers Olde Fashioned Bakery will have cookies, cakes and other waist expanding goodies.Sugarloaf Alpacas-will have wonderful woven goods made from alpaca fleece.This is just a hint of what you will find while you are visiting Old Lucketts Store for the Holiday Open House.  It's a guilty pleasure for anyone who is ready to kick of the holiday season.       10/31/2012

PREVENTION IS THE CURE FOR "MOVE OUT DIRTY". Seems to me that landlords and property managers would benefit from a long standing real estate practice. . . . DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE. Inspired by For Sale or For Rent - They Gotta Be Clean! by Beverly Carlson Provide tenants or prospective tenants, with a MOVE-OUT PLAN.  DISCLOSE to future tenants the items that are going to be inspected at the end of their tenancy, including the approx. charges for damages, cleaning, etc. List for them the matters of interest for the property at move-out time and. . . . DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. Make sure you have a file record for every tenant and in that file are multiple PHOTOS of the premises prior to their occupancy.  By multiple photos, we mean plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets/switches... 10/31/2012

HOME WARRANTIES???  ABSOLUTELY!!!  However, they are not a substitute for a home inspection. I wouldn't sell a resale home without a home warranty.  The exception is investment properties that are "as is" sales.  Defects are acceptable in these homes because the properties are "condition/price adjusted".  However, for folks buying a home in which they plan to live, they will have a FREE ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY as of the date of settlement.  I place them.  I pay for them.  It's a part of my promise to home buyers I represent that they can move in and live comfortably and not worry about the mechanical equipment in their home; ITEMS COVERED INCLUDE: Heating systemDuct workInterior gas linesWhirlpoolPlumbing systemSump pumpWater HeaterGarage door openerKitchen appliancesElectrical wiringFir... 10/24/2012

Lansdowne Development Group Purchases Old Window Factory Lansdowne Development Group has purchased the old abandoned window factory that has been sitting vacant for more than ten years. The property is located at 110 Catoctin Circle NE and consists of three parcels, the largest of which is approximately 8 acres. The company plans to develop a mixed use community based on the Live and Work concept that has seen much success at the Lansdowne Town Center also located in Leesburg. This new development at the corner of Harrison Street and Catoctin Circle will connect to the down town area of Leesburg and will help transform the towns Crescent District redevelopment zone. Lansdowne Homes Developer Plans Mixed Use Development Developer plans to create a community consistent with the down town ... 10/22/2012

If There Is A Fungus Among Us, DON'T IGNORE IT.  It's not likely to go away all by itself. If you are planning to buy a home in Loudoun County Virginia, BE AN INFORMED HOME BUYER. FACT:  Water intrusion is harmful to the health of your home.  The experience of attending hundreds of home inspections has taught me that MOISTURE by water intrusion IS HARMFUL TO THE HEALTH OF ANY PROPERTY. Over the years, I've observed hundreds of homes with obvious and significant fungus, mildew and even mold damage.  Yes, damage.  The very presence of such growths is causing damage to that property as it feeds on cellulose and is nurtured by the presence of moisture where moisture was never intended by the designer or builder.  Sellers who minimize the importance of the presence of these growths may be co... 10/12/2012

INVESTOR BUYERS THINK, "What are the best resale features?" RESIDENTIAL BUYERS THINK, "What do I want in my home?" Funny thing about home buying consumers, they are nothing like investor buyers.  They, the consumer buyers, are looking for a place to live, not a place to re-sell or rent. This post inspired by Jay Markanich in his post this a.m. about the mistakes made by investor owners (flippers) when they "IMPROVE" investment property for resale. Having memories of living in a house with 2 adults and 5 children and only one bathroom, I can understand a buyer's motivation when a buyer who is single with no children or other residents says, "I want a condo with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths."  Sometimes the criteria stated by home buyers resembles the classic "conspicuous consumption".  Fo... 10/06/2012

Leesburg, Virginia is the county seat for Loudoun County, Virginia.  It offers much that attracts home buyers and encourages home owners to stay in the area.  Among the attractions include: 1.  Entryway to the Dulles Greenway which leads to the Dulles Toll Road which goes all the way to the Washington Beltway at Tyson's Corner.  The Greenway and the Toll Road made Leesburg a reasonable commute to the high tech employment centers in Tysons Corner, McLean and Vienna and Maryland.  2.  Shopping access in the Leesburg - Dulles area including Nordstrom, Wegmans, Wal-Mart, many choices of speciality and chains that appeal to all price ranges. 3.  Highly ranked Loudoun County public schools at all levels. 4.  Home prices in all price ranges.   $524,990  4 Bedrooms, 2 full 1 half MLS# LO7512712... 09/29/2012

New Home Builders are like a pig in mud.  Indeed, they are enjoying a resurgence of activity from home buyers.While visiting a new home builder to help buyers select their elevation, granite, etc., there was a steady stream of consumers visiting the model home.  We were at the model home for about 3 hours and the traffic never slowed down. NEW HOME PERMITS - UP! NEW HOME STARTS - UP! NEW HOME BUYERS not settling for what's left over in the resale market. HOME SELLERS can learn a lot about listing their home for sale by observing what new home builders do. What can we do Lenn?   Q.  Our home has been on the market for 6 months and no one is even visiting. A.  Price your home competitively based on market statistics of Active/Sold properties for the past 4 months.  New homes are usually p... 09/27/2012

If you are looking for a place to celebrate the Fall Season, you will want to consider the Leesburg Virginia Animal Park. In fact, the park is also known as Pumpkinville of Northern Virginia beginning September 22nd and running through November 4th from 9-6 daily.There will be Hill Slides, Hay Wagon Rides, Pony Rides, Free Apples and Fresh Cidar, Kids Hay Maze and of course entry to the Animal Park.To learn more go here: Pumpkinville At Leesburg Animal ParkI urge you to take the family and Celebrate The Fall Season In Leesburg. 09/20/2012

LOOKING FOR FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA????  Call Homefinders.com.  We can help. Lenn Harley, Broker/Agent, Homefinders.com.  Serving home buyers in Loudoun County, Virginia, 800-711-7988. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   City Address ListPrice Ashburn 20492 CHARTER OAK DR $405,000 Ashburn 43868 HARTLEY PL $749,000 Ashburn 19646 OLYMPIC CLUB CT $799,900 Broadlands 21825 WINGFOOT CT $469,900 Chantilly 25731 DONERAILS CHASE DR $660,000 Hamilton 16332 HAMPTON RD $387,500 Leesburg 14370 NEWVALLEY CHURCH RD $224,900 Leesburg 14418 SCHERAZADE PL $475,000 Leesburg 18923 OVER REACH CT $585,000 Leesburg 43390 RIVERPOINT DR $700,000 Lovettsville 13091 MOYES BLUFF CT $594,900 Lovettsville 13400 BERLIN TPKE $629,500 Lovettsville 38295 BOL... 09/16/2012

"We want a home that is close to the Airport." That's a request I hear from time to time from home buyers in Loudoun County.  Some of these prospective home buyers work at the airport and want a quick commute.  However, many home buyers want to buy a home within an hour or so of Dulles Airport for occasional business use.  See the map below and you'll see that there are many areas within an hour of Dulles.                   TRAVEL TIMES from Homes in Loudoun County to Dulles International Airport.   South Riding 20 min. Purcellville 36 min. Chantilly 14 min. Waterford 33 min. Sterling 15 min. Round Hill 35 min. Ashburn 20 min. Bluemont 42 min. Aldie 31 min. Paeonian Springs 28 min. Middleburg 38 min. Hillsboro 39 min. Leesburg 25 min. Lovettsville 44 min. Hamilton 32 min.       Single F... 09/10/2012

  POTOMAC CROSSING, LEESBURG, VA Potomac Crossing in Leesburg, VA 20176 - A Well Sought After Neighborhood       Potomac Crossing is a suburban community rich in history, with perks of small town living but close enough to the big city.  Potomac Crossing has 914 single-family homes and town-homes in its subdivision located in the town limits of Leesburg, Virginia.  Potomac Crossing is a family-friendly community conveniently located in the heart of Loudoun County, only an hour from Washington, D.C.  The community is located on Battlefield Parkway and backs to Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park. Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park is home of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, the earliest Civil War battle (a battle fought between the Union and Confederate armies) to take place in Loudoun C... 09/04/2012

  GREENE MILL PRESERVE, LEESBURG, VA 20175 Last Chance to Own a Drysdale in Greene Mill Preserve! Single-family homes nestled in a 340-acre nature preserve in Leesburg, VA. The Drysdale - $589,990   Finished Square Feet 3,569 | MLS#L07887498 • 4 Bedrooms • 3.5 Baths • Backs to conservancy/woods • Oversized 2 car garage • Stone elevation with front porch, • Oak Stairs • Double oven • Morning room included • Gourmet kitchen • Stainless steel appliances • Granite counter tops • Three full baths on upper level Greene Mill Preserve provides residents with a community center, community pool, multi-purpose courts, tot lot, village green with gazebo, several small ponds, an apple orchard, butterfly garden, athletic field, basketball court, and miles of walking/nature trails - all for you, all w... 08/31/2012

GREENE MILL PRESERVE, LEESBURG, VA 20175   Single-family homes nestled in a 340-acre nature preserve in Leesburg, VA. The following homes are MOVE-IN READY and waiting for you! The Braxton Finished Square Feet 3,678 MLS#L07888217 • 4 bedrooms • 3.5 baths  • 3 car side entry garage • Approximately 1/3 acre homesite • Upgraded gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops • Luxury master bath with granite, ceramic tile, rain showerhead, and more! • Upgraded hardwood on first floor $619,990 The Amherst Finished Square Feet 3,735MLS#L07887498   • 5 bedrooms • 4.5 baths • 3 car side entry garage • Approximately 1/3 acre homesite • Bonus room with bath over 3 car garage • Upgraded hardwood on first floor • Upgraded gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and... 08/22/2012

SHENSTONE RESERVE, LEESBURG, VA 20175   Visit Shenstone Reserve to view their model home and I'm sure you will want to purchase your next home on the spot!  Building on your choice of one of the 49 gorgeous 3+ acre home sites and your choice of the elegant estate homes. This stunning community provides country living right outside the heart of Loudoun County in Leesburg.  Shenstone Reserve is abundant with mature trees, winding streams, mountain views and rolling hills while you are just minutes from historic Leesburg! Shenstone Reserve offers your choice of FIVE homes designs:   HOPEWELL - Starting at $791,995 3BR/3.5BA 3,430sf 3-Car Garage Designed to be luxurious as well as functional, the Hopewell exudes a casual country elegance sought after by today's families. The combination of ... 08/17/2012

OPEN SUN 8/19/12 1-4PM! 43491 Squirrel Ridge Pl, Leesburg, VA 20176 in LANSDOWNE! $839,900 - LUXURY Living in LANSDOWNE! 4BR/4.5BA Backs to Common Area!  vFlyer for MORE PICTURES!If you've ever wanted to give your family space to grow in a neighborhood that offers residents a sense of community - take a look at this Van Metre Faulkner model that boasts over 6,500 square feet of finished living space!The brick, stone and shake exterior is aesthetically pleasing, and features a slate walkway to the covered entryway.  Other prominent exterior features a combination of Trex decking and stone patio with custom landscaping that offers privacy. The lower level has a "walk up" to the rear exterior.Living/Dining - The living/dining area offers a gracious space for conversation, listening to musi... 08/16/2012

New Section of Homesites Just Released at the Popular Selma Estates Community in Leesburg!   Don't delay these gorgeous new single family homes start from the $500's and won't last long!         Make sure you don't miss this fantastic opportunity to grab first pick of these fabulous homesites!       Please contact me for more details and to arrange a tour of one of their newest decorated model homes!       SEE ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN SELMA ESTATES, LEESBURG, VA 20176   SEE ALL SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR SALE IN LEESBURG, VA 20176   SEE ALL SINGLE FAMILY SHORT SALE HOMES FOR SALE IN LEESBURG, VA 20176   SEE ALL SINGLE FAMILY FORECLOSURES FOR SALE IN LEESBURG, VA 20176     CONTACT ME TO SEE ANY HOME IN LEESBURG, VA!     08/06/2012

JUST SOLD in 21 DAYS! 1312 BARKSDALE DR NE, LEESBURG, VA 20176 - POTOMAC CROSSING SOLD in 21 DAYS! My team and I were able to get your Potomac Crossing neighbor sold quickly and at full list price with NO closing cost allowance. As your local listing resource for Potomac Crossing, I combine the power of a "Pre-listing" and Internet Marketing Strategy to get the maximum number of prospective buyers in your door, for the opportunity to get the greatest offer price, terms and conditions for your home. To schedule your confidential consultation, call Lisa today at 703.635.0388. FEATURED LISTING - 1312 BARKSDALE DR NE, LEESBURG, VA 20176 - POTOMAC CROSSING - $444,990!    vFlyer for MORE PICTURES!   This "Laurelwood" model by Grimm boasts almost 4000 finished, liveable square feet, with four ... 08/06/2012

Looking for the list of open houses in Loudoun County for Sunday August 5, 2012?  Just click here - I'll show you all 76, plus two of my favorites. 08/04/2012

Looking to find a list of open houses in Loudoun County? No worries, I gotcha covered... For Sunday, July 29th, there are 87 open houses planned in Loudoun County by area REALTORS... Two are worth pointing out... 160 Alpine Drive (Evergreen Meadows, Leesburg)...$469,000 A brand new listing, and priced almost $100K below most of the homes in the neighborhood, this one is a steal! For the money, you won't find more house in the town limits of Leesburg. Plus, it's my listing and you can meet me when you stop by tomorrow. 39782 Lime Kiln Road, Leesburg....$899,900 This unique house is discriminating, and has not yet found the owner of its dreams, but its still looking. This is a truly 'funky cool' contemporary style home nestled on a six acre estate on the outskirts of the town of Leesburg,... 07/28/2012