prince william county: Haymarket, VA: Active Adult Condo for $175K is an APPROVED Short Sale - 11/10/08 02:15 AM
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prince william county: Short Sale Approved at $409K by Bank! Write it Up and Let's Go to Settlement!! - 10/29/08 08:37 AM
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prince william county: Just How Long a Short Sale Listing Can Take (Worst Case Scenario) - 10/28/08 09:34 AM
One year ago I took a short sale listing in a very targeted neighborhood; a 55+ community.  I knew it wouldn't be easy to find a buyer.  It wasn't.  Many price reductions (we were competing with the on-going new construction), we finally got a buyer to submit a very reasonable offer in late May of this year.
That same contract has been with Countrywide and their investor, Fannie Mae, since then.  Countrywide has ordered a total of 4 appraisals and 2 BPOs (Broker Price Opinion).  The problem is that Fannie Mae, the investors on this loan, has a completely unrealistic idea … (12 comments)

prince william county: Prince William County: There is Still Time to Vote Early! - 10/28/08 08:55 AM
Prince William County residents can vote early, in person, through November 1st.  Long lines are anticpated throughout the County, so voting early will guarantee your ballot is cast. 
There are three locations that are serving the entire County, and each has different hours.
Manassas Office/PWC Voter Registration
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm
9250 Lee Avenue, Suite 1, Manassas, VA 20110

DMV in Woodbridge
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
2731 Caton Hill Road, Woodbridge, VA, 22192

The Haymarket Musuem
Tuesday (10/30) and Thursday (10/28)  5pm-7pm
Saturday (11/1), 9am-5pm
15025 Washington Street, Haymarket, VA 20169

For complete information on acceptable reasons to cast an entire ballot, … (4 comments)

prince william county: Bristow, VA: A Very Sweet Cat Needs a Home - 10/08/08 03:32 AM
I have blogged about Gray Kitty before.  He is the father of three kittens I scooped up off my porch almost one year ago.  I had been attempting to "tame" Gray Kitty with food, but he was not ready.  At the time, I couldn't get within five feet of him without him tearing off into the woods.
Since adopting his offspring, I have captured this feral cat, had him neutered and given his shots.  He is negative for Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia.
Over the last six months, Gray Kitty has become a real sweetheart.  He wants love constantly.  He'll plop right … (4 comments)

prince william county: Ahhh...the Smell of Fall - 10/01/08 09:37 AM
Today was the first day in Northern Virginia that actually FELT like Fall.  The cool, crisp air.  Even the sky was accomodating with it's overcast blue and gray layers. 
So we opened up some windows to air out the house.  It was finally cooler outside than inside.  Like a magnet, that window attracted some others who were happy to smell Fall.  Shadow and Phoebe are two of our youngest cats that we adopted last Winter.  They were six months old and feral at the time.  They are more lovable with people than we could have ever imagined.   I finally was able … (20 comments)

prince william county: Bristow, VA: Braemar's New Traffic Light!! - 09/26/08 03:48 AM
The intersection of Tartan Hills Parkway/Rob Roy Way and Sudley Manor Drive has been a treacherous one from the beginnig of our community.  Wide, landscaped medians have made left hand turns across the divided, four lane road a guessing game.
While this intersection had been a magnet for fender benders between cars, the catalyst for the new traffic light happened the summer of 2007.  A teenage boy, crossing the intersection on a bicycle, was struck by a car going a minimum of 45 mph (the legal speed limit on Sudley Manor Road).  Luckily, the young man made a full recovery, but … (4 comments)

prince william county: What Buyers Should Know About Builders - 09/26/08 02:48 AM
I love new homes.  Who wouldn't?  They smell new.  They look great.  And the decorating is phenomenal.  You immediately get that feeling--"I've GOT to have this NOW!"  As a Realtor, I know that buying new construction means it's time to get in the best negotiating condition I can and put on the boxing gloves.
As a buyer, you may feel like you don't need a Realtor to talk to a new home builder.  Guess what?  You're right!  You don't need a Realtor to buy a new home...but here's why you might consider hiring one to represent you when it comes to dealing … (4 comments)

prince william county: Woodbridge, VA: Model Home Furniture Sale, 9/27/08 - 09/24/08 02:27 AM
If you have never attended a model home furniture sale, you should try it at least once.  All those unique furnishings you loved in viewing the model are on sale.  Cash and carry.  They sell wall hangings, furniture, rugs and other accessories.
The next model home furniture sale on the horizon is at Melody Landing in River Oaks.  It's a Lennar townhome.  It will be on Saturday, September 27 from 9am-4pm.  Directions will be at the end of this post.  I recommend getting there early before the townhome is picked over and the large selection of furnishings is gone.
Amazing Grace … (4 comments)

prince william county: De-Furred Maintenance - 09/17/08 07:02 AM
Any home owner with furry family members knows that pet hair can collect quickly.  Long hair or short, our four legged friends lose a lot of hair around the house.  And the more animals you have, the more often you have to handle the pet hair clean-up.  And if you are listing your home for sale, you may find that you are cleaning up cat hair even more frequently.
Going from a two cat household last year, to a five cat household this year, I have found that the best way to keep on top of pet hair involves five tools.
1)  … (12 comments)

prince william county: Old Town Manassas - 09/12/08 10:34 AM
I love when I have the time to take the long way to an appointment.  No matter the time of year, Old Town Manassas in Manassas, Virginia is a very pleasing sight.  And it's a wonderful place to stop and have lunch and do a bit of shopping.
One of my favorite stops for lunch is Okra's...our local home for New Orleans cuisine.  Want some Red Beans & Rice?  Homemade Cornbread?  Jambalaya?  You have to make an appearance at Okra's.  Just be warned, the food is SPICY.
In the mood for a Philly Cheesesteak?  Try the Philadelphia Tavern.  One of the best things I've … (6 comments)

prince william county: Relocating and Need a Neighborhood Close to Reliable Daycare? - 09/12/08 10:06 AM
If you are relocating and need a neighborhood with licensed, professional daycare, look no further than Braemar in Bristow, VA.  In terms of housing, you will find a mix of single family homes of all sizes, townouses and condos.  There is something for every price range.  There is close access to the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) and Route 66.  And there are two, self-contained daycare facilities within the community.

In the first section of Braemar, with homes built between 1997 and 2000, you will find KinderCare, located just off of Braemar Parkway.  To find out about specific services, rates and enrollment, you can call … (4 comments)

prince william county: Bristow, VA: Canterbury Model Just Reduced $20K in Braemar! - 09/11/08 05:53 AM

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prince william county: Hanna's Impact - 09/07/08 03:26 AM
Prince William County was drenched with the rains of Tropical Storm Hanna yesterday.  It was the gusting winds that really made an impact on my community of Braemar.
Driving through after the storm passed, I was surprised to see my preferred route out of the neighborhood (Tartan Hills Parkway) was partially closed.  I made a quick detour, and upon reconnecting with Tartan Hills Parkway, I looked back and saw a large downed tree blocking the road.

Downed hardwoods are nothing new to Braemar.  Stiff winds associated with frontal passages have often targeted our dying and brittle hardwoods.  Sadly, this tree … (12 comments)

prince william county: Braemar Townhouse Report: July- August 2008 - 09/06/08 07:39 AM
Two more months of resales in Braemar's townhouse inventory has given us the opportunity to examine average sales price for the months of July and August.  Townhouse sales in this Braemar Tonwhouse Report, as always, are divided into two categories:  No Garage and Garage.  Which category your townhouse falls into should be obvious.
Townhouses without garages have lost less value over the past year (23%), and maintained a steady demand.  The additional square footage that can be used for living space has been much more popular than the need for a garage.  The average sale price this report is actually up!  It's … (3 comments)

prince william county: Braemar Property Value Report: Courtyard Series (July-August 2008) - 09/01/08 05:05 AM
The Braemar Property Value Report for the Courtyard homes built by Brookfield is in!  The news isn't that bad.
In the last two months, only one courtyard home has sold.  These courtyard homes are near zero lot line homes...five to a single pipe steam or driveway.  They include the Clarendon, Ballston & Arlington models.
The only sale this report was for $300,000.  It was a Ballston model with a fully finished basement.  The seller gave the buyer $9,000 in closing cost assistance.  And the home was only listed for twelve days. 
This compares to last report in that the average sales … (4 comments)

prince william county: Bristow, VA: Dunbarton in Fall - 08/29/08 12:00 PM
I took a ride through Dunbarton in Bristow, VA the other day.  A nice attaction caught my eye.  In addition to their putting green,in front of their lovely clubhouse, is a fountain.
As with everything in Dunbarton, it is nothing extravagant, but tasteful and just perfect for the surroundings.  It has been there, but this is the first time I recall seeing it in action.  Made me want to stop and take in some fresh air on the bench. 
There are still homes available from the builder in Dunbarton.  Just remember, Dunbarton is an Active Adult community.  You need to be age 55 … (8 comments)

prince william county: Outgrowing your Condo or Townhouse? - 08/26/08 11:18 AM
Outgrowing your condo or townhouse?  Looking for something with more room?  There is good news on the horizon.  Given the current market conditions, your next home is more affordable now than it may ever be.
Waiting for your current home to regain the equity you had a few years ago, may see you paying more for your next house than you need to.  As the market comes back and home values go back up, so is the value of your next home going up.
Want to know if you can afford to rent your current residence and move on to something with more space?  Consulting a Realtor before … (10 comments)

prince william county: Bristow, VA: Attention Braemar Dog & Animal Lovers! - 08/17/08 05:40 AM
The Braemar Community Pools will only be open through September 1st.  However, the fun doesn't stop then. 
On September 7th, Braemar is opening the Iona Sound pool for a first-time ever event---Doggie Paddle!  The purpose is to raise money to support the Prince William SPCA.  Dogs only will be allowed in the pool.  The entrance fee is $8 per dog, with a two dog limit per family.   Tennis balls will be provided, but other water toys are welcome.
All dogs that you plan to bring must have their County and Rabies Tags...so don't forget to pack them.  Also, donations of old, clean and good condition bedding, towels, blankets and leashes will be … (4 comments)

prince william county: Manassas, VA: The Prince William County Fair is Happening Now - 08/09/08 05:33 AM
The 59th Annual Prince William County Fair started yesterday, August 8th.  As usual, it's being held at the Fair Grounds...located at 10624 Dumfries Road in Manassas.  Some attactions this weekend are two shows, 5pm, both Saturday and Sunday by the Bull Run Cloggers. 
Sunday, August 10th, there is a full day of activities...two of which are of particular interest to yours truly.  AT 1pm there will be a Pet Show featuring Cats and Small Animals.  At 3pm there is the Bake Sale and Judging of the Bake Off.  If you stay throughout Sunday evening, you can catch the Neavils Creek Band at … (6 comments)

 
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Bristow, VA (Long and Foster Real Estate)

Chris Ann Cleland

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Gainesville, VA

More about me…

Long and Foster Real Estate

Address: 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA, 20155

Mobile: 703-402-0037

Office: 703-402-0037



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