Prince William County Real Estate Blog: November 2007

One of them is in Old Town Manassas and one of them is in Occoquan. Since they are both incorporated that doesn't confuse the county government. 

More importantly, they are both very historical places and their Center Streets are loaded with quaint shops and inviting restaurants. Typical of most "Old Towns" you can stroll from one end to the other rather quickly unless you detour through the shops and eateries. The pictures below were taken in Manassas on Center Street.

The picture at the left is Church Street in Manassas, one of the two that run through the Old Town section. 

The candy factory has obviously been converted - it is located on Battle which runs between Center andChurch Streets.

The next group of photos are of Occoquan beginning with a scene of the Occoquan waterfront.

This photo and the one below were taken of Mill Street in Occoquan.

The picture below is of Center Street in Occoquan - both areas are interesting and potentially expensive to visit.

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Prince William County residents for the past 25 years and full time REALTORS® the entire time.  That is prior to these and many other homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.  CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of PRINCE WILLIAM REAL ESTATE.

 Dale City was the inspiration of Cecil Don  Hylton and his wife Irene.  His firm, Hylton Homes began developing homes in Dale City west of I-95 at the conclusion of World War II.  The construction stretched from I-95 west to Hoadly Road.

The pictures at the right and immediately below are representative of the older Dale City homes. 

Each section (community) along Dale Boulevard was given a name ending in Dale - they proceeded alphabetically from east to west..  Only "I" and "J" were omitted - they are Ashdale, Birchdale, Cloverdale, Darbydale, Evansdale, Forestdale, Glendale, Hillendale, Kerrydale, Lindendale, Mapledale, Nottingdale, Oakdale, Princedale, Ridgedale, Silverdale and Trentdale.  All streets in each community had the first letter of that community's name as the first letter of its' name.  For example, Hendrick St is in Hillendale.

Mr. and Mrs. Hylton made it possible for returning veterans to purchase a home as they started to build their families.  Hylton Homes branched out into new markets, mainly real estate related such as managing retail centers and apartment complexes.

Detached homes in Dale City range from $200,000 to $600,000 and an average of $350,000.  Town homes are priced from $147,000 to $385,000 and an average of $240,000.

The pictures below are typical of the newer homes in Dale City which are both moderately priced and at the higher end of the price range.  Transportation options include Virginia Railway Express and Prince William County Commuter Bus

Trentdale is the site of the newest town homes at the far western end of Dale City near Hoadly Road.

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Prince William County residents for the past 25 years and full time REALTORS® the entire time.  That is prior to many of these and other homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.  CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of PRINCE WILLIAM REAL ESTATE.

RELATED HOME SITES

MONTCLAIR

TWIN OAKS

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for ORANGE HUNT 22152.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 12 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (3 SOLD)

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Northern Virginia residents for the past 33 years and full time REALTORS® for 31 years.  That is prior to many homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.

CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of ORANGE HUNT or FAIRFAX VA REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for BURKE CENTRE 22015.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 46 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (5 SOLD)

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Northern Virginia residents for the past 33 years and full time REALTORS® for 31 years.  That is prior to these and many other homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.

CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of BURKE CENTRE or FAIRFAX VA REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for BURKE CENTRE 22015.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 23 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (3 SOLD)

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Northern Virginia residents for the past 33 years and full time REALTORS® for 31 years.  That is prior to these and many other homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.

CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of BURKE CENTRE or FAIRFAX VA REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for KINGSTOWNE 22315.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 48 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (5 SOLD)

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Northern Virginia residents for the past 33 years and full time REALTORS® 31 years.  That is prior to these and many other homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.  My office is on Franconia Road - I know Kingstowne very well. 

CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of KINGSTOWNE or FAIRFAX VA REAL ESTATE.

The square footage above is for the main and upper levels only - it does not include basement square footage.  There are 200 detached homes in Twin Oaks - the first homes were delivered in 1986. 

One of the features of this subdivision is that the homes are on 1/4 acre lots.  New homes of this size would have lots 5,000 square feet or less.

Currently, there are three homes on the market which says a lot about the popularity of these homes with only three out of 200 for sale. 

Entrance to Twin Oaks is on Minnieville Road - they are between Smoketown and Old Bridge Roads which makes it a quick trip to I-95, the Prince William Parkway and Route 123.  It is about a 5 minute drive to the commuter bus lot at Old Bridge Road.  Also look at CEDAR RUN by the same builder

SPECIAL NOTE:  My husband and I have been Prince William County residents for the past 25 years and full time REALTORS® the entire time.  That is prior to these and many other homes in the area being built.  There are only a handful of REALTORS® with that level of experience in this market area.  CONTACT US if your plans include the sale or purchase of PRINCE WILLIAM REAL ESTATE.

 SEARCH FOR LISTINGS WITH NO REGISTRATION

Recovering veterans are now sent to the Veteran's Administration Hospital best qualified to provide care for their specific injuries.  This is a departure from the old policy in which an injured vet was sent to the Veteran's Administration Hospital closest to their home.

It is not difficult to understand that this creates an emotional and financial hardship for their families who contribute the love that assisits in their recovery.  The federal government does not provide funding to support the family travelling to and staying with their loved one while in the hospital.

Here in Virginia a local grass roots organization was formed to provide the financial assistance for family transportation expense, food and shelter in Richmond, Virginia while their loved one is being cared for at the McGuire Veteran's Hospital.

As a Rotarian, I am both pleased and proud that area Rotary clubs are providing financial support to the project.  I am including parts of their brochure that explain the program much better than I ever could.

Wills and VanMetre started construction on Saratoga in mid-1972.  Many of the community features they offered are available today in most planned communities.  The one item that is not available today in homes close-in are large lots approximately 1/4 acre.. Other features are:

• Underground utilities
• Sidewalks on both sides of the street
• Community pool
• Shopping center in the subdivision
• Blend of both detached and town homes in tne community
• Fairfax County Connector Route 304 service to the Franconia-Springfield metro

Additionally, it is one of the few subdivisions that has large ramblers  as well as colonial, split foyer and split level homes.    I have included numerous photos to give you a "sense of the community"

The current list price for detached homes in Saratoga ranges from $475,000 to $550,000

The current list price for Saratoga twn homes ranges from $290,000 to $350,000

Saratoga is in the LEE HIGH SCHOOL PYRAMID

SOUTH RUN REC CENTER is approximately 15 minutes away with a year round pool and many other sports and activities for families and individuals

CONTACT ME  for assistance with SARATOGA, SPRINGFIELD or other FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

RELATED SITES

ORANGE HUNT ESTATES

KINGS PARK

ABOUT FAIRFAX COUNTY

For the past week my husband and I have been going through file cabinets to eliminate those files that are no longer needed. 

This includes personal files as well as client files.  We have always maintained copies of client files in the event those maintained by our office are lost or misfiled.  Our client files are secured and our home is wired.

We have already filled three large trash bags with confetti.  Shredders are a relatively inexpensive item to purchase, anywhere from $40.00 to a little over $100.00 for a home or small office model.  Ours is a "deluxe model' that chews up credit cards, and CDs.  It certainly beats sitting there tearing paper up into small pieces which isn't foolproof.

In today's climate shredding is a necessity.

CONTACT ME   for assistance with   SPRINGFIELD and NORTHERN VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE    

The national media continues to tell home buyers that investing in real estate is a stupid idea.  They are trying to make real estate into a national market and look like the Crash of 1929.

We are all aware the rapid price gains of 2004 and 2005 are not sustainable.  It is not uncommon for either the real estate or stock markets to overcorrect before returning to normal.  Those who believed rapid and high price gains would continue are the ones most likely hurt by the correction - speculators and homebuyers who bought beyond their means.

Most delinquencies and foreclosures are concentrated in the subprime market.  Those who qualify for conventional financing are still able to find favorable interest rates.

Home ownership should never be considered as a quick in and quick out purchase similar to stocks.  Wealth in real estate is developed over the long term which explains why home ownership is subsidized by tax savings and programs that enable people to purchase a home without large down payments.

Homes in West Springfield Village sold in the $500,000 price range in 2005.  Two years later in 2007 the same homes are selling in the $460,000 price range.  While it is a reduction it most certainly is not a drastic decline in home values.

Over the years my husband and I have been involved in many transactions in the West Springfield area.  Also, as a member of the Rotary Club of West Springfield I am always alert to matters that impact on the community.

CONTACT ME for assistance with WEST SPRINGFIELD or  other FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for KINGSTOWNE 22315.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

Currently, there are 2 PATIO HOMES FOR SALE  

SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)

Currently, there are 47 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

SALES STATISTICS (5 SOLD)

Currently, there are 7 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

SALES STATISTICS (2 SOLD)

Over the years I have sold many homes to and for Kingstowne homeowners.  Can I provide you with local service?  You bet I can - my firm has a Kingstowne presence and my office is just outside Kingstowne.

CONTACT ME for experienced representation

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for KINGSTOWNE 22315.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 2 PATIO HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)

Over the years I have sold many homes to and for people in Kingstowne.  Do I know the area?  You bet I do - my office is just outside Kingstowne.

CONTACT ME for assistance with KINGSTOWNE or FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for KINGSTOWNE 22315.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 7 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (2 SOLD)

Over the years I have sold many homes to and for people in Kingstowne.  Do I know the area?  You bet I do - my office is just outside Kingstowne.

CONTACT ME for assistance with KINGSTOWNE or FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for KINGSTOWNE 22315.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 47 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (5 SOLD)

Over the years I have sold many homes to and for people in Kingstowne.  Do I know the area?  You bet I do - my office is just outside Kingstowne.

CONTACT ME for assistance with KINGSTOWNE or FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

It's that time of the year again when Marine Corps Reserve Units or Marine Corps League Detachments go all out in their mission of providing a NEW TOY for needy children throughout the country.  In those parts of the country where there are no Reserve or League units men and women, usually retired Marines, can form groups, become authorized and fulfill the need in their community.

The earlier you participate the easier it will be for the Corps to meet their objective - because of the massive recall of toys, they intend to check every toy against the recall list and that takes time.  The photo below was taken from the Toys For Tots website and is a link to the site  If you are unable to donate a toy you can make a monetary contribution.

The Toys For Tots campaign is especially effective and well received in Prince William County due to our large Marine population.  Quantico Marine Corps Base and Marine Corps Headquarters are the source of that population and, yes, we love'em!!!!

The Old Bridge Road Christmas Parade stepped off at precisely 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 10.  There is a lot of community participation in events for children in Prince William County and the parade along the Old Bridge corridor was no exception.  I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them to share with you.

Prince William County is a fantastic place to live and play.  The park system is excellent, the schools are well managed and our home prices are much lower than they are "Over the Occoquan".  Couple that with many transportation options and you have every reason to consider Prince William as home.  CONTACT ME  for assistance with PRINCE WILLIAM VA REAL ESTATE

   WHAT ARE HOT LANES AND WHY DO WE NEED THEM?

HOT = HIGH OCCUPANCY TARIFF.  WHY IS THERE A NEED?

• We are the nation's 3rd most congested area.
• We have the nation's 2nd longest commute
• Four - in ten outer suburbs have average commutes of more than 45 minutes.
• Virginia's residents spend $1.7 billion annually in delays and wasted fuel.

CONDITIONS ARE GETTING WORSE

• Travel will increase by 50% by 2025
• Outer counties are growing at a rate 3x faster than those inside the Beltway

VDOT is partnering with Fluor-Transurban to develop the I-95/395 HOV/Bus/HOT Lanes project.  Both firms are world leaders in the construction and management of highways and highway toll systems.

Construction on the northern section could begin in the second half of 2008 with a construction period of four to five years to complete the project.  For more detailed information see HOT Lanes

The above information was presented recently to the Rotary Club of Lake Ridge.  As a Rotarian and REALTOR I am intimately involved in activities that have an impact on our community.  I regularly seek out opportunities to learn more about these activities to better serve my neighbors and clients.  CONTACT ME  for ASSISTANCE WITH WOODBRIDGE VA AND PRINCE WILLIAM REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for SPRINGFIELD 22153.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 101 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (16 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with SPRINGFIELD VA or FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for SPRINGFIELD 22153.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.

Currently, there are 98 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2007

SALES STATISTICS (11 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with SPRINGFIELD VA or FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE