Prince William County Real Estate Blog: March 2008

Congress doesn't pass any laws that spend your money wastefully or limit your freedom.  To the best of my knowledge it's been such a week.

This weekend in our nation's capital is very eventful and none of it required an Act of Congress.

Today marks the opening of the NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL a two week celebration of the gift from Japan in 1911.  Yes, 1911 - the initial trees were given then, but were diseased and replaced in 1912 which is the date the public recognizes.  One of the activities my husband and I enjoy is today's music by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble.

A second event that sparks both local and national attention is the annual NATIONAL MARATHON that begins and ends at RFK Stadium.  The entire course is run in DC past many national landmarks.  More than 7,000 runners have entered to compete this year.

The newest event is the grand opening of Nationals Stadium on Sunday March 30.  When the WASHINGTON NATIONALS came to DC they played at the old RFK Stadium waiting completion of the new facility.

The National Capital Area has much to offer residents as well as visitors.  My husband and I have been residents since 1974 and realtors since 1976.  We know the area and housing market thoroughly. 

CONTACT ME for assistance with your Northern Virginia real estate requirements.

Two Level Rambler for only $400,000. Its' "Special Features" are

• 4 bedrooms and 2 baths
• Refinished white oak hardwood floors on the main level (August '07)
• All new wall to wall on lower level (August '07)
• Updated kitchen
• Double pane vinyl tilt-out windows
• Level lot fully fenced in the rear plus custom shed
• Walkout basement ( 4th bedroom, 1 bath, rec room and utility room on this level )
• Large deck on main level and large patio on lower level
• Minutes to all transportation, shopping, schools and recreation
• Newly painted interior

                                              TOUR THE HOME

                CONTACT ME for assistance with Alexandria, Fairfax County and Northern Virginia  

Stratford Landing is an extremely popular subdivision in the Mount Vernon section of Fairfax County.  As you travel south on the George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon, the entrance to Stratford Landing is the last exit on the Parkway at Little Hunting Creek.

One of the attractions is that many different builders are represented in both the style, size and type of home.  There isa community membership pool that has good community support for their swim team. Fort Hunt Park is just a few minutes away.

Also, the bike/jogging trail along the Potomac River and  the George Washington Memorial Parkway is well used by the homeowners.  Traffic patterns on the Parkway have not changed dramatically over the past two decades facilitating inbound travel during the rush hour.  It is also about 15 minutes from Fort Belvoir. 

                                                               Home prices range from $500,000 to $700,000.

Stratford Landing is one of the most affordable and convenient subdivisions in Fairfax County.We believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.

We know the area thoroughly - we've lived in Northern Virginia for 34 years
We know real estate thoroughly - we've served more than 1500 clients over the past 32 years.
We utilize state of the art technology to maximize our client service.

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Waynewood.  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 8 HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Riverside Estates.  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 16 HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for MONTCLAIR.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 31 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for MONTCLAIR.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 37 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008

SALES STATISTICS (3 SOLD)

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for DALE CITY 22193.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 654 HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008

SALES STATISTICS (44 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with DALE CITY, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY or NORTHERN VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for DALE CITY 22193.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 163 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29, 2008

SALES STATISTICS (7 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with DALE CITY, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY or NORTHERN VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for WESTRIDGE.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 17 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29 2008  

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with WESTRIDGE or PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

ABOUT WESTRIDGE

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for MONTCLAIR.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 31 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29 2008  

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with MONTCLAIR or PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

ABOUT MONTCLAIR

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for MONTCLAIR.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 37 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29 2008  

SALES STATISTICS (3SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with MONTCLAIR or PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

ABOUT MONTCLAIR

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for WINDING CREEK.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 5 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29 2008  

SALES STATISTICS (1SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with WINDING CREEK or PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

ABOUT WINDING CREEK

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for PORT POTOMAC.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 5 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29 2008  

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with PORT POTOMAC or PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

ABOUT PORT POTOMAC

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for PORT POTOMAC.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 36DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE

The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING FEBRUARY 29 2008  

SALES STATISTICS (4 SOLD)

CONTACT ME for assistance with PORT POTOMAC or PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY REAL ESTATE.

This is one of the market reports I publish for LAKE RIDGE 22192.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Prince William 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 FEBRUARY 29, 2008

Currently, there are 116 DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE AND 7 SOLD 

SALES STATISTICS (7 SOLD)

Currently, there are 113 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE AND 9 SOLD

SALES STATISTICS (9 SOLD)

Currently, there are 83 CONDOMINIUMS FOR SALE AND 0 SOLD

There is no more convenient or affordable residential area in Northern Virginia than Lake Ridge in Prince William County 
We believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.

We know the area thoroughly - we've lived in Northern Virginia for 34 years
We know real estate thoroughly - we've served more than 1500 clients over the past 32 years.
We utilize state of the art technology to maximize our client service.

CONTACT ME for assistance with Lake Ridge, Prince William County or Northern Virginia real estate.

RELATED SITES

LAKE RIDGE

SUMMER FUN

PARKS AND RECREATION

                                                                    PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY 

The February sales results are out.  The analysis below shows clearly that Prince William County detached homes are the "best buy" in Northern Virginia.  The buying public has responded to the fact that home prices in Prince William County are lower than the other jurisdictions, explaining why the number of Prince William County homes sold in 2008 closely approximated the number of homes sold in 2007.  Meanwhile, unit sales in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County have declined appreciably when compared to 2007.

The number of homes sold in Prince William County in 2008 compared favorably with the number of homes sold during the same period in 2007.  It does not require a degree in economics to surmise that the probable reason is that the greatest price decline was in Prince William County.  It also suggests that the prices in the other jurisdictions may have to be reduced much further for those jurisdictions to realize improved unit sales. For example, prices for the homes sold in Alexandria increased by 15%, but the number of homes sold decreased by 54% (the highest in Northern Virginia).  Fewer people are receiving more for their home - there is obvious buyer resistence to the increased prices.

Home buyers in Prince William County did not have to sacrifice "quality of life" to benefit from the lower prices.
The communities are newer with

•·         Well planned subdivisions
•·         Underground utilities
•·         Newer schools
•·         Newer infrastructure
•·         Broader range of recreational facilities
•·         More open space
•·         Modern shopping facilities
•·         Excellent commuting options

There are many reasons why the other jurisdictions are and should be attractive to home buyers, but it would appear the homeowners in Prince William County are pricing their homes to sell at a higher rate than the rest of Northern Virginia.

ORDERS to the PENTAGON, FORT BELVOIR or MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO?  There is no more convenient or affordable residential area in Northern Virginia than Prince William County 
We believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.

We know the area thoroughly - we've lived in Northern Virginia for 34 years
We know real estate thoroughly - we've served more than 1500 clients over the past 32 years.
We utilize state of the art technology to maximize our client service.

CONTACT ME for assistance with Prince William County or Northern Virginia real estate.

RELATED SITES

PARKS AND RECREATION

ARE YOU BIENG ASSIGNED TO QUANTICO?

BRIDGES TO AND FROM PW COUNTY

Eastern Prince William area residents are fortunate in that there are both county, state and national parks available for recreation.  Additionally, they are extremely convenient with a minimum amount of travel.  Many of the subdivisions also have their own pools and tennis courts.

                                                        POOLS, FITNESS, SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTERS

Two outdoor pools operated by Prince William County.

WATERWORKS  with pools and slides for all ages - an extremely popular multi-activity pool

VETERANS PARK has a 50 meter pool, community center, skateboard facility and picnic facilities. The community center is available for rental.

Two indoor pools enable people to swim all year long - both are in Woodbridge.

CHINN AQUATICS and FITNESS CENTER has a 40 meter pool, exercise equipment, indoor gymnasium, racquetball and handball courts as well as meeting rooms.  There are many programs available for all ages that are both instructional and recreational.

SHARON BAUCOM DALE CITY RECREATION CENTER has a 25 yard pool, indoor gymnasium, exercise facilities, meeting and training rooms plus T-ball fields and batting practice cages.

                                                                                          GOLF

FOREST GREENS  Located in Dumfries this public course was designed by Hilton Head architect Clyde Johnston and received a 4 star rating by Golf Digest

OLD HICKORY  Located near the County Government Center this membership course is in the River Falls subdivision.

MONTCLAIR COUNTRY CLUB  A membership country club in Dumfries in the Montclair subdivision with a broad range of memberships.

OSPREY'S GOLF CLUB A membership course in the Belmont Bay subdivision east of US1 overlooking the Occoquan River.

LAKE RIDGE PARK A 9 hole public course in the Lake Ridge section of Woodbridge

                                                                                      BASEBALL

G. Richard Pfitzer Stadium located at the County Government Center is the home of the POTOMAC NATIONALS, a Carolina League farm team of the Washington Nationals.

The complex also has ballfields available for use by local baseball leagues.  There are public ballfields throughout the county - see PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PARKS and click on FIND A PARK.

                                                                                       MARINAS

LAKE RIDGE MARINA on the Occoquan Reservoir has facilities for launching small boats (primarily fishing and shells).  Rentals od electric boats, rowboats, canoes and paddle boats are available

LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK has both power boat launching facilities as well as sailboat lifts on the Potomac River.

OCCOQUAN REGIONAL PARK is in Fairfax County just across the Occoquan River on Route 123. The Occoquan River provides access to the Potomac River.

There are numerous commercial marinas along the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers in the immediate area.

                                               FISHING  

LAKE RIDGE PARK on the Occoquan Reservoir has both boat rentals and boat launching ramps,  It is a popular large mouth bass venue.

OCCOQUAN REGIONAL PARK and LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK have both  boat ramps and on shore fishing in both the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers.

LOCUST SHADE PARK has an 8 acre lake stocked with trout.

Check VIRGINIA FISHING REGULATIONS

                                                                               ICE SKATING

The PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ICE RINK on Dale Boulevard in Dale City is operated by SkateQuest fot the county.  It has a 100' X 200' Olympic rink.  A wide variety of skating lessons are offered.

                                                          PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK

Fifteen thousand acres of natural beauty in the middle of suburbia, PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK has miles of bike and hiking trails, fishing lakes, cabin, tent and trailer campgrounds as well as a primitive campsite.  The long history of this site includes construction by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and subsequent use as a training facility for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II.

                                                                             NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS

Opened in 2006 the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS is rapidly becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in the National Capital Area.  Its' interactive displays are amazingly realistic and there is no finer collection of Marine Corps artifacts to be found anywhere.

Area esidents also enjoy the typical "home town" attractions such as seasonal parades, garden clubs, holiday festivities and professional musicians and dancers of the  PRINCE WILLIAM SYNPHONY and MANASSAS BALLET.

ORDERS to the PENTAGON, FORT BELVOIR or MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO?  There is no more convenient or affordable residential area in Northern Virginia than Eastern Prince William County 
We believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.

We know the area thoroughly - we've lived in Northern Virginia for 34 years
We know real estate thoroughly - we've served more than 1500 clients over the past 32 years.
We utilize state of the art technology to maximize our client service.

CONTACT ME for assistance with Eastern Prince William County or Northern Virginia real estate.

Sound  lending guidelines for home purchases were ignored between 1999 and mid-2005 resulting in more than 1.25 million pre-foreclosure letters being sent to homeowners in 2007 - an increase of 79% over 2006.

Lenders are now verifying the prospective borrower's employment, credit worthiness and requiring that the parties have enough residual cash to cover the costs associated with homeownership and other contingencies that may arise.

Now that the traditional underwriting guidelines have been reestablished a lot of care and effort has to be taken to prepare for the home buying process.  Keep the benefits of homeownership in mind when the process seems unnecessarily difficult and you will prevail.

Set a firm budget You need to thoroughly understand where every penny of your money will come from and where every penny is spent.

Save, save and save Keep a very close watch on expenses for dining out, partying, coffee shops, movie rentals and other items that you can do without and not affect your health

Know your credit report Get your credit report, read it and understand it.  If you see items you do not recognize you need to investigate them.  The same is true of errors that you see in the report..  Also, you may need assistance in repairing your credit score as a result of prior credit problems.

Seek help and direction If you do not understand your credit report you should ask for help.  The same is true in setting your goals, seeking help understanding the various loan products and the settlement process..  The more you understand the process the better equipped you will be to make a  sound decision.
Seek out a financial planner, real estate agent or loan officer.  Also consider asking others you trust - family, friends and co-workers.

My husband and I understand the "new" policies thoroughly - they were in place when we became REALTORS in 1976.  We have worked with them successfully throughout our 32 year careers.  The "new" rules are probably strange to agents licensed over the past 7 or 8 years and I suspect many of them will not adapt easily.  None of our clients are or were in danger of losing their home - a record of which we are proud over our long career.

CONTACT ME so we can put our expertise to work for you just as 1500 buyers and sellers have done throughout Northern Virginia.

WHICH CAUSES THE MOST DAMAGE TO A HOME?

If you answered water you are correct.  Water damage results in an estimated $6.8 billion worth of property damage every year..  Many of the water damage claims are the result of appliance and water heater leaks, plumbing leaks or lack of care when using water.

There are a few measures you can take to minimize the possibility of these incidents occurring.

• Check all the window and door seals in your home and replace or caulk as necessary.

•  Inspect your tub and shower for leaking shower doors and replace old and brittle caulk.  Check the sink and toilet - water stains around the toilet may indicate damage to the tank seals.

• In the kitchen, examine the sinks, icemaker, dishwasher  and garbage disposal for leaks.

• Inspect your washing machine hoses checking for sign s of weakness or brittleness.  Replace them with stainless steel reinforced hoses.

• Check the hot water heater for leaks and corrosion.

• Store valuables, keepsakes and other memorabilia not regularly displayed in plastic containers.

 • If your area is subject to freezing make certain you winterize the exterior spigots.

CONSIDER THIS  After 32 years as a Northern Virginia REALTOR® I know the area thoroughly, I know real estate thoroughly and I employ the latest technology.  I've gained that expertise serving more than 1500 buyers and sellers.  CONTACT ME for assistance with real estate in Springfield, Fairfax County and other Northern Virginia locations.