Prince William County Real Estate Blog: August 2009

Dumfries, Manassas, Nokesville, Bristow, Haymarket, Gainesville, Centreville, Lake Ridge, Manassas, Occoquan, Quantico, Stafford, Woodbridge, Montclair, Brittany, Dale City, Braemar, Wellington

Speechless Sunday - All Babies Are Cute, Especially This One

Young Donkey

 

There are lots of "babies" at the Prince William County Fair

 

As long time (26 years) residents of Prince William County we have visited the county fair on many occasions.

LAKE RIDGE VIDEO There are photos of homes and interesting scenes of Lake Ridge

To Search For
All Available
Lake Ridge
Homes
Click Here

Lake Ridge

***********************************************

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

16 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 29 2009 03:23PM

Lorton Station, Lorton VA - Detached Homes For Sale and Real Estate Report as of 8/29/2009


Lorton Station is a 300 acre subdivision of 950 newer homes just South of Fort Belvoir. Detached homes and town homes are available.



Lorton Station
Detached Home Market Report
Homes Sold and Settled
Year-To-Date 2009 Vs. Total Year 2008
2008 2009 +/- %
Number of Homes 9 9  
Average List Price 558,728 537,511 -4%
Average Sales Price 544,211 517,278 -5%
Seller Contribution -9,056 -5,828 -36%
Net Sales Price 535,155 511,450 -16%
As of 8/29/2009/2009


TRANSPORTATION

  • Lorton Station is within approximately 15 minutes of the entrance to Fort Belvoir.
  • Additionally, it is only 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.
  • The Lorton entrance to and exit from I-95 is just outside Lorton Station on Lorton Road.
  • On those occasions when you need to go to the Pentagon the VRE Lorton Station is in the community. Take a Northbound train, change to the Metro Blue Line at King Street and go to the Pentagon Station.
  • Commuters to DC will also want to use the VRE at Lorton
  • Fairfax Connector Bus Route 171 provides service to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station for access to every station in the Metrorail system

SCHOOLS

SHOPPING

  • Lorton Station Marketplace - within minutes on Lorton Road
  • Lorton Station Town Center - in the community
  • Gunston Plaza - within minutes on US Route 1

RECREATION

  • Swimming? There are 2 community pools.
  • The 100 acre Joseph Plaskett Park with both hiking and biking trails runs through Lorton Station.
  • Lorton is also home to the Pohick Bay Regional Park with both boat launches, boat storage, camping, cabins and picnic grounds.
  • Pohick Bay Public Course is within 15 minutes if you are not eligible to play Fort Belvoir
  • Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Park are part of a 6,000 acre wetlands management area and is a major bird and wildlife sanctuary - hiking and biking areas are easily accessed.


The Links Below Are Always Connected To The Area Multiple Listing Service
The Listings Are Updated Every Hour


To View Available
Lorton Station Homes
Click Here


To Search For All Available
Lorton
Homes
Click Here

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Northern Virginia

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

2 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 29 2009 02:36PM

Lorton Station, Lorton - Town Homes For Sale and Real Estate Report as of 8/29/2009


Lorton Station is a 300 acre subdivision of 950 newer homes just South of Fort Belvoir. Detached homes and town homes are available.



Lorton Station
Town Home Market Report
Homes Sold and Settled
Year-To-Date 2009 Vs. Total Year 2008
2008 2009 +/- %
Number of Homes 20 12
Average List Price 404,270 367,417 -9%
Average Sales Price 400,096 359,492 -10%
Seller Contribution 6,978 -5,697 -18%
Net Sales Price 393,118 353,795 -10%
As of 8/29/2009/2009


TRANSPORTATION

  • Lorton Station is within approximately 15 minutes of the entrance to Fort Belvoir.
  • Additionally, it is only 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.
  • The Lorton entrance to and exit from I-95 is just outside Lorton Station on Lorton Road.
  • On those occasions when you need to go to the Pentagon the VRE Lorton Station is in the community. Take a Northbound train, change to the Metro Blue Line at King Street and go to the Pentagon Station.
  • Commuters to DC will also want to use the VRE at Lorton
  • Fairfax Connector Bus Route 171 provides service to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station for access to every station in the Metrorail system

SCHOOLS

SHOPPING

  • Lorton Station Marketplace - within minutes on Lorton Road
  • Lorton Station Town Center - in the community
  • Gunston Plaza - within minutes on US Route 1

RECREATION

  • Swimming? There are 2 community pools.
  • The 100 acre Joseph Plaskett Park with both hiking and biking trails runs through Lorton Station.
  • Lorton is also home to the Pohick Bay Regional Park with both boat launches, boat storage, camping, cabins and picnic grounds.
  • Pohick Bay Public Course is within 15 minutes if you are not eligible to play Fort Belvoir
  • Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Park are part of a 6,000 acre wetlands management area and is a major bird and wildlife sanctuary - hiking and biking areas are easily accessed.


The Links Below Are Always Connected To The Area Multiple Listing Service
The Listings Are Updated Every Hour


To View Available
Lorton Station Homes
Click Here


To Search For All Available
Lorton
Homes
Click Here

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

3 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 29 2009 02:26PM

International Fashions, Handcrafted Jewelry, Accessories, Knits Woodbridge VA

Jewel Stonz International Fashions, Handcrafted Jewelry, Accessories, Knits Woodbridge VA

From the moment you walk through the door of Jewel Stonz, 310 D Mill St, Occoquan you realize you are about to embark on a unique shopping experience unlike any other in Woodbridge or eastern Prince William County.    Owner and designer Nathalie Omar has created a warm, but very professional atmosphere befitting her merchandise which includes.

  • International fashions made from hand woven Moroccan fabric
  • Bali fashions that come in a wide array of vibrant prints and solids
  • Handcrafted accessories including belts and scarfs from both Bali and Morocco
  • Handcrafted jewelry designed and made by Nathalie as well as handmade jewelry by other artisans

The unique nature of the international fashions explains why the store has been so well received by its' Woodbridge, Prince William County and Northern Virginia clientele.  Most styles can be worn casually, to work and to supplement your curent wardrobe.  The mix n' match possibilities are virtually endless.

Handcrafted international jewelry and accessories Woodbridge VA

Other international fashions include a wide variety of hand-crafted knit and crochet wraps, scarves, ponchos and dresses that are simply works of art.  Each fashion and accessory item is one-of-a-kind making it your unique fashion piece.  The various prints and colors of both international fashion lines are changed every year and not repeated.

Photos of Jewel Stonz and the international fashions and accessories in Woodbridge VA

 

JEWEL STONZ
International Fashions and Accessories
Handcrafted Jewelry
310 D Mill Street
Occoquan VA 22125
(703) 490-1192
Saturday 11 am to 6 pm
Sunday 12 Noon to 5
Private appointments available
JEWEL STONZ


Just as Nathalie of Jewel Stonz is an expert in the international fashions and accessories field the Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the Woodbridge area. We invite you to try our


NO REGISTRATION WOODBRIDGE HOME FINDER

and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

 

9 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 28 2009 11:58AM

Do You Take The Garbage Out?

Neither Arthur nor I are "photographers".  However, we do want to put our client's best foot forward when we enter photos in MLS or on the internet.

It is not unusual for us to snap away, get home and realize there are unwanted items in the photos such as

  • Garbage cans
  • Hoses laying on the lawn
  • Hoses on a hanger
  • Kids bikes
  • etc, etc.

We do edit out the "garbage"  For example, the top photo was taken recently at the Prince William County Fair.  There is both a bag of garbage and garbage can alongside the vendor's trailer.  As you can see in the photo below they were removed.  This is how we would treat "undesireables" in the photo of a home either inside or out

Photo editing examples

WE DO NOT

  • Alter landscaping
  • Delete high tension wires, etc
  • Modify the home or any other structure

We have all seen photos in the MLS and on the internet that were taken and used without cosmetic treatment.  Arthur and I believe we have a responsibility to our client to present their home as attractively as possible without being dishonest

How do you handle these situations

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

11 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 27 2009 04:40PM

Wordless Wednesday - Here A Stitch, There A Stitch

Quilts at Prince William County VA Fair

Fortunately for those of us in Prince William County there are very active "quilters" competing at the Prince William County Fair

As long time (26 years) residents of Prince William County we have visited the county fair on many occasions. As Lake Ridge residents we have used our personal familiarity with the community to develop the All About Lake Ridge website below that includes comprehensive information about commuting, schools, shopping and recreation. There is also a dedicated connection to our local MLS that shows all currently available Lake Ridge Homes and provides the ability to search for homes beyond Lake Ridge without registration.



LAKE RIDGE VIDEO There are photos of homes and interesting scenes of Lake Ridge

To Search For
All Available
Lake Ridge
Homes
Click Here

Lake Ridge

***********************************************

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

8 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 26 2009 05:32AM

Lorton Station - Minutes to Fort Belvoir - Bus and Train Service In The Community

 

Lorton Station Entrance

 

 

Lorton Station is a 300 acre subdivision of 950 newer homes just South of Fort Belvoir. Detached homes and town homes are available.

TRANSPORTATION

  • Lorton Station is within approximately 15 minutes of the entrance to Fort Belvoir.
  • Additionally, it is only 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.
  • The Lorton entrance to and exit from I-95 is just outside Lorton Station on Lorton Road.
  • On those occasions when you need to go to the Pentagon the VRE Lorton Station is in the community. Take a Northbound train, change to the Metro Blue Line at King Street and go to the Pentagon Station.
  • Commuters to DC will also want to use the VRE at Lorton
  • Fairfax Connector Bus Route 171 provides service to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail Station for access to every station in the Metrorail system

SCHOOLS

SHOPPING

  • Lorton Station Marketplace - within minutes on Lorton Road
  • Lorton Station Town Center - in the community
  • Gunston Plaza - within minutes on US Route 1

RECREATION

  • Swimming? There are 2 community pools.
  • The 100 acre Joseph Plaskett Park with both hiking and biking trails runs through Lorton Station.
  • Lorton is also home to the Pohick Bay Regional Park with both boat launches, boat storage, camping, cabins and picnic grounds.
  • Pohick Bay Public Course is within 15 minutes if you are not eligible to play Fort Belvoir
  • Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Park are part of a 6,000 acre wetlands management area and is a major bird and wildlife sanctuary - hiking and biking areas are easily accessed.

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Lorton Station and Northern Virgimia.

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

0 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 25 2009 04:51PM

You Know You're "Down Country" When -------

Prince William County Fair Country Band Photo

  • The band is playing in front of a milking station
  • At least one band member is wearing a "Hawaii-ity" shirt
  • There is a 5-string banjo in the group
  • Several people in the audience are wearing overalls
  • There's a lot of foot stompin'
  • You can understand the lyrics
  • It's OK to dance even if you're wearing overalls


As long time (26 years) residents of Prince William County we have visited the county fair on many occasions. As Lake Ridge residents we have used our personal familiarity with the community to develop the All About Lake Ridge website below that includes comprehensive information about commuting, schools, shopping and recreation. There is also a dedicated connection to our local MLS that shows all currently available Lake Ridge Homes and provides the ability to search for homes beyond Lake Ridge without registration.



LAKE RIDGE VIDEO There are photos of homes and interesting scenes of Lake Ridge

To Search For
All Available
Lake Ridge
Homes
Click Here

Lake Ridge

***********************************************

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

26 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 24 2009 09:58AM

First Time Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Steps 1 to 5

Home and Contract Photo

 

First Time Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Introduction

Outlines the 6 steps in the home buying process that will be explained in detail in subsequent posts. They are required of all home purchasers, not just first time home buyers.

Step 1 Select A Realtor

Step 2 Loan Application and Approval

Step 3 Tour of Homes

Step 4 Prepare A Purchase Offer

 

 

" STEP #5 of 6"

THE HOME INSPECTION AND DOCUMENT REVIEW

 

INSPECTIONS

An inspection by a professional home inspector is a very important aspect of a home purchase. The contract will specify which types of inspections you plan to have made.

The home inspection is the most commonly requested.

  • It is designed to check the performance of the operating systems – appliances, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning.
  • Additionally, the inspector will inspect the structure, foundation, roofing and grading to determine if any of these items are of minor or major concern.
  • The inspector will also point out preventive maintenance items that every homeowner should know about.
I recommend your inspector be a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors and will give you the name and telephone number of several member firms to call.

The inspector will provide you with a written report at the conclusion of the inspection.

The report will be the basis for an amendment requesting the seller to make certain repairs. It is a negotiating process similar to the purchase offer. One exception is that the seller is required to repair or replace, as necessary, any items that the contract requires to be in working order, such as plumbing, electrical, appliances, heating and air conditioning.

  • Radon inspections are designed to measure the level of radon gas, if any, in the home.
  • Lead based paint inspections can be required on homes built prior to 1978 when lead paint ceased to be manufactured.
  • Well and septic inspections are a contract requirement if the home is served by either or both of these type systems. The water must be potable and the septic system must be sized in accordance with the number of legal bedrooms in the home.
DOCUMENT REVIEW

Virginia law requires that you be given an opportunity to receive and review home owner or condominium association documents within specified time periods There is a three day rescission period after receiving them.


Once these items have been resolved the contract is non-contingent and your loan will be underwritten for final loan approval.

Once final loan approval is obtained we will be ready for PRE-SETTLEMENT WALKTHROUGH AND SETTLEMENT will be discussed in STEP 6


Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

2 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 24 2009 09:15AM

Speechless Sundays - Phew, That Was Close!

 

Lorton VA Fixer Upper Photos

 

 

  • I first snapped a photo of this old Lorton home/general store/service station/newspaper plant in 2007. It had been occupied until a year before - as you can see it was in extremely poor condition.
  • The photo at the lower left was taken in 2008 as renovations started.
  • Last week I drove through Lorton again and snapped the photo at the lower right.

The interesting aspect is that it is at the intersection of two well traveled Lorton roads - I would have thought it would be restored commercially, but I'll keep checking to see what happens.

 

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

28 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 23 2009 03:29PM

Custom Detached Home Montclair Country Club, Prince William County, Dumfries VA

Detached Home Montclair Dumfries VA Front Door

 

15318 IRIS LANE

MONTCLAIR COUNTRY CLUB

Dumfries  VA 22025 

$285,000

 

4 Bedrooms (ONE IS A FIRST FLOOR BEDROOM)

2.5 Bathrooms 

Built 1988

10,772 Square Foot Lot

2,019 Square Feet Finished Living Space

 

From the moment you enter the welcoming red front door of this custom built Cape Cod you can sense the warmth and love added by the original owners.  The home has had the finest of care and will bring years of uninterrupted enjoyment to the new owners.  Some of the touches usually found only in a custom home include true French doors from the rec room to the rear deck, full walk-in bay window in the dining room, walk-in pantry and window seats in the bedroom dormers

Winter Scene in Montclair Dumfries VA Home

SPECIAL FEATURES

  • One of four bedrooms is on the first floor
  • Cul-de-sac location
  • 2-car end-loading garage
  • Double pane windows
  • Privacy landscaping
  • Walk-in dining room bay window
  • Concrete driveway and walkways

TRANSPORTATION

SCHOOLS

SHOPPING

  • Lake Montclair Center (Approximately 10 minutes)
  • Fortuna Shopping Center (Approximately 10 minutes)
  • Potomac Mills Mall (Approximately 15 minutes)
  • Springfield Mall (Approximately 25 minutes) 

Montclair Country Club Dumfries VA Lake and Golf Course

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

34 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 22 2009 05:52PM

Inlet Cove - Beautiful Homes Just Minutes From Fort Belvoir

Inlet Cove Lorton VA Entry Sign

 

Strange as it may seem the postal address of Inlet Cove is Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060. It is just 1 mile south of the main gate of Fort Belvoir between the Fairfax County Parkway and Telegraph Road and abuts the southwestern section of Fort Belvoir.

Community Features

  • It is a 40 acre planned community with 148 detached homes and 108 town homes.
  • There is a pool, clubhouse, tot lot, playground and interconnecting walkways in the community.
  • When you pull out of the subdivision onto the Richmond Highway you are literally looking at the trees of the southern section of Fort Belvoir. The trees of the post are on your left and right as you drive north.
  • If you are active duty or retired the Fort Belvoir Commissary is within 10 minutes
  • The Gunston Plaza Shopping is less than 10 minutes south.
  • For real serious shopping Springfield Mall is only 15 minutes away.

Recreation

Commuting

  • Fort Belvoir - it's less than 10 minutes to the Pence Gate
  • Virginia Railway Express - the Lorton Station is less than 10 minutes to the south of Inlet Cove with service to Washington, DC
  • Fairfax County Connector Bus Route 171 (at the VRE Lorton Station) service to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for service to the Pentagon and Washington, DC

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Northern Virginia

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

0 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 21 2009 03:11PM

First Time Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Steps 1 to 4

Home and Contract Photo

 

First Time Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Introduction

Outlines the 6 steps in the home buying process that will be explained in detail in subsequent posts. They are required of all home purchasers, not just first time home buyers.

Step 1 Select A Realtor

Step 2 Loan Application and Approval

Step 3 Tour of Homes

 

 

" STEP 4 of 6 "

PREPARE A PURCHASE OFFER

 

 

HOW MUCH TO OFFER?

I will search our MLS to find statistics that will assist you in determining an offering price. The available information will include:

  • Comparison of comparable homes for sale in the immediate area that will include their price, condition, time on the market and any seller incentives.
  • Comparison of recent sales of comparable homes in the area that will include the above information plus the sales price and any seller incentives.
The offer should take the above into consideration and we will discuss it in detail before we write a sales contract. The contract will include:
  • The offer price
  • Legal description
  • Financing terms
  • Items that will convey
  • Settlement date
  • Any seller concessions requested
  •  Contingencies, home inspections and home owner association documents if applicable.
An earnest money check must accompany the contract as “consideration”. That check will be held in the Long and Foster escrow account until settlement and will then be credited to the funds you will be required to bring to settlement.

Your offer will be presented to the seller as quickly as possible. The seller has three options.
The seller can:
  • Accept the contract as written
  • Make a counter-offer
  • Reject the offer
You then have the option of
  • Accepting any counter-offer,
  • Making a counter-offer back to the seller or
  • Doing nothing at all.

It is not unusual for a contract to be countered one or more times until the seller and you come to agreement on the final terms.

Once your offer is signed by all parties you have a Contingent Contract and we are ready to PERFORM INSPECTIONS AND DOCUMENT REVIEW. This aspect will be covered in Step #5

 

 

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

2 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 21 2009 12:07PM

Slow Down Mother - It's A School Speed Zone

School Speed Sign

 

 

 

We live within 1/2 mile of a Lake Ridge elementary school, middle school and senior high school.  There are school speed signs, crossing guards and traffic lights all over the place. It never ceases to amaze me when I see a car speeding through the school zone and the driver is a young mother with a youngster strapped in a car seat.  Those are the times I wish there was a police officer with a radar gun sitting in the driveway.  One has to wonder what her attitude will be when her child is in school and some fool is highballing through a school zone.

Fortunately, the vast majority of us understand the purpose of the law and respect it. However, school will be opening in a week and we need to be extremely cautious.

Similarly, we have all seen drivers pass a school bus when the stop signals are flashing.  At least the bus driver can record the tag number and report it.

 

 

Photo of School Bus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have used our personal familiarity with the community to develop the All About Lake Ridge website below that includes comprehensive information about commuting, schools, shopping and recreation. There is also a dedicated connection to our local MLS that shows all currently available Lake Ridge Homes and provides the ability to search for homes beyond Lake Ridge without registration.





LAKE RIDGE VIDEO There are photos of homes and interesting scenes of Lake Ridge

To Search For
All Available
Lake Ridge
Homes
Click Here

Lake Ridge

***********************************************

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

12 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 20 2009 07:10PM

Wordless Wednesday - Just A Couple Of Virginia "Good Ol' Boys"

Old Tractors at Prince William County Fair VA



We have lived in Prince William County for 26 years and enjoy all the county has to offer in the way of recreation - the Prince William County Fair is one of our favorites. Since we live in Lake Ridge we have used our personal familiarity with the community to develop the All About Lake Ridge website below that includes comprehensive information about commuting, schools, shopping and recreation. There is also a dedicated connection to our local MLS that shows all currently available Lake Ridge Homes and provides the ability to search for homes beyond Lake Ridge without registration.




LAKE RIDGE VIDEO There are photos of homes and interesting scenes of Lake Ridge

To Search For
All Available
Lake Ridge
Homes
Click Here

Lake Ridge

***********************************************

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

24 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 19 2009 12:55PM

Distinctive and Professional Woodbridge VA Auto Body Collision Repair Shop

Lobby of Professional Collision Auto Body Repair Shop Woodbridge VA

 

When you open the door at Professional Collision Centers, 14132 Jefferson Davis Highway Woodbridge VA 703-494-2464 you might be inclined to think you are in the lobby of a fine hotel instead of the lobby of an automobile collision and body repair center. There is no question it sets the tone for the quality of collision repair service your car is about to receive. As the following pictures show the body repair facility is equally well organized and maintained - it is unlike any body repair shop I have seen. The shop floor actually shines!!

The firm opened for business in Lorton in 1976, moved to a Telegraph Road location in Woodbridge in 1986 and to its' present location in 1999. A second location at 525 Garrisonville Road in Stafford opened recently.

 

Woodbridge VA Auto Body Repair Shop Photos

 

Ever heard of a Direct Repair Program? Professional Collision Centers will contact your insurance company, prepare and submit the repair estimate and receive the authorization to complete the repairs to your car saving you both time and money. Only the finest, most reputable auto body repair shops can provide this convenience. After all, Professional Collision Centers repairs approximately 5,000 automobiles annually. Insurance companies recognize and respect their professionalism.

Both locations are open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday.

See Professional Collision Centers,

for additional information and to learn more about their various services including Paintless Dent Removal.

Overall Woodbridge VA repair shop photos

Professional Collision Centers Logo

 

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The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

2 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 19 2009 12:48PM

Wordless Wednesday - My New Best Friend

Goat at Prince William County VA Fair

 

We have lived in Prince William County for 26 years and enjoy all the county has to offer in the way of recreation - the Prince William County Fair is one of our favorites. Since we live in Lake Ridge we have used our personal familiarity with the community to develop the All About Lake Ridge website below that includes comprehensive information about commuting, schools, shopping and recreation. There is also a dedicated connection to our local MLS that shows all currently available Lake Ridge Homes and provides the ability to search for homes beyond Lake Ridge without registration.

 

LAKE RIDGE VIDEO There are photos of homes and interesting scenes of Lake Ridge

To Search For
All Available
Lake Ridge
Homes
Click Here

Lake Ridge

***********************************************

The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

18 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 19 2009 10:19AM

First Time Home Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Steps 1 to 3 of 6

Karen Kruschka Showing Homes

  

 

First Time Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Introduction

Outlines the 6 steps in the home buying process that will be explained in detail in subsequent posts. They are required of all home purchasers, not just first time home buyers.

Step 1 Select A Realtor

Step 2 Loan Application and Approval

 

 

" STEP 3 OF 6 "

                                         TOUR OF HOMES

At this point you and I know how much you plan to invest in a home. Additionally, we know what it is you need and want in a home and where you would prefer the home to be located. It is now time for me to search our Multiple Listing Service to find a selection of homes that match the criteria that we have established. We also will include any homes that you found searching on my website. I will select a sampling of homes for your first tour that will familiarize you with:

  • various areas
  • styles of homes in each of the areas
  • familiarize me with your reaction to both of the above

As we are viewing homes, I will provide you with a copy of each home listing with photo for you to make notes. I will appreciate your comments about the homes as we visit them. The more information I have, the better I will be able to plan our next tour At the end of the first day, we will both have a good idea as to where you want to live and what, if any, changes you care to make in your parameters.

Our subsequent tour will enable me to develop one or more “prospects” for you to call your new home.

We are now ready to PREPARE AN OFFER in Woodbridge, Dumfries, Manassas and other areas of Prince William County. This process will be covered in Step #4. In the meantime you may search for any newly listed homes on our

WOODBRIDGE, DUMFRIES, MANASSAS AND PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY HOME FINDER

 and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

2 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 19 2009 07:03AM

Prince William County VA Fair - It's All About The Color!!

Prince William County Fair Ad

 

 

The Prince William County Fair is both the largest and most visited county fair in Virginia.  It's open from August 14 to August 22, 2009.  It's a great place to

  • See farm animals
  • Enjoy arts and craft displays
  • Watch and listen to an everchanging array of entertainment
  • Enjoy both child and adult midway rides and games
  • Eat all of the foods that are the staple of a county fair

 

 

 

And yes, it is COLORFUL

 

Prince William County Fair Collage

 

***********************************************
The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

NO REGISTRATION NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER


Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

2 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 18 2009 03:24PM

First Time Home Buyer's Guide Prince William County, VA - Step 1 and 2 of 6

Woodbridge VA Bank


 

First Time Buyer's Guide Prince William County VA - Introduction

Outlines the 6 steps in the home buying process that will be explained in detail in subsequent posts. They are required of all home purchasers, not just first time home buyers.

 

Step 1 Select A Realtor

 

 

 

" STEP 2 OF 6 "

 

LOAN APPLICATION AND APPROVAL

Details the importance of loan approval if you are purchasing your first home in Woodbridge, Dumfries, Manassas or any other Prince William County VA location.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

While purchasing a home is an exciting prospect and part of the “American Dream”, it is important for you and your mortgage lender to know exactly how much you can afford to spend. There are two primary reasons for this:

  • You want enough money to live comfortably and not be “house poor”
  • The mortgage lender is interested in earning interest on the loan – not putting you in difficult circumstances.

When you speak with a loan officer he/she will discuss the various loan options with you and advise which options best suit your needs.

There are far too many loan packages available for me to include them in this booklet. Additionally, their features and requirements change frequently.

A loan officer will need to know how much cash you will have available to apply to a down payment and loan closing costs. Obviously, this is an integral part of the qualifying process and will affect both the purchase price and the loan amount for which you qualify.

You will be asked to provide documentation about the following financial items.

  • Your annual income or self-employment income for the past two years.
  •  Other income such as alimony, child support, rental or investment income.
  • Amount of debt for autos, mortgages, student loans, credit cards, alimony, child support, etc. You will need to provide the amount of the monthly payment.
  • You will be asked where you have lived for the past two years. The above information is for pre-qualification purposes.

YOU SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE LOAN OFFICER TO HAVE A CREDIT CHECK PERFORMED UNTIL YOU HAVE SELECTED A MORTGAGE LENDER. FREQUENT CREDIT CHECKS WILL LOWER YOUR CREDIT SCORE.

 

WHAT THE LOAN OFFICER YOU SELECT WILL NEED

  • Address and telephone number of current employer.
  • Pay stubs covering the most recent 30 day period for all applicants and all jobs.
  • Copy of W2 forms for all applicants for the past two years.
  • Copy of complete and signed Federal tax return for the last two years if you have any source of income other than salaried employment, i.e. rental income, commissions, alimony, child support or self-employment income.
  • Complete bank statements for all accounts (checking, savings, CDs, money markets, credit unions, 401Ks) covering the most recent three month period.
  • Title for any car which is owned free and clear.
  • Addresses of your residences covering the last two year period and provide the name, address, and telephone number of the landlord if you were a renter.
  • Name, address and account numbers for any of the following indebtedness - mortgages - installment debt - auto loans - credit cards with outstanding balances and the amount of the minimum payment plus an estimate of the remaining balance
  • If you pay or receive alimony or child support, a copy of the separation or divorce agreement will be required
  • Your existing home will need to be sold or rented
  • You will need a check for credit report and appraisal
  • You will need to provide a copy of your orders if you are in the military

 

PRELIMINARY LOAN APPROVAL

As soon as all of the above information has been verified, the loan package will be submitted for a computer generated pre-approval. Full loan approval, generally, is not granted until settlement is about to occur as the lender will need to verify

  • The home has appraised for the purchase price and
  • There has been no deterioration in your financial situation since you made loan application.

Under recent federal regulations the definition of first time home buyer has changed.  If you owned property previously you will need to meet specific time constraint criteria which your lender will discuss with you.

 

We are now ready to TOUR HOMES in Woodbridge, Dumfries, Manassas and other areas of Prince William County.  This process will be covered in Step #3.  In the meantime you may search for homes on our

 

NO REGISTRATION WOODBRIDGE, DUMFRIES, MANASSAS AND PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY HOME FINDER

 

and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Karen Kruschka Business Card

 

6 comments • Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service • August 17 2009 09:37AM