Prince William County Real Estate Blog: September 2009

Whenever I go on a pre-listing presentation I ask the homeowner if they have any seasonal photos of the home I may use on the internet, in our MLS and in my "dining room table" packet

Of course they do, they are proud to show them to me and it puts me a step ahead of other agents they interview.  I always bring an example of how my packet has photos of

• Snow on the ground in August or
  
• Roses blooming in January or
  
• Daffodils in December or
  
• Fall leaves in May

Only relatively important?  Maybe yes, maybe no, but

• The homeowner knows I have an innovative marketing approach
• The person viewing has a broader perspective than they might have received in other homes

For example, I listed a home this summer and my internet post had winter scenes in the post and YouTube show.  See Iris Lane, Dumfries VA

The pictures below were used in AUGUST

Local posts are an important part of our blogging strategy. We believe the maps we develop for each subdivision we promote is one reason for our local blogs are so effective.

The most important feature of the process is to make a map with the basic information stored. Once you are "there" it is easy to "drop in" information for a specific map.

First, I purchase state maps with editable counties in PowerPoint format from BJDesign. There are many firms offering editable maps, but Bruce Jones was most helpful in showing me how to use the maps.

Second, I open the blank map in Power Point and using formatting tools I

• color the map,
• add basic highways coloring them to suit my preference,  

The map below is my Prince William County "master" that was created using PowerPoint tools found in SHAPES. It is stored in PowerPoint format so I can add or delete features as necessary.

• The blue ouside the map represents the two rivers that border the county - the shape would overlay the map, but it is stored behind the map.
• All of the highways and roads were drawn using Shapes found in Format - they roughly conform to the layout of primary roads. Remember, these are not Google Maps - they are nothing more than relative place locators.
• The primary road names and state highway numbers were inserted using Text boxes.
• Note Some of the highway lines do not meet - they will be covered when I add logos - I'm something less than an artist

Third, I install

• logos and graphics as necessary
• Star locator, line and text box to show the general subdivision location
  
• my "business card" which was created in PowerPoint
• Note the logos cover those areas where my lines didn't meet

Fourth, I now

• Save as "Name" in PDF format.
• As soon as it appears on the screen I Save As "Name" in JPG format to the folder of my choice which in my case is MAPS

Fifth, I open the map in Picnik for cropping and resizing (Adobe PhotoShop features are overkill for these simple "pictures")

• "Crop" the map leaving a slight border so that text in the blog does not run right up to the map
• "Resize - I use 600 wide so it does not have blog text run up the side of the in the post
• "Sharpen" until the text becomes legible - downsizing a JPEG blurs text just as enlarging it does.
• Save the map and it is ready for your community profiles, market reports, etc

Jazz is a music genre particularly loved by Americans, but other cultures have adapted their themes to include jazz. Cuba has combined African and Cuban influences to introduce a brand of jazz now being enjoyed beyond Cuba's borders.

The Prince William County Library System will continue its' Fall series of jazz concerts with a concert of Afro-Cuban jazz being performed by local artists. Remember, all library activities are provided free of charge.

Twin Oaks is a smaller subdivision of detached homes on large lots conveniently located on Minnieville Road between Smoketown and Old Bridge Roads.

Commuting (Twin Oaks is in an ideal location for ease of commuting)

• Tacketts Mill Commuter Parking Lot is less than 10 minutes
• Commuter buses from Tacketts Mill operate to the PENTAGON and WASHINGTON, DC
• SLUG LINES are also available at the Tacketts Mill Lot
• About 15 to 20 minutes to the VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS WOODBRIDGE STATION
• MCB QUANTICO is approximately 20 minutes south against the traffic flow on I-95
• FORT BELVOIR is approximately a 25 minute drive during rush hour

Schools and Library

• Old Bridge Elementary approximately 10 minutes
• Woodbridge Middle approximately 15 minutes
• Gar-Field High approximately 10 minutes
• See Prince William County Public Schools for more detailed information
• Chinn Regional Library less than 10 minutes
• Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library in the Fairfield Office Park at Tacketts Mill

Shopping

• The Glen Shopping Center is approximately 10 minutes
• Tacketts Mill is less than 10 minutes
• The Festive At Old Bridge is approximately 10 minutes
• Lake Ridge Commons is approximately 10 minutes

Community

• Underground Utilities
• Large lots
• Beautifully maintained community

Recreation

• Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center with year round pool, exercise facilities, racquetball courts and meeting room is approximately 10 minutes
• Leesylvania State Park with boat launch to the Potomac, picnic facilities and educational programs is less than 30 minutes
• Prince William Forest Park with 37 mikes of hiking trails, 21 miles of bicycle accessible roads, cabin and tent camping is less than 30 minutes
• There is a bicycle and jogging path along the Prince William Parkway
• Lake Ridge Park and Marina with boat launch to the Occoquan Reservoir, 9-hole golf course, miniature golf and picnic facilities is approximately 15 minutes
• Occoquan Regional Park with boat launch to the Occoquan River, summer boat storage,ball fields and picnic areas is approximately 15 minutes
• Old Hickory Golf Club approximately 10 minutes

Jazz is a music genre particularly loved by Americans and one of the masters of our jazz traditions is Benny Goodman. His big band era style of music has been enjoyed by millions around the globe.

The Prince William County Library System will continue its' Fall series of jazz concerts with a concert dedicated to the music of Benny Goodman being performed by local artists. Remember, all library activities are provided free of charge.

Montclair is one of the most popular residential subdivisions in Prince William County and Northern Virginia.

It is, as the community's website says, "When you recall your hometown, you are bound to think of tree-lined streets, blooming flowers, ample yards, parks for playing and friendly neighbors. For the nostalgic feeling that brings you home, there is no place like the Prince William County neighborhood of Montclair."

• Montclair was established in 1968.
• There are approximately 3,800 homes surrounding a 108 acre lake, with a broad central boulevard separated by exquisite flowering trees, attractive landscaping and bordered by wide sidewalks perfect for walking, jogging or cycling.
• Another major attraction is the Montclair Golf Tennis and Swim Club. The clubhouse has an excellent dining room and is available for private parties and receptions.
• Dolphin Beach on the lake is the scene of many community events.

Commuting

• Commuter bus service to the Pentagon and Washington, DC operates within Montclair
• There is a major SLUG LINE at the Route 234 and US1 VDOT Parking Lot with routes to the Pentagon and numerous DC locations.
• The VRE RIPPON STATION is approximately 2o minutes - you can transfer to Metrorail at the Franconia-Springfield Station
• MCB Quantico is approximately 20 minutes

• Fort Belvoir is approximately 45 minutes during rush hour

Schools

• Due to its' size Montclair will attend one of several elementaru schools located in Montclair. It will be best to locate a shool by specific address using the Prince William School Locator
• Dumfries Neighborhood Library is approximately 10 minutes
• Chinn Regional Library is approximately 20 minutes

Shopping

• Lake Montclair Center is in the community
• The Fortuna Center for excellent neighborhood shopping is just east of Montclair on Route 234 It features a Shopper's Target and the usual contingent of specialty shops.

•· There are numerous neighborhood shopping centers within 15 to 20 minutes on US Route 1 as well as in Dale City and Lake Montclair Plaza

Recreation

• Dale City Rec Center is approximately 15 minutes away on Minnieville Road with year round pool, fitness center and other recreational activities including an outdoor baseball batting cage.
• Water Works Waterpark is approximately 20 minutes on Dale Boulevard in Dale City
• Prince William Indoor Ice Rink is also located on Dale Boulevard about 20 minutes away
• Prince William Forest Park with 37 mikes of hiking trails, 21 miles of bicycle accessible roads, cabin and tent camping is less than 20 minutes
• Leesylvania State Park with boat launch to the Potomac, picnic facilities and educational programs is approximately 20 minutes
• Lake Ridge Park and Marina with boat launch to the Occoquan Reservoir, 9-hole golf course, miniature golf and picnic facilities is approximately 15 minutes
• Old Hickory Golf Club is approximately 25 minutes
• Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center with year round pool, exercise facilities, racquetball courts and meeting room is approximately 10 to 15 minutes
• Locust Shade Park is approximately 15 minutes