FOTO or Friends Of The Occoquan  is a non-profit volunteer organization of concerned citizens dedicated to help maintain the integrity and viability of the Occoquan River and area watersheds. The Occoquan needs and wants your help on Saturday, October 25, 2008 9:00 AM to Noon Volunteers will meet at and work out of five locations Bull Run Marina -12619 Old Yates Ford Rd., Clifton, VA 20124 - John Rothrock Tel. (703) 887-1124 Fountainhead Park -10875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax Station, VA 22039 - Danielle Wynne Tel. (703) 324-5616 Lake Ridge Marina -12350 Cotton Mill Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 - Renate G. Vanegas Tel. (703) 674-6659 Occoquan Regional Park- 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079 - Alex Vanegas (703) 674-7847 Town of Occoquan - 314 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 22125 - Claudia A. Cruise Te... 10/13/2008

Fall is an exciting time in Lake Ridge.  Due to the spirited attitude of the community there are always a vast array of activities that give residents an opportunity to Enjoy activities that are entertaining such as the FALL FESTIVAL coming on Saturday October 25 Support projects of service orrganizations such as Rotary Club of Lake Ridge by attending a performance by the CAPITAL STEPS November 16,2008 Woodbridge Senior High School 7:00 PM $30.00 per person If you've ever been fortunate enough to visit one of the Capital Steps performances you know they are one very talented group of political satirists -  their fame is worldwide.  You will laugh regardless of your political affiliation. Rotary Club of Lake Ridge is one of thousands of Rotary Clubs around the world that support both loc... 10/13/2008

About River Falls, Woodbridge VA River Falls is a community of upscale homes located off the Prince William County Parkway behind the County Center Complex. Entrance to the subdivision is gained by turning onto Greatbridge Road from the Prince William County Parkway. The homes are sited on lots ranging in size from 1/5 acre to 5 or more acres. Old Hickory Golf Club is the star attraction in River Falls - it is in the center of the subdivision and provides very many golf course lots. It is a membership club with both weekday and full week memberships available. There is a pro shop, of course, and a banquet room that can be rented for private funtions. For more details see Old Hickory COMMUTING Commuter buses to the Pentagon, Washington, DC and the Washington Navy Yard/Bolling AFB are lo... 10/13/2008

If you don't like to miss an opportunity to combine family fun with fall weather then make sure to mark your calendars for the annual Lake Ridge Fall Festival on October 25 from 10 am to 2 pm. A children's costume parade starts at 11 am and there will be activities for all ages as well as a crafts fair to give you the chance to get a head start on your Christams shopping.  Enjoy a moon bounce, Jack O-lantern juding and a mouse hunt as some of the activities. The event is held at the LRPRA office parking lot located at 12350 Oakwood Drive. While you are out don't forget to head to the Lake Ridge Nursery.  Fall is in full swing with fun for the kids including a rope swing, moonbounces and slides, pumpkins and Halloween gourd painting.  Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm the kids can enjoy the p... 10/12/2008

   Lake Ridge is famous for it's number and variety of community events.  One of the more popular is the Fall Festival Saturday October 25 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM LRPRA Office Parking Lot There will be a wide range of activities - something for everyone Moon Bounce (I keep trying to get in without success) Build A Scarecrow (bring your own clothes and supplies) Children's Costume Contest and Parade Jack-O'-Lantern Judging (Your pumpkin must be pre-carved) Vendors will have arts and crafts for sale  My wife and I have lived in Lake Ridge for 26 years.  We chose it because we are realtors (33 years now) and realized that it has features and facilities that make it a lovely home and wise investment  It has a full range of schools, services and activities in the community.  In that respect it re... 10/11/2008

                              Could this be the bottom of the market? We're seeing signs of life...  The statistic's are starting to roll in. Today on  Trulia  they are reporting the current stats for September.  This is wonderful news...so now is no time to sit on the sidelines...if you've one of those folks sitting....waiting for the right time to buy. It's NOW!                  Give me a call...it doesn't cost you a penny to work with a Top Producing Realtor                                                                  Erick and Company 703-590-2252     No. Bedrooms Week endingOct 1 w-o-w     Week endingSep 24 Week endingSep 17 Week endingSep 10 1 bedroom $130,226   -3.7% $135,228 $137,416 $144,981 2 bedrooms $229,342 -1.7% $233,314 $234,040 $231,678 3 bedrooms $202,357 -1.5% $205... 10/10/2008

Woodbridge Virginia Homes For Sale: Another Sign That The Bottom Of The Price Market Has Been Hit Woodbridge homes for sale are selling faster, for top-dollar, as the buyers hop off the fence and swarm the market. Affordable homes priced under $500,000 in good condition are often getting 3,4,7, even 9 offers, with most bidding over the list price. This home was listed for $159,000 and sold to the highest bidder at $175,000.   Bernie And Sarah Outbid On Five Homes We're helping a large group of buyers shop for homes in good condition, at affordable prices.  Bernie and Sarah are moving on to their sixth house, after losing five houses so far to higher bids with multiple offers. The last house on which they bid was listed for $175,000.  They bid $198,000, and were outbid by another buyer o... 10/09/2008

Home Loans For Homes In Woodbridge Virginia Untouched By "Credit Crunch" The nice lady at the Safeway who rang up my groceries today asked about how the credit crunch on Wall Street is impacting home loans. Home loans are plentiful, with low rates, and good terms.  There is plenty of money available when you buy a home in Woodbridge. Credit Market Is Like A Big City Think of the credit market as a large metropolitan area like the Washington/Baltimore region. Now, think of the credit crunch as a huge, long band of thunderstorms that has just swept across the region, from Pennsylvania all the way down to Richmond. Imagine a huge tornado in the storm that demolished Chevy Chase. The rest of the region got pelted with rain and wind, but the storm passed, and all is getting back to normal. W... 10/08/2008

If you are a resident you know the term "rush hour" is an oxymoron.  If you are relocating to the area you must have heard the National Capital Area is in the elite group of "Lousy Commuting Time Cities".  Don't plan an escape across the Potomac - according to local traffic reports Suburban Maryland has a similar problem - no worse, but probably no better. However, there are options that make it more palatable if Prince William County is an area you are considering calling home. A Ford two seater will work just fine if you are driving on I-66 - it is HOV-2 during posted rush hour times.  Try a two person carpool on I-95 and you may be delayed by a chit chat with one of our state troopers because I-95 is HOV-3. It would be wiser and cheaper to leave that classic home and join a VANPOOL  ... 10/07/2008

Old Bridge Estates is a community of both town homes and detached homes - the main entrance is at Old Bridge Road and Smoketown Road which is the main thoroughfare through the subdivision. Its' popularity is due to several factors that are usually at the top of a purchaser's list of requirements. Ease of commuting.  There is a PRTC commuter bus stop at the Festival Shopping Center only 5 minutes from Old Bridge Estates. - there are SLUG LINES within approximately 10 minutes and the VRE Woodbridge railway station is within 20 minutes. Excellent schools such as we have in Prince William County Ample shopping alternatives - there are three neighborhood shopping centers within five minutes - The Festival, The Glen and Lake Ridge Commons. Recreational opportunities. LAKE RIDGE PARK AND MARIN... 10/06/2008

Covenant Presbyterian Church at 5640 Hoadly, Manassas VA 20112 has been at its' present location approximately one year, having moved from a location on US1.  Being a new building it is ideal for musical groups since it has state-of-the-art acoustics and audio system.   The congregation is now home to the BULL RUN TROUBADOURS, a 51 year old organization dedicated to harmony in the old barbershop quartet tradition.  They will be on Mill Street in Occoquan on Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 to 10:00  AM caroling.      Just recently, the OLD BRIDGE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA selected the church as its' new home.  Their season opening concert will be held at the church at 7:30 PM on Saturday, October 11.    If you are considering a move to or within Northern Virginia you should definitely consider P... 10/06/2008

The 2009 concert season is the 10th anniversary of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra.  The musician-run orchestra provides quality entertainment for the community and relies totally on community support and sponsorship - they are available for private functions as well. They have chosen Covenant Presbyterian Church, 5640 Hoadly Road, between The PrinceWilliam County Parkway and Dale Boulevard as their new home  The church, pictured below, is only one year old so the acoustics are state-of-the-art. The season's opening concert will be Saturday, October 11 7:30 PM Covenant Presbyterian 5640 Hoadly Road Manassas 20112 If you are considering a move to or within Northern Virginia you should definitely consider Prince William County if only for our THINGS TO DO  Of course, there are numerous o... 10/06/2008

Woodbridge Virginia real estate sales have been fast and furious this year.  That's right, I said fast and furious. "But Mr. Erick, the news reports say homes aren't selling." As usual, the media is one year behind the curve. In fact, homes are selling all over Prince William County. Here are the numbers As of September 30, there were 3,380 homes actively for sale across Prince William County.  Way down from the 7,000+ that were for sale one year ago. There were 1,652 homes SOLD in September.  Yes, 1,652 homes went under contract in September. Only 992 new listings were added to the market in September.  Only 992 homes were put up for sale in September.   Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.           Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company ... 10/06/2008

It has been an interesting year in Belmont Bay the premier waterfront neighborhood in Prince William County.   Though the current number of sales is tracking close to the 2007 sales numbers of 22 townhouses sold, with the overall changes in market conditions in Prince William County the prices are down in the community. Last year sales prices ranged from $364,000 in the "older" section of the neighborhood closer to the VRE station to $715,000 in the "newer" town center neighborhood close to the marina.  There were 6 townhouses that sold on one street (Vestal) in 2007 where the townhouses all have views of the golf course.  The prices ranged between $405,000-$475,000 and this summer I sold an end unit facing the golf course for $419,000. In 2008 18 townhouses have sold in Belmont Bay.  P... 10/05/2008

It has been my experience over the past 33 years that my clients, both military and civilian, prefer a community report similar to this one about Charlestown that includes Community sales statistics Community information Are information regarding schools, commuting and shopping     BELMONT BAY  TOWN HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   762 Ayrshire Lane 320,000 153 751 Collington Court 339,900 56   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 10/1/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 7 1 NA         Average List Price 414,386 339,900 - 18%         Average Sales Price 404,057 339,900 - 16%         Seller Contribution - 4,214 - 8,500 + 102%         Net Sales Price 399,843 330,500 - 17.4%         Prepared By Art Kruschka   Belmo... 10/05/2008

It has been my experience over the past 33 years that my clients, both military and civilian, prefer a community report similar to this one that includes Community sales statistics Community information and home pictures Commuting,school,shopping and recreational nformation    BELMONT BAY DETACHED HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Currently there are no detached homes for sale   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 10/4/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 3 1 NA         Average List Price 696,617 695,000 0%         Average Sales Price 671,667 633,000 - 5%         Seller Contribution - 3,500 0 0         Net Sales Price 668,167 633,000 - 5%         Prepared Art Kruschka  Belmont Bay is one of 3 communities in eastern Prince William County t... 10/04/2008

The other day one of our clients got an email alert of a new waterfront home in Woodbridge Virginia that appeared in her search criteria.There were no photo's of he house, so I brought along my carmera since her husband could not come along.I typically photograph the homes for our clients and download them into photo albums  and forward to the client, so they can review later in the evening to assist them with processing what they saw. I can show other buyers who may be looking in the same price point just what types of homes are available and why setting up email alerts is so critical. The good homes, the best priced homes go fast! Well we arrive at the home and the minute we walked in. The 180* view of the Potomac River was captivating. We immediately went outside to the rear deck whe... 10/03/2008

Lake Ridge  Nursery and Garden Center makes a very special effort to attract kids.  Very smart since Mom ans Dad or both have to bring them. For years Susan and Donny Gray would install temporary greenhouses in the Spring and dismantle them after Christmas tree sales were over.  All during that time they began acquiring equipment that can only be described as "PlayGround Plus".  They set them up and took them down just as they did their temporary greenhouses.  Several years ago they obtained zoning and planning approval to build a permanent retail center and four greenhouses. We have two nursery companies in Northern Virginia that maintain multiple locations, but none are as good a neighbor as the Grays.  In addition to selling only the finest plants, flowers, garden supp;ies, gifts and... 10/02/2008

I rarely post market reports.  On occasion when an area is on the rise or on a steep decline as the market in Prince William County has been over the last year it is interesting to post a perspective.  The reason I don't post many market reports is because they don't tell the whole story about a community and can often lead to confusion.  As Paul Harvey would say " and now for the rest of the story." A perfect example of how a market report can confuse buyers and sellers is to look at Belmont Bay in Prince William County.   To date in 2008 there have been 19 settled condo transactions in the neighborhood.  Six of those transactions are new construction either in HarborSide or River Club 2 and the other 13 are spread out in the other condo buildings in the neighborhood.Prices have ranged... 10/02/2008

Old Bridge Estates is a community of both town homes and detached homes - the main entrance is at Old Bridge Road and Smoketown Road which is the main thoroughfare through the subdivision. Its' popularity is due to several factors that are usually at the top of a purchaser's list of requirements. Ease of commuting.  There is a PRTC commuter bus stop at the Festival Shopping Center only 5 minutes from Old Bridge Estates. - there are SLUG LINES within approximately 10 minutes and the VRE Woodbridge railway station is within 20 minutes. Excellent schools such as we have in Prince William County Ample shopping alternatives - there are three neighborhood shopping centers within five minutes - The Festival, The Glen and Lake Ridge Commons. Recreational opportunities. LAKE RIDGE PARK AND MARIN... 10/01/2008