Negotiating The Purchase Of A $450,000 Luxury Executive Home South Of Woodbridge Virginia I am helping a lively young couple purchase a lovely Woodbridge Virginia home with 4,000+ square feet, on a 3/4 acre wooded lot, in a sought-after community, for less than $450,000. The homes has a long list of luxury features... 3-car garage, wood floors upstairs and downstairs, private baths for each bedroom, granite and stainless steel kitchen, sunroom, 2-story family room, multi-layer mouldings, and on and on...    Features You Expect in $700,000 Homes For $450,000 Three and four years ago, homes in this particular neighborhood sold new for $700,000 and more. The market corrected 2005-2007.  We passed the "bottom of the market" somewhere between November 2007 and March 2008.  How can I say that... 08/19/2008

  The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the "Commodores," will present the finest in America's truly original music at the Leesylvania State Park Marina on Saturday 8/23/2008 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Since their founding in 1969, the Commodores have become one of the most acclaimed jazz ensembles in the country. Many jazz legends have appeared with the group, including Ray Charles. They trace their roots to the era before World War II, when Navy Band members with jazz experience formed dance bands and rehearsed on an as-needed basis for specific occasions. In January 1969, the "Dance Band" officially became the "Commodores" jazz ensemble. Their performances are high-energy affairs that not only pay tribute to the legendary big bands of yesterday, but also feature original compositions by memb... 08/19/2008

Recently, I did a post WHEN DID MONTCLAIR BECOME A PART OF MCB QUANTICO?  because Montclair is extremely close to the base.  Then I started to reflect - there are approximately 40,000 homes within a maximum of 30 minutes to Quantico.  The 3 largest subdivisions are   DALE CITY, MONTCLAIR and LAKE RIDGE.  There are numerous others - Twin Oaks, Winding Creek, Ashland, Hunter's Ridge, Port Potomac, River Falls, County Center, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates to name just a few. They can all be reviewed at EASTERN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY HOME TOUR  There are 19 subdivisions reviewed as well as shopping, recreation, schools and commuting.  Not only are we popular with MCB Quantico Marines, but members of all branches of the military as well as civilians commuting toFort Belvoir, pentagon, Alexand... 08/19/2008

   That looks like any other 4 lane road in the eastern United States heading out of town into the country.  Actually, when you are on this road (Old Bridge Road) you are in the middle of Lake Ridge - one of the most picturesque, well planned, and well maintained communities in Northern Virginia. Lake Ridge sits along the 2,100 acre Occoquan Reservoir, is minutes from I-95 with excellent bus and rail service to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Arlington and Washington, D.C.  People at Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Belvoir are within 20 to 30 minutes of their desks. The public schools are in the community, as are 5 pools, 4 neighborhood shopping centers (one has Starbucks and another has Panera's), broad streets, underground utilities and lots of trees behind and near the homes.  Please s... 08/18/2008

Those of us who have lived in the eastern section of Prince William County remember for years the "nightmare" of driving east on Minnieville Road from Caton Hill Road to the intersection with Old Bridge Road.  That was one of the most miserable 2 lane stretches of road in Prince William County.  An accident, of any size, brought out the "traffic jam gremlins".                    As you can see below, work finally started on a badly neede widening, but that took several years since traffic could not reasonably be diverted away from it.                         Life is now good as you can see below since the road work is complete.  The only challenge is holding down your speed.  There is a lovely subdivision, TWIN OAKS, along that stretch of road.  It was always very difficult to exit if y... 08/18/2008

 There are GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES in the $400K to $550K Price Range! Yesterday, I was Househunting with a relocating buyer. We looked at several  Bank Owned Homes in the $400,000 to $500,000 price range from Ft. Belvior,Virginia to the Woodbridge Virginia area. Currently there are many golden opportunities available. Literally, these homes all had something in common, they all were painted in golden hues on the interiors. At first I never noticed it. It wasn't until I got home to upload the photo's of the day to be able to recap to my client househunt. You see her spouse is in Iraq and I want to keep him in the loop on what his wife's househunt is like. I've learned to create  photo albums for the spouse that is not her, so they can see first hand the highlights of what the other saw dur... 08/16/2008

The USAF Silver Wings has been presenting the finest in country music since the group was formed in 1993.  They have excited audiences throughout the country and, at home in Washington, D.C., they are regularly featured at the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon and The White House. Silver Wings is the band of choice for many of Washington's senior military and civilian leaders.  Their special brand of music has entertained dignitaries from China, Austria, France, Kuwait and Lebanon.  Their performance tonight at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza had the audience rockin' and applauding enthusiastically.  I was so involved I almost forgot to take the photo above. Next week on Saturday August 23 at 3:00 PM the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra will present their Pops Americana program at the Sean T. Connaught... 08/16/2008

  The size of your boat or ship is not relevant.  It is the law  in Virginia that a boat cannot have an engine that exceeds 9.9 HP  in a public water  reservoir.The hull speed generated by 9.9 HP engine does no harm to the ecosystem of the reservoir. The Occoquan Reservoir is a 2,100 acre reservoir that supplies both Fairfax County and Prince William County with its' water.  Hopefully, the Kitty Hawk, pictured on the left, requires more than a 9.9 HP nuclear power plant. Can I catch fish in the reservoir?  You bet you can.  The Occoquan Reservoir holds the Virginia record for a Flathead Catfish - 66 lb, 4 oz.  Also, largemouth bass above the minimum size of 15" are caught with phenomenal regularity.  Unfortunately, I have not done the phenomenal with regularity.  Regardless, there is a... 08/15/2008

  The Occoquan Reservoir Located Just Behind Lake Ridge! Lake Ridge Marina ..Come Check It Out.. Entry to Lake Ridge Park is free to residents of Prince William County and is open during daylight hours year round. Different fees apply for golf, mini-golf, boat rentals and pavilion rentals.     IT'S TIME TO GET OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN! Beautiful Nature Awaits You On The Occoquan Reservoir at Lake Ridge Marina12350 Cotton Mill DriveWoodbridge, VA  22192   About The Marina: If you love water, Lake Ridge Marina is the place to be. Bring your own boat and launch from our ramp (boat can't be more than 9.9 hp) or rent a Jon boat, canoe or paddle boat. The marina offers concessions, bait and safety equipment. Both bank and boat fishing are permitted with valid licenses. The reservoir provides go... 08/14/2008

Homes for sale in River Falls, a premier golf community on the Occoquan river in Woodbridge are back to 2003 prices.  Properly priced homes in picture-perfect condition are selling fast, at or near the asking price. See Homes Available in  River Falls homes  as of today click here. Homes priced over the market are sitting, and sitting because Realtors and home buyers have seen the "SOLD" prices, and are bypassing overpriced houses. "But Erick, won't people make offers if we price it higher?  We can always come down."  Nope. Not how it works. Shoppers and Realtors have too many properly priced houses from which to choose.  They don't even bother looking at overpriced houses because even if they like the house, they don't want to hassle with negotiating the price down to the market. As we... 08/14/2008

      Westridge is a planned community of detached homes, town homes and condominiums.  The main entrance is on Old Bridge Road - it is the first subdivision west of Lake Ridge   WESTRIDGE DETACHED HOME  MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   4252 Chambord 364,900 25 12392 Leith 550,000 26 4251 Berwick 549,950 86 12312 Leith 619,900 181 12102 Darnley 639,900 19 4410 Marquis 649,000 67 12231 Tilney 849,950 462 12281 Tilney 719,999 172 12221 Tilney 724,750 93   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 8/13/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 9 7 NA         Average List Price 605,189 492,093 - 18%         Average Sales Price 588,100 464,286 - 21%         Seller Contribution - 6,470 - 7,872 + 12%         Net Sales Price 581,630 4... 08/13/2008

            Erick and Company a Real Estate Company in Prince William County allows you to access the Real Time MLS Database. You can search for homes on our website  or if you would like to take it one step further,  you can create your own Search for home in your price range and you will receive Alerts by Email on every home that fits your budget enters the marketplace. To get started finding you new home in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge , Dale City, Manassas Area and creating your search is simple CLICK HERE to access the form below. Keep track of your property searches Keep track of your favorite properties Receive free up-to-the-minute email updates Searching the Realtors Real Time MLS  is  easy and it's "FREE" so just click here to get started looking for your new home right now.   I... 08/13/2008

  Karen and I have been pleased to post schedules of free musical programs in the Woodbridgearea.  MUSIC AT THE MARINA  has the Leesylvania State Park program for the rest of this year. The Navy's premier jazz combo, The Commodores will be performing on Saturday August 23 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. More immediately, and not to be outdone, the USAF Silver Wings will be performing at the Sean T, Connaughton Plaza Saturday  August 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  This group has been wowing politicians, foreign dignitaries and anybody they entertain with "good ole' down home foot stompin' country music"  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy. Wanna' hear the US Army put on a show?  The US ARMY Blues Band will perform at the Harris Pavilion in Historic Manassas Thursday August 21 from 6:00 to 8:00. All we n... 08/12/2008

    The entrance to a subdivision tells you much about the quality of life within it. Port Potomac is filled with the old fashioned elegance of formal brick structures and manicured green lawns. The white columns and red brick of the Community Center are next to a very picturesque water feature and provide the  perfect setting for one of the finest community centers to be found in the area. There are indoor and outdoor pools, athletic club, kid's activities, business center and social lounge Port Potomac one of the most desirable places to live in Northern Virginia. It is a short way to the VRE Rippon Landing Station and there is Omniride commuter bus service available at the entrance to I-95.  It is extremely convenient for people commuting to MCB Quantico, but equally convenient for a... 08/12/2008

  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 Asdee Lane from the Parkway Home prices range from $700,000 to $1,500,000 with lots of .20 acres to 1.0 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 proshop, of course, and a banquet room that can be rented for private funtions.  For more details see Old Hickory. Planning to Buy or Sell Real Estate?  Contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, rea... 08/12/2008

Belmont Bay is a community of town homes, detached homes and condominiums located on the Occoquan River just east of US1 after you cross the river from Fairfax County into Prince William County.  There is a private golf course and marina.  It is close to the VRE Lorton station and the entrance to I-95.  These homes are ideally situated for people working at MCB Quantico, Fort Belvoir, Pentagon, Washington, DC, Alexandria, Fairfax County and Arlington County. BELMONT BAY  DETACHED HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   13374 Potomac Path 625,000 31   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 8/12/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 7 2 NA         Average List Price 572,014 719,825 + 26%         Average Sales Price 541,714 ... 08/12/2008

    The Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza is located in the center of Prince William County at the County complex . The Plaza is an outdoor venue which is ideal for concerts and performances of all varieties. The Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza is available from April 1 through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. except during County business hours, holidays and Potomac Nationals games. To schedule an event on the Plaza, call 703-792-8070 or e-mail plaza@pwcgov.org. To enjoy an event, bring your blanket or a lawn chair and get ready for the show.   Picnics are welcome on the Plaza!   Events on the Plaza for the rest of the 2008 Season:    Aug. 9, 2008 7 p.m. Fairwinds Quintet The Fairwinds Quintet was formed by the principal wind players of the NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra in the s... 08/11/2008

  Total Homes Available for Sale in 22192 = 522                                                       (sales closed in)                 ACTIVE        Contract     July   June     July Detached    182            65            30       39           46 Townes       283          93            60        56         50      Condo         78             86            6          13             5   Based on these numbers there is a four month suppy of detached homes Note: almost a normal market in some price points a sellers market! Based on these numbers there is a 3.2 month supply of Town Homes Note:Moving quickly to a sellers market! Based on these numbers there is a 7.8 month supply of condos.. Note:if you want to sell a condo be the best priced and show the best in your price point your only... 08/11/2008

    Prince William Is Still Classified As A Level Four Community! What the heck does that mean? And how does it affect you? One of my past customers was on the phone with Countrywide the other day to check on rates and to see about a possible refinance of her Woodbridge home, the Countrywide Reprensentative told her Prince William County was still considered a Level 4 Risk area. That means that the risk of foreclosure is still 1 out of every 150 homeowners will foreclose! The good news Lake Ridge is less, 1 out of 300 according to the heat maps found on Hot Pads. Area's of Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria and Loundon are already rebounding. Take a look at this Heat Map  That will put things into perspective for you. Just select FORECLOSED Homes and give it a second and the risk zon... 08/09/2008

One of my favorite custom home builders in the area is Mike Garcia Homes.  In fact, I like a Garcia home so much, I bought one for my family. Mike Garcia and his General Sales Manager, Dave Enke place quality over quantity of homes built. For example, Mike uses 2X6 lumber to frame all exterior walls for extra sturdiness, plus extra space inside the walls to apply more insulation for energy efficiency and sound-proofing. Notice the hand-crafted wood trim surrounding the door, with a glass transom within the arch, and the Brazilian Cherry floors. The book cases in this particular library are hand-made by a master cabinet maker. Dave Enke, General Sales Manager, chats with nice folks about the home they want. The kitchen in this particular home has the best appliances, extraordinary cabine... 08/07/2008