These are pictures of the new "green" America.  Just wait until those trees grow in the non-existent front yard.  Of course, the only things growing in the rear are trash cans and air conditioners.  Owners had better hope they and their across-the-driveway neighbor don't back out simultaneously. Forget walking the dog - where do your kids play or ride a bike?  These pictures are from a large subdivision in Prince William County.  The name is of no matter - there are others just like it here and throughout Northen Virginia.  See FIELD OF DREAMS I don't blame the developer - I blame the government officials that approve projects like this.  The only "green" they are interested in is the "green" generated by an expanded tax base.  Of course, the land planners do require set asid... 07/31/2008

  Seller Short Sale Tip #3.   Just because values are down and other homeowners in your area forced to sell by Short Sale,that does not give you the right to sell by Short Sale as well. What promted this Tip for Peg was a conversation I had with a gentleman who was working in my neighborhood yesterday.He saw signs in my garage and realized I was a Realtor. He started his conversation by stating he owns a home locally and  he was thinking he might what to sell his home by Short Sale. He stated that he was a little concerned with doing that since it would affect his credit. I said "well, yes it can affect your credit, however if your hardship is quickly addressed, it may only appear as a blip on the radar screen in relationship to your overall credit report history. So just trust that yo... 07/31/2008

According to our beloved Metropolitan Realtors Information Services (MRIS) database used by Realtors for listing and selling houses, July 2008 home sales in Woodbridge are up 253% compared to July 2007. There were 265 homes SOLD in July 2007. There are 672 homes SOLD so far in July 2008. Are we seeing a trend, or just a blip? Well, so far in 2008, the number of homes SOLD each month have been substantially higher when compared to the same months in 2007. You may call it any way you like.  I call it a trend.  Meanwhile, only 279 homes were newly listed for sale this month.  Just 279 new listings hit the market in Woodbridge in the month of July. Sales are exceeding the pace of new inventory coming on the market. "Erick, when will the prices hit bottom?"  Sorry... the bottom came and went... 07/29/2008

If you live in Woodbridge your task is easy. There is nothing better for a "Guardian Angel" than to enjoy all that 3 great park systems have to offer them and their charges in the Woodbridge area.  Our national, state and county parks are excellent facilities and provide inexpensive fun and education. PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK is a real 15,000 acre forest.  Angels can hike, bike, fish, swim, become Junior Rangers, go on Park Ranger guided tours and enjoy family camping.  In our 25 years in Woodbridge and Prince William County the Kruschka family has used the park regularly and, as a Scoutmaster, Arthur has had his BSA troop camp there regularly. LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK  Virginia state parks are ranked among the best in the nation and this Woodbridge area park is among the most popular i... 07/29/2008

Today’s edition of newer foreclosures in Prince William County looks at the Occoquan River front community of Belmont Bay.  With a VRE station at the entrance to the community and walking paths along the waterfront the community of Belmont Bay is a very popular place for residents of all ages. Military families enjoy Belmont Bay’s location due to the close proximity to Fort Belvoir, easy access to Quantico and the entrance to the express lanes to get to the Pentagon.  Only one of the available foreclosure properties currently listed exceeds the VA Loan limits.  With the proposed changes to FHA financing raising the required down payment for 3 to 3.5% and the elimination of the down payment assistance programs buyers who have been sitting on the fence for awhile should feel a new sense ... 07/28/2008

How's The Real Estate Market? I get this question everywhere I go. So I thought I would answer that question today in a little more detail. Since I live and work the Lake Ridge (22192) area fairly exclusively, I will share information on that. It's seems people are always curious about what the market is doing, where is it going and how does it affect them. The market still very much a BUYERS MARKET and will continue to be for sometime. Foreclosures and Short Sales still rule the market in the Lower End here in the 22192 zip code area. Many, many town homes have been  FORECLOSED or are in the process of being Foreclosed. There are countless town homes for foreclosure have just up and left.  So keep that in mind if you are thinking of selling. This will affect your value. If you have any... 07/28/2008

     WESTRIDGE A premier eastern Prince William County subdivision.  One of the salient features is that there is an elementary school in the community.  The pool, tennis courts and community center are well maintained and conveniently located.  Shopping and commuting options are readily accessible.  There is a strong community association and it is reflected in the neat appearance of the homes and community    WESTRIDGE DETACHED HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   12221 Tilney Ct 724,950 76 12281 Tilney Ct 719,999 155 12231 Tilney Ct 679,950 445 4410 Marquis Pl 649,000 50 12102 Darnley Rd 639,900 2 12312 Leith Ct 619,900 164 12302 Leith Ct 550,00 9 4252 Chambord Ln  (Foreclosure) 364,900 8   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007 AS O... 07/27/2008

  If you saw the movie Field of Dreams in 1989 you will never forget what an important role a cornfield on an Iowa farm played.  It reminded me of my paternal grandparents farm in Illinois and my maternal grandparents farm in South Dakota.  The crops were different, but the broad expanses of land will be etched in my memory forever. Arthur and I moved to Northern Virginia in 1974 and were licensed in 1976.  If we went west to Loudoun County (about an hour from Washington, DC) it was to show rural property.  The center of civilization was the very historic Town of Leesburg.  Both sides of the 2 lane road through the county contained dairy farms - broad expanses of land similar to the Field of Dreams and my grandparent's farms. I am not opposed to growth and development, but I firmly beli... 07/27/2008

POWELLS LANDING TOWNHOMES There are 3 "ACTIVE" Single Family Townhomes for sale in the Powells Landing subdivision of Woodbridge. These townhomes are listed at $440,900 up to $574,975. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 115 days. Currently, there are NO Single Family Townhomes in the Powells Landing subdivision "UNDER CONTRACT". In addition, there are NO Single Family Townhomes available for rent at this time. For SOLD statistics please contact me directly. SINGLE FAMILY HOMES There are 7 "ACTIVE" Single Family Homes for sale in the Powells Landing subdivision of Woodbridge. These detached homes are priced from $399,000 up to $650,000. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 114 days. Currently, there are 4 Single Family Homes in the Powells Landing subdivisio... 07/26/2008

PORT POTOMAC TOWNHOMES There are 10 "ACTIVE" Single Family Townhomes for sale in the Port Potomac subdivision of Woodbridge. These townhomes are priced from $275,000 up to $507,000. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 157 days. Currently, there are 5 Single Family Townhomes in the Port Potomac subdivision "UNDER CONTRACT". In addition, there is 1 Single Family Townhome available for rent priced $2,195 per month. For SOLD statistics please contact me directly. SINGLE FAMILY HOMES There are 28 "ACTIVE" Single Family Homes for sale in the Port Potomac subdivision of Woodbridge. These detached homes are priced from $339,990 up to $605,900. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 76 days. Currently, there are 5 Single Family Homes in the Port Potomac subdivision "UN... 07/26/2008

WESTWIND SINGLE FAMILY HOMES There are 1 "ACTIVE" Single Family Home for sale in the Westwind subdivision of Woodbridge. This homes is priced at $329,000. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 163 days. Currently, there are NO Single Family Homes in the Westwind subdivision "UNDER CONTRACT". In addition, there are 2 Single Family Home available for rent priced at $1,995 and $2,075 per month. For SOLD statistics please contact me directly. Are you interested in finding out how the real estate market has affected your area? Now you can get the market reports for your community just by clicking on the appropriate link. Bristow, Catharpin, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, Manassas Park, Nokesville, Occoquan, Triangle, and Woodbridge If you are not sure why it is adva... 07/26/2008

  Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be able to enjoy a water taxi ride between Old Town Occoquan, Belmont Bay or Occoquan Regional Park?  Then you need to come to the Occoquan River Festival this Sunday July 27th to take a ride on the two water taxis; Half Shell or Miss Rivershore that will be running between the festival locations to find out. Water taxis aren't new to our area but they fell out of use almost 100 years ago.  Now with commute times increasing and roads become more congested local officials are looking at ways to revive the use of water taxis in the area.  A test run of water taxis from the proposed Harbor Station development on the Potomac River was conducted last year and the new National Harbor development has water taxis running between PG County and O... 07/26/2008

Have you been searching for a nice place to live?  Have you decided on a neighborhood? Well, Dale City is just off I-95 and it stretches back 5 miles to Hoadly Rd and is located between Rt 234 and the Prince William Parkway. This are is a hotbed for affordable housing. In fact, for those of you who just could not see yourself in a townhome, Dale City may be a good fit for you. No Homeowners Association, Small to Average Sized Single Family Homes, and most lots are fairly flat and open. Prices range between $180,000 and $350,000. Here's the available homes that have Just Listed this week. If you see one you like, just click on the photo and go to the map. You can search by price, zip code, and bedrooms. Move the map from left to right to find your neighborhood. If you need help finding a... 07/25/2008

    This is the time of year we look forward to outdoor activities and I believe the following two will be well attended.   Saturday July 26,2008 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM  Jazz lovers will be able to listen to the James River Ramblers, a US Army ensemble perform at the marina at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.  See MUSIC AT THE MARINA    Sunday July 27,2008 Occoquan  Noon to 7:00 PM  Street  musicians will be roaming the downtown commercial district to entertain visitors and shoppers attending the Occoquan River Festival. Belmont Bay Subdivision in Woodbridge  1:00 to 5:00 PM   on the Village Green also as part of the Occoquan River Festival.   See OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL SCHEDULE for a Schedule of Events You can be certain that both the Occoquan River Festival staff and the Virginia... 07/25/2008

BRING YOUR FLASH LIGHT! This week I have been working with two different buyers. One is a couple moving to the area and another is a single person who lives in the area and is thinking of buying. Both are searching in the  very popular price range of $225,000 and under  in Lake Ridge.  All I can say is right now, when searching for house, it's critical  to bring your Flashlight  and  to have an open mind. I'm not going to sugar coat this. So many of the homes in this price point are FORECLOSURES that Banks have already seized. Some have been sitting for weeks even months unattended.There is no A/C so dress for comfort, there is no power, no water and many of the homes are in less than favorable condition. There may be hidden problems you cannot see.  For example one home I visited, the ... 07/25/2008

It isn’t unusual these days to find buyers vying for the cream of the crop foreclosures in Prince William County.  With sales up over 50% from a year ago and prices down over 30% the perfect storm has formed in the Woodbridge area.   With FHA financing becoming  the norm for most buyers, finding a home that will pass the discriminating eye of the FHA appraisal has become critical.  More and more buyers are looking at the newer neighborhoods of Belmont Bay, Port Potomac and River Falls (to name a few) at homes where the paint has barely dried from when the builders finished.  Homes are available in every style and price range for first time, move up buyers or empty nesters.  With the convenience of the VRE, slug lines and Omni ride most of these homes make it easy for their owners to ge... 07/22/2008

  Dixie Bones, the home of good Southern cooking and Barbeque is taking all that goodeness to the OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL.  They'll be at the Village Green in Belmont Bay from 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM on Sunday, July 27,2008.  Their delicious barbeque and fixins' will be for sale.  Additionally, while you are enjoying the goodies, you can listen to the musicians that will perform from 1:00 to 5:00 PM the same day.  That has all the ingredients for a relaxing afternoon event - be prepared to enjoy yourself.  We locals know their food is prepared fresh on a daily basis.  They make real pit barbeque using hickory wood for smoking.  Cooks cut potatoes for the potato salad, slice cabbage for the cole slaw and pick collards for the greens.  Every morning the bakers prepare the pies, cobblers, ... 07/21/2008

  This is a copy of a 17th century map of the Belmont Bay area of Prince William County where a ferry crossed from Belmont Bay to Colchester (Harbor View) in Fairfax County.  Potomac Path was the first north-south route through Virginia.  It started in Boston and terminated in Williamsburg.  After it crossed the Potomac from Fairfax County it went through Belmont Bay and south to Dumfries passing Rippon Lodge on its' way. The Mason family owned a 534 acre plantation named Belmont.  Colonel Mason (great-grandfather of George Mason) started a ferry service in 1684 to facilitate the river crossing - it operated continually until 1795 until it was replace by a wooden bridge.  Efforts are ongoing to identify sections of the Potomac Path that are undeveloped and to preserve them. While the f... 07/21/2008

   Actually, there  are several best ways to get to and from Occoquan and Belmont Bay.  First is by riding the sleek trains of the VIRGIiNIA RAILWAY EXPRESS.  Just click on the Woodbridge station link for a location map and schedules.  There is a multi-level parking garage.  The station sits at the entrance to Belmont Bay and is about 10 minutes from Occoquan.  The trains stop at stations that have access to METRORAIL Routes Second is taking the OMNIRIDE COMMUTER BUSES.  The bus stop is extremely well located for residents of both Occoquan and Belmont Bay - it is at the VDOT PARKING LOT at I-95 and Gordon Boulevard with service to the Pentagon and DC. Third  There are SLUG LINES - a unique National Capital Area system where drivers pick up passengers for a ride to specific locations at ... 07/21/2008

    This morning I was taking photos of the Occoquan and Belmont Bay areas and decided to drive into the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  I came upon an Osprey's nest (not that unusual along the shoreline of the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers), but this one was different.  There was a chick in the nest which can be seen just peeking out from under the female.  Although the parents were quiet, they kept a watchful eye on me. However, the chick was doing a little bird, "Cheep,Cheep,Cheep".  Since I had not planned on distance photos I did not have my telephoto lens and I kept my distance so as not to disturb them.  Finally, the chick appears to be a size that will become a fledgling very soon, - I consider myself fortunate to have seen the family as close as I did.  OBNWR is a newly ... 07/19/2008