If you haven't stopped by Belmont Bay in Prince William County then you are missing an opportunity to discover a hidden gem on the Occoquan River. Take a tour of HarborSide this weekend and be prepared to fall in love! Open Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm and during the week by appointment. Visit www.harborsidecondo.com for directions and more information. HarborSide Condominiums are proud sponsors of the Occoquan River Festival 07/18/2008

The Occoquan River Communities are pleased to have the wonderful folks from Milwaukee Frozen Custard joining the Occoquan River Festival on July 27th.   They will be setting up in Belmont Bay and on a hot July day will be a welcome treat for everyone who comes to tour the tall ship and enjoy the music at the Belmont Bay Pavilion.    Milwaukee Frozen Custard has been a favorite of Northern Virginia residents for a long time and the lines outside of the Chantilly store on a Friday night are proof.  Not ice cream but custard you won’t find 31 flavors but you will find soft serve custard that is dense and not to sweet.   The traditional flavors of vanilla and chocolate are always on the menu but every day there is a special flavor for those who want to step outside the box.  Trust me the M... 07/17/2008

Just The Other Day I Got A Call From A Past Client.... He's been communting from Lake Ridge to the District Of Columbia for about 10 years now. He's always driven to the Tackett's Mill Communter Lot to catch a ride. In the beginning he started because he it was FREE, then it became a habit and now, it's a financially sound thing to do. That is if you have a regular work schedule.  A few weeks ago a buddy mentioned he overheard someone talking about leaving from a different lot to save time. So,one day my fried called to say he  tried the Horner Rd lot. He was thrilled with his findings. It's much faster because  drivers can jump on I-95 within a few moments, since the Horner Rd lot is basically on the Rt  123 Ramp of I-95. Well guess what? From begining to end on each trip he is now sha... 07/16/2008

So many people ask me is now a good time to buy? What's the best priced home you've seen lately? The Answer-32% of Current Tax Assesment. Where? The Marumsco Area. Right now in the low priced detached homes and town-homes in the 22191 zip code there are many homes priced 50% or below tax assessment. Many of these homes are great for investors who can use conventional financing or cash. If you or someone you know is looking to pick up a little investment property  now is the time to strike. These homes are at give-a-way prices!  If you are looking for Handyman Fixer Upper, the Perfect Storm created by the Mortgage Meltdown has delivered you a smorgasbord of homes to choose from. What type of buyer are you? If you are a picky buyer with a long list of items you WANT, finding a pristine Ba... 07/15/2008

YOU CAN'T MAKE YOUR PAYMENTS. NOW YOU'RE ASKING.... How did I get in this situation and what do I do now. First off don't panic. Keep in mind that there are many, many people in the same boat as you. You may not know who they are, they are your neighbors, professionals you see everyday, it's happening everywhere.  My advice is try to always keep in mind , you are not doing this to the bank on purpose, this is happening to you. If you can wrap your brain around that simple thought, and call us we can coach you on all your options and assist you with your real estate situation. If not, things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. Doing nothing is not an option when you are falling behind on your mortgage. You made a promise to pay when you signed you loan papers. You don't... 07/15/2008

                                                                            With a 22,000 square showroom Knock on Wood is the largest "Wood Only" furniture retailer in the mid-Atlantic states.  It is located at 14431 Jefferson Davis Highway, Woodbridge, VA 22191. The firm employs 10 people and is open 7 days a week.  Their telephone number is 703-491-6849. There are several purchase options available. ● purchase unfinished furniture and finish it yourself ● purchase unfinished furniture and have it finished at the store ● purchase finished furniture ● order custom furniture finished or unfinished ● a complete line of garden sheds and gazebos is available The wood working machinery in their local facility is fully computerized from product design to cutting the wooden pieces.  Their Nor... 07/15/2008

   River Falls is a lovely country club community backing to Lake Occoquan at the east end of Prince William County. Something has changed in River Falls in 2008.  Suddenly, the community has gained the look and feel of an established community.  The raw, rough builder's landscaping featuring under-sized shrubs around homes and common areas have blossomed and bloomed into gracious landscapes.    After three years of drought, we're enjoying an early summer punctuated with life-giving rain that has kept the fairways lush and green. My Dad was an avid gardener with the greenest thumb I ever knew.  His yard has been the envy of his neighborhood for 40+ years. Dad shared a saying about newly-planted plants with me long ago: "The first year it sleeps... the second year it creeps... and the th... 07/14/2008

 Yes there is - it is located in the Commuter Parking Lot at the corner of Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road in Dale City.  It is open Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods there are vendors selling a variety of other foodstuffs  such as honey, buffalo meat, sorbet, kettle corn, herbs plus flowers and plants and more.  If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has ● over 3 decades full time experience as a realtor® ● completed more than 1500 transactions ● a husband who has been my partner the entire time ● been a full time resident of Northern Virginia the entire time CONTACT ME FOR SUPERIOR STATE-OF-THE-ART 21st CENTURY SERVICE 07/13/2008

 Interstate 95 is the main North/South route in the eastern US.  Just south of the Nation's Capital you will see the sign shown here.  That's it - you are in Prince William County, Virginia.  Potomac Mills is one of the largest enclosed discount malls on the east coast.  The two most famous retail outlets at the mall are Saks 5th Avenue Off 5th and Nordstrom's Rack.  All told there are over 200 retail stores, a food court and numerous other restaurants on the perimeter.  See POTOMAC MILLS for a store directory.     AMC THEATRES has a 17 theatre facility located in Potomac Mills. It is just a hop, skip and jump to BJ's, COSTCO and Sam'sClub. If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has ● over 3 decades full time experienc... 07/12/2008

 It is not at all unusual for a medium size community to have one of the 3 major membership shopping clubs (BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club), but Woodbridge has all three of them.  Interestingly, they are all within less than 10 minutes of each other.  BJ's is located at 14123 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge, VA 22193,  COSTCO is located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA 22192.  Sam's Club is located at 14050 Worth Avenue, Woodbridge, VA 22192 There are times when you "have the hankering" to visit an old fashioned hardware store - it is time then to go to PITKIN'S  If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has ● over 3 decades full time experience as a realtor® ● completed more than 1500 transactions ● a husband who ha... 07/12/2008

  This store in the Glendale Plaza on Dale Boulevard has survived the arrival of The Home Depot and Lowe's even though they are less than 10 minutes away. It is a hardware store of the type you remember before the hardware super stores came to town.  When you go into Pitkins and say, "How do I -----?" there is someone there who will tell you and show you exactly what you need. They also have a rental department with all the equipment Harry and Harriet Homeowner could possibly need for either major or minor projects.  Finally, they have two other stores - one on Route 234 in Woodbine and one in the Westfields sectionof Fairfax County. When you want to purchase groceries and "stuff" you may want to visit our 3 major club stores, BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club    If you are considering a mov... 07/12/2008

    At 22,000 square feet it is the largest appliance retail store in the mid-Atlantic states and has been in operation for 20 years.  Owners Mark and Pam Tonnesen continue to improve service to the public with continual emphasis on improving operations and product lines sold Altjough their primary market area is Prince William County and lower Fairfax County they have and will make deliveries throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland    The company operates a fleet of 11 delivery and installation trucks that are equipped to install all appliances that the firm sells - they are neat and well maintained. Manager Mark Romeo oversees a staff of 42 employees.  Interestingly, the sales consultants are salaried employees and do not earn commissions - their emphasis is helping you make the wi... 07/12/2008

Leesylvania State Park2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr.,Woodbridge, VA 22191-4504   Leesylvania opened in 1992. The area is known as Freestone Point, referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry) was born here at what was then Leesylvania Plantation.  This Revolutionary War hero would later father the Confederate General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame. The park offers cabin camping, fishing pier, boat launching, nature trails and too many activities to list here.  Located on the Potomac River in the southeastern section of Prince William County it is one of the area's most popular recreational sites.  Hunting and swimming are prohibited.  "MUSIC AT THE MARINA" One of the summer's most popular offerings at the park the event cov... 07/11/2008

On July 27th at 8 am the sixty-five foot American Spirit Schooner will set sail from Old Town Alexandria to Belmont Bay in Woodbridge as a part of the Occoquan River Festival.   A few months ago I penned a post about the planning for the Occoquan River Festival through the new Occoquan River Communities committee made up of local businesses and residents along the Occoquan River.  After months of hard work the Occoquan River Festival is gearing up for its big debut. The American Spirit Schooner will be docking at the Belmont Bay Marina around 11 am.   The boat will be open for FREE tours throughout the day and then at 4:30 will make the return trip to Old Town Alexandria.  It will be a spectacular and rare sight to see this ship sailing up the Occoquan River into Prince William County. ... 07/08/2008

  That is a question many newcomers ask.  After all, news organizations around the country occasionally report impurities in local or regional water systems.  Those of us in Eastern Prince William County have been drinking our water with confidence for many years. The Occoquan, Woodbridge, Dumfries and Triangle Service Area of the Prince William County Service Authority draws 15 million gallons of water every day from the 1,500 acre Occoquan Reservoir.  It undergoes treatment at Farfax Water's Frederick P. Griffith, Jr Water Treatment Plant.  It is tested by the Service Authority at many points throughout the system. Our water authority has the ability to draw from two different potable sources - the Occoquan Reservoir and the Potomac River.  The system has been able to supply safe wate... 07/07/2008

  THE OLD BRIDGE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA was founded in 1999.  It is a musician-run group that is dedicated to providing concert for residents of Eastern Prince William County. The orchestra performs regularly at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Valleywood Drive in Lake Ridge. The size of the orchestra and the sanctuary's acoustics work together beautifully.  In its' short existence the OBCO has found a loyal following.  The OBCO has chamber ensembles that regularly perform for community events, business gatherings, and private parties. The OBCO will perform a SUMMER CONCERT Saturday, July 12, 2008 (7:00 PM-9:00 PM)  at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza1 County Complex CourtWoodbridge, VA 22192   Cast off the spring shower blues, pack a picnic dinner, blanket or lawn chairs, and invite you... 07/07/2008

      One of the highlights of this year for those of us who live along the Occoquan River is the upcoming Occoquan River Festival on July 27.  The event commemorates the 400 year anniversary of John Smith's exploration of Chesapeake Bay and the watershed including the Occoquan River.  His trip was made in a 23' shallop.  The photo at the left is a working replica that is on display in the Maryland statehouse in Annapolis.  It is being celebrated on both the Fairfax County and Prince William County side of the river.  On our side of the river the majority of events are in OCCOQUAN, a thriving incorporated town with roots in the settlement of Virginia in the early 18th century.  Events are also planned for the Belmont Bay area.  See a complete SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for both sides of the riv... 07/07/2008

Woodbridge, Dumfries, Triangle and parts of the Manassas area are in the eastern section of Prince William County close to I-95. The availability of Commuter Train Service, Commuter Bus Service, Slugging and Carpools make it very attractive to people commuting north to D.C., The Pentagon, Alexandria, Arlington, Fort Belvoir and Prince George's County in Maryland.  Of course, if you work in Prince William County or are stationed at MCB Quantico your time spent commuting is minimal.   There are 19 SUBDIVISION AND HOME TOURS BELOW - both town homes and detached homes. Each of them will have representative photos of homes, price ranges, amenities and other pertinent links. Ashland Brooke Farm Cedar Run County Center Dale City Forest Vista Hunter's Ridge Lake Ridge Lakeside Lynwood Montclair... 07/07/2008

When the doorbell range, she answered the door like she always does. It was the Sherriff. Read more...                            Today I wanted to share with you some of the things you may want to consider when Renting a condo, townhome or single family home in the Prince William County  Virginia area ( or anywhere for that fact). Time are tough, many homeowners are making decisions to rent their homes when they selling does not look promising. They put it on the rental market, you see it, you fall in love you move in. Everything is wonderful. That is until,  the sheriff comes knocking on the door. It's happening more and more each day. I was approached in my own yard by person who walks the neighborhood. He motioned for me when he saw me in the back yard with the dogs. Then he ask thi... 06/28/2008

If you are a buyer looking for a luxury home in Prince William County you need to check out River Falls.   This upscale community is located just off of the Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge. The community is built around the Old Hickory Golf Course with a club house that looks like you have driven up to a southern plantation. Even though a good portion of the community is built around the golf course, non-golfers were not forgotten.  Spread out over 280 acres the community features pools, tennis & basketball courts and plenty of walking paths owners have their choice of activities. With its proximity to the Potomac Nationals Stadium families can enjoy susmmer evenings of minor league baseball.   Commuting to DC is not a problem with multiple options including the Belmont Bay VRE sta... 06/27/2008