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Springfield, VA Real Estate News

By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
For the past week my wife and I have been going through file cabinets to eliminate those files that are no longer needed and have scanned those we need to retain  This includes personal files as well as client files.  We have always maintained copies of client files in the event those maintained by our office are lost or misfiled.  Our client files are now secure on memory sticks and our home is wired. We have already filled four large trash bags with confetti.  Shredders are a relatively inexpensive item to purchase, anywhere from $40.00 to a little over $100.00 for a home or small office model.  Ours is a "deluxe model' that chews up credit cards, and CDs.  It certainly beats sitting there tearing paper up into small pieces which isn't foolproof. In today's climate shredding is a nece...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Over the past 33 years my husband and I have both sold a lot of real estate to and for people.  It is not surprising that we find some subdivisions that are personally appealing to us.  In Springfield three of my personal favorites are Rhygate, Charlestown and Greentree Village.  They have several features in common: All brick Large islands separating them with trees and grassy areas Close to schools and library Public transportation readily available to major work centers Close to neighborhood shopping Charming architecture Reserved parking The homes are in the West Springfield High School Pyramid  and are within 5 to 10 minutes of Pohick Regional Library These are also the features many people seek in a home and they are available in areas other then just Springfield.  We both know wh...
Comments 6
By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
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, shopping and recreation    CHARLESTOWN TOWN HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Currently there are 8 homes for sale at an average list price of $385,578   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 10/4/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 22 11 NA         Average List Price 425,813 408,949 - 12%         Average Sales Price 419,355 390,136 - 9%         Seller Contribution - 4,582 - 4,677 - 20%         Net Sales Price 414,773 385,459 - 14%         Prepared By Art Kruschka   Charlestown...
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By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
It has been my experience over the past 33 years that my clients, both military and civilian, prefer a community report that includes Community sales statistics Community information Area information regarding schools, transportation, shopping and recreation.    RHYGATE  TOWN HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   6411 EASTLEIGH COURT 464,000 94 6412 WAINFLEET COURT (FORECLOSURE) 354,900 16   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 10/4/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 6 2 NA         Average List Price 511,700 406,450 - 21%         Average Sales Price 500,060 379,000 - 24%         Seller Contribution - 2,000 - 11,060 + 450%         Net Sales Price 498,060 367,940 -26%         Prepared By Art Kruschka   Rhygate ia a co...
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By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
It has been my experience over the past 33 years that my clients, both military and civilian, prefer a report that contains Sales statistics Community Information School, commuting, shopping and recreational information. This report on Greentree Village contains all of that information    GREENTREE VILLAGE  TOWN HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   6600 GREEN ASH COURT (UNDER CONTRACT) 359,000 34   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 10/1/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 9 1 NA         Average List Price 379,038 316,900 - 16%         Average Sales Price 373,056 315,000 - 84%         Seller Contribution - 5,793 - 4,725 -19%         Net Sales Price 367,263 305,550 - 17%         Prepared By Art Kruschka   Since the...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Just when you think you have seen it all in bank owned properties you can still be surprised.  This week while showing a newly listed bank owned condo in Northern Virginia my clients and I had to look twice before uttering the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" applied to the property.  Missing appliances aren't anything new.  In fact no appliances are often better than the ones left behind.  But all of the door knobs, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, wired smoke alarms, built in medicine cabinets and even the cheap builder grade mirrors over the bathroom sinks were gone.  The only thing left behind was the faucet on the kitchen sink.  How odd! Since this condo building has an onsite manager and security cameras we had to stop and ask if anyone had been suspicious when the previ...
Comments 47
By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
In the past few months two of my military buyers have decided to call the Charlestown subdivision in West Springfield home.  Having owned a home myself in Charlestown for a number of years, knowing the schools, the commute to either the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir and the local shopping, helped me give them the inside scoop on the neighborhood. One of the benefits of the Charlestown neighborhood is the outside maintenance that the HOA provides.  Besides the lawn care, trash pickup and snow removal the HOA also paints the exterior trim of the townhouses on a three year cycle, replaces the roofs when needed and the brick walls that run around the perimeter of the backyards.  Homeowners are responsible with their next door neighbor to maintain the shared garden sheds and wood fences that run ...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
      MIDDLE VALLEY MARKET REPORT   **** HOMES FOR SALE ****   There are 3 homes available at an average asking price of $512,653     **** HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED ****    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 10/1/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 12 7 NA         Average List Price 588,545 584,808 -1%         Average Sales Price 576,000 573,143 -1%         Seller Contribution - 5,098 - 7,962 +56%         Net Sales Price 570,902 565,181 -1%         Prepared By Karen Kruschka     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, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County ...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Since there are only 124 homes in Greentree Village it is not as prominent as its' illustrious neighbor Orange Hunt Estates.  The entrance is just west of Huntsman Boulevard on Fieldmaster.  It is sited between Old Keene Mill and Sydenstricker surrounded by trees.  The community itself has trees throughout and several treed common areas that resemble a village aquare.  Two of the principal features that were standard when the homes were built are All brick construction Three finished levels Commuters have several convenient options.  There are 628 spaces at the Rolling Valley Mall Commuter Lot (approximately five minutes from the homes).  All three of the options below operate from Rolling Valley Mall FAIRFAX COUNTY COMMUTER BUS #310 to the FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO is available 7 DAY...
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By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
  The slugging system is very simple.  If a car needs additional passengers to meet the Virginia (HOV) regulations the driver pulls up to one of the known slug lines. Usually the driver positions the car so that the slugs are on the passenger side. The driver either displays a sign with the destination or simply lowers the passenger window, to call out the destination, such as "Pentagon" "L'Enfant Plaza," or "14th & New York." The first slug in line for that particular destination gets into the car, normally confirming the destination, and off they go. It is free because of the mutual benefit: the car driver needs riders just as much as the slugs need a ride. Each party needs the other in order to survive. Normally, there is no conversation unless initiated by the driver; usually the o...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Middle Valley is a community of detached homes sited on 1/4 acre lots.  There were two builders - Ryland Homes and NV Homes.  Both of these firms are recognized as builders of quality homes - the majority of the homes were built by the Ryland organization  The main entrance is on Gambrill Road just about one mile from the Gambrill Park and Ride Lot at the Fairfax County Parkway.  FAIRFAX COUNTY COMMUTER BUS ROUTE 305 stops at this location en route to the FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD METRO STATION. There are two neighborhood shopping centers within approximately 10 minutes - Huntsman Square Center and Saratoga Shopping Center. SOUTH RUN REC CENTER - a Fairfax County Park facility with year round pool, exercise facilities and many other activities is approximately 10 minutes Due to the location...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Rhygate ia a community of 100 townhomes located on Rolling Road just south of Old Keene Mill Road - it adjoins Springfield Golf and Country Club.  The homes were built in the mid 1970's.  They are all brick and some of them have a garage.  The community is immaculate and very well groomed There are two neighborhood shopping centers at Old Keene Mill Road and Rolling Road Fairfax County Connector Bus to Metro is available on Rolling Road facilitating commuting time to the Pentagon and Washington, DC There are two Fairfax County Park facilities within easy reach of Rhygate - Lake Accotink and the South Run Rec Center.  The Pohick Regional Library is approximately 10 minutes away Another nearby town home community to consider is CHARLESTOWN  Visit my NO REGISTRATION HOME SEARCH. If you are...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Charlestown is a highly desireable and sought after town home community - the homes are all brick and the yard enclosures are all brick.  There is a very active homeowner's association that can take credit for the excellent appearance of the community - the proof is in the pictures below Fairfax County Connector Bus service to Metro is available on Old Keene Mill Road making it an ideal location for people who commute inbound to the Pentagon and DC.  Also see SPRINGFIELD COMMUTING CROSSROADS  There is ample shopping in several shopping centers at Old Keene Mill and Rolling Roads. SOUTH RUN REC CENTER with a year round pool and other sports, family and individual activities is approximately 15 minutes away.  Burke Lake Park has a public golf course and campsites - it is approximately 20 ...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
The Townes of Orange Hunt homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced.  There are several reasons.  They are all brick, have a superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities.  Additionally, there are large courtyards throughout the community minimizing the proximity one normally associates with town homes MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service.  Additionally, it is a relatively short trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.  Schedules for these commuting options can be found at Commuting Orange Hunt Estates is very convenient for commuting to both the Pentagon, Washington, DC and Fort Belvoir Orange Hunt Elementary and Sangster...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Orange Hunt Estates homes have continued to be popular since they were first introduced in 1967.  It is due in no small part to their superior commuting and shopping location, outstanding schools and proximity to a multitude of recreational facilities MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service.  Additionally, it is a relatively short trip to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.  Schedules for these commuting options can be found at Commuting Orange Hunt Estates is very convenient for commuting to both the Pentagon, Washington, DC and Fort Belvoir Orange Hunt Elementary and Sangster Elementary are both located in the community generating neighborhood support.  Middle school students attend Washington Irving on Old Keene Mill Road...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
  It won't be too many more weeks before the leaves will begin to change colors and then they're on the ground.  If your rake looks like the one above you may want to consider an investment in a new one. Fall is an especially colorful time of the year.  If you are fortunate enough to live in subdivisions such as Kings Park, Orange Hunt Estates, Daventry, Saratoga and Newington Forest you don't have to travel far to enjoy the vibrant Fall colors - they are all around you. It's the time of years when kids and dogs love to run through a pile of leaves or the family visits a pumpkin patch.  Hayrides and Halloween parties are great Fall activities. However, back to the real world - leaf raking.  We have a perfectly good and powerful leaf blower which my husband refuses to use.  He enjoys ra...
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By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
There was a time when Springfield was an ideal location for commuting to the Pentagon, Washington, DC, across the Woodrow Wilson and points south only.  For example, I have sold homes to many USAF personnel who were stationed at either Bolling AFB or Andrews AFB because traffic to Maryland was not as heavy as traffic from Maryland to Virginia.  By the same token traffic congestion on the Capital Beltway made travel from Springfield to Tysons Corner very difficult.  Knowing where the traffic patterns are with precision comes from 33 years of full time experience selling home to and for people throughout Northern Virginia. Times have changed.  The Woodrow Wilson Bridge has been replaced, the Springfield Interchange has been dramatically redesigned and built and the opening of the east wes...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
Kings Park, located just west of the Capital Beltway (I-495) off Braddock Road, is a popular community of 1,100 homes that were built in the 60s. There are five basic models - two colonials, one split foyer, one cape cod and one rambler.  They are Richmarr homes who was the one of the premier Springfield developer/builders during the period.  Of course, over time, many of the homes have been refurbished and had additions added.  This gives the community a uniqueness and character that can only be developed over a rather lengthy period of tine. Metrobus Route 17 operates in Kings Park with service to the Pentagon Bus Terminal George Mason University is a few miles west on Braddock Road. Kings Park is in the Lake Braddock Secondary School Pyramid   There are two outstanding recreational f...
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By Art Kruschka, Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
(Administrative Manager)
There was a time when it wasn't practical to attempt to commute to Herndon or Reston from the Springfield area.  If you are not from the Northern Virginia area and are offered a position in either of those 2 locations it makes a world of sense even now to purchase a home in the area. However, if you presently live in the Burke or Springfield area and are offered a position in either Herndon or Reston you have the option of remaining in Springfield and commuting west via the Fairfax County Parkway.  As you can see by the map it is a very direct route.  There are Springfield subdivisions on either side of the Fairfax County Parkway.  For example, if you live in SARATOGA you can probably be on the Parkway in 10 minutes or less. Whether you want to sell a Springfield home and move west or a...
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By Karen Kruschka, - "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
(RE/MAX Executives)
There are three primary concerns for people who relocate to the National Capital Area and decide to locate in Northern Virginia.  The first concern is the availability and cost of housing.  For those with children school quality is the second area of interest.  It should also be an area of interest for people without children since school quality has an impact on resale value. Commuting is the third area that is considered by a relocatee Springfield is Commuting Central for many North Virginia residents especially if you live east of Burke in Fairfax County and south of the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County and into eastern Prince William County. Both METRORAIL, VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS and PRTC METRO DIRECT BUSES converge at the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station PRTC METRO DIRE...
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