Wills and VanMetre started construction on Saratoga in mid-1972.  Many of the community features they offered are available today in most planned communities.  The one item that is not available today in homes close-in are large lots approximately 1/4 acre.. Other features are: Underground utilities Sidewalks on both sides of the street Community pool Shopping center in the subdivision Blend of both detached and town homes in tne community Fairfax County Connector Route 304 service to the Franconia-Springfield metro for commuting to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC Approximately 15 minutes to Fort Belvoir Additionally, it is one of the few subdivisions that has large ramblers as well as colonial, split foyer and split level homes.  Wills and VanMetre Saratoga Square has lovely ... 09/15/2008

This isn't about a pay per view fight coming to you from our area but the fact that every day in Northern Virginia hitchhikers are jumping in strangers cars and headed in to DC.  Our slug lines are famous around the country as a unique form of carpooling not often found in other major metropolitan cities.  Many like to associate the term "slug" with the slimy creatures you find in your garden but the term actually started with the bus drivers who would find riders who had slipped in "slugs" or fake tokens into the token box instead of the real ones.  The term stuck and became linked with grabbing a free ride in our area. Slug lines have flourished and become one of the easiest and certainly cheapest ways to get into town during the work week.  The protocol for slugging is well establish... 09/12/2008

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND D.C. HOMEBUYERS: You've heard about the low interest rates.  You've watched home prices come down over the last few months.  Have you been thinking about buying a home, but don't know where to start?  Have you read the national and regional real estate news, but wonder what's going on in your community? Here's your opportunity to learn... for free.  SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  HOMEBUYER SEMINAR Saturday September 20, 2008 Weekend Lunchtime Seminar:Saturday, September 20th, 10:30 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m.(Springfield, Virginia Location -- Free Lunch Provided)     You are cordially invited to attend our next Homebuyer Seminar on Saturday, September 20th.  Northern Virginia has officially transitioned to a buyer's market -- making it the right time to mak... 09/02/2008

It seems like only a few weeks ago that the school speed limit signs stopped blinking, kids stopped getting on and off the buses and the schoolhouses were closed. Whether it was or wasn't is beside the point - they are now open.  The laws about stopping behind a school bus with blinking lights, driving at or under the school speed limit should be taken seriously by everyone.  It annoys me when I see a young mother or father with a toddler in the car drive above the speed limit in a school zone when the sign is blinking.  I wonder what they will expect of others when their child starts attending school.  I also wish there was a police officer waiting for them down the road Please, be aware of the children and the law.  If nothing else, be aware the penalty for violating school bus and sc... 08/31/2008

  The beautiful apple blossoms have long since passed and the much awaited crop of Virginia apples is waiting to be enjoyed.  It makes no difference whether you want to munch, bake or cook them there is no more unmistakeable evidence of  the Fall season's beginning than the flavor and freshness of a Virginia apple.  Here in Fairfax County there are farmer's markets where Virginia apples are sold, but to pick your own you have to visit the •  CROOKED RUN ORCHARDin Purcellville, VA (Loudoun County). •  If you would prefer a Fauquier County drive there are two orchards in Markham, VA - HARTLAND ORCHARD or STRIBLING ORCHARD.  For information about the many varieties of Virginia apples visit Virginia Apples. For information about Buying or Selling Real Estate - Contact Karen and Art by Emai... 08/24/2008

When people relocate to Northern Virginia theyare always pleased with the quality of the public parks in the various jurisdictions.  Fairfax County, in particular, has a park system to be envied since it provides facilities for almost every conceivable recreational need.  It is only one of the many reasons people find it desirable to purchase real estate in Fairfax County. Springfield has the normal complement of neighborhood parks and playgrounds, but there are four major facilities providing a broad range of recreational activities for Springfield residents. South Run Recreation Center is located on the Fairfax County Parkway and has a 25 meter pool, sauna, spa, fitness rooms, meeting rooms plus racquetball, handball, volleyball, squash  and tennis courts.  There are outdoor ball fiel... 08/17/2008

        South Run Forest is a community of 335 detached homes.  There are entrances at The Fairfax County Parkway and on Hooes Road. The homes are in the  Lake Braddock Secondary School Pyramid and approximately 10 minutes from the Pohick Regional Library.  One of the most attractive features about Springfield is the availability of many commuting .options - Metrobus Route 18R operates on The Fairfax County Parkway to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.  Fairfax County Connector Bus Service is available as well as Slug Lines.  These commuting options make it a very convenient location for people traveling to the Pentagon and Washington, D.C.  It is about a 15 minute drive to Fort Belvoir SOUTH RUN FOREST  DETACHED HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   7803... 08/16/2008

Newington Forest is a 734 acre community in southern Springfield, with over 1800 homes. The community boasts its own elementary school, a swimming pool complete with NVSL swim team-The Newington Neptunes, 6 tennis courts, 13 tot lots, a ballfield, and hiking/biking trails that wind their way in and through the community. More than 50% of the 734 acres is set aside specifically for common area. Newington Forest is just minutes from I-95 and the Fairfax County Parkway (7100). Public transportation can't be beat either. There Lorton VRE (http://www.vre.org/service/lort.htm) is right around the corner, as is the Franconia/Springfield Station of the Metro's Blue Line (http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/Stations/station.cfm?station=95).  The Fairfax Connector picks up throughout the community and... 08/13/2008

           KINGS PARK MARKET REPORT   Kings Park is located just west of the Capital Beltway (I-495) off Braddock Road.  It is a Richmarr community with slightly over 1100 homes that were built in the 60's. There are five basic models - two colonials, one split foyer, one cape cod and one rambler.  The rambler (Prince) is an extremely popular model and has over 2100 square feet on two levels.   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   8807 Kenilworth 360,000 132 8614 Thames 429,000 110  5405 Rolling 460,880 99 5607 Ventnor 500,000 69 8913 Copperfield 435,000 40 5508 Kings Park 449,999 17 8519 Parliament 460,000 15 8725 Clydesdale 435,000 13   HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED    YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 8/12/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007     2007 2008 +/-  %         Number of Homes 37 30 NA         Ave... 08/12/2008

Just Sold! 8441 Canyon Oak Drive, Springfield, VA Doing my duty to help buyers find the home of their dreams!  This beautiful end unit home offers four finished levels, hardwood floors on the main level, and backs to trees.  If you're looking for a home like this, give me a call today! --------------------- Search the MLS for Alexandria and Springfield VA real estate and homes for sale online at www.MovingToNova.com. Find out what your Alexandria or Springfield VA home is worth at www.ConfidentialCMA.com. Looking for a top Alexandria or Springfield VA real estate agent, call me at 703-623-8759 or toll free at 1-877-395-2495. Helping buyers and sellers 'Make That Move' in Alexandria and Springfield VA.  Tamara Inzunza - Real Estate Professional and Associate Broker with McEnearney Associ... 08/11/2008

    Every 2 months the Rotary Club of West Springfield assists the Fairfax County Hospital System with a blood drive at the Pohick Regional Library in Springfield. We set up in the lobby, answer questions and register donors.  Over the past 3 decades I have sold a lot of real estate to and for people in Springfield.  It is not unusual for me to hear a "Hi Karen",  look up and see one of my clients entering or leaving the library.  It is a great opportunity to visit informally and to have them see me participate in community service activities. REALTORS® have a history of community service.  My Rotary club is very active in Springfield, but we are not always in the public eye, e.g. when we read to hearing impaired children in a public school, host a Christmas shopping spree for underpri... 08/03/2008

Springfield Virginia Homes for Sale - Springfield Homes Market Report Single Family Detached Homes August 1, 2008.  There are over Active Listings 365 homes for sale in Springfield Virginia as of today August 1, 2008.  (These are single family detached homes for sale and are fee simple home owner ship.)  This high price of actively listed Springfield home for sale is $1,450,000 in the Granberry Estates subdivision and the low price of a Springfield VA home for sale is $197,900 in Springfield subdivision.  There are 89 Springfield homes under contract with a high price of $1,160,767 and the low price in Springfield City Va of $191,900. 17 Springfield Homes are under contract with a 'Cntg/KO' and 63 with a 'Cntg/NO KO' Springfield Homes - 17 'Cntg/KO' Springfield Homes - 63 'Cntg/NO KO' S... 08/01/2008

Homes sales in 2008 are up over 2007 in Cardinal Forest.  In 2007 there were 17 homes sold in Cardinal Forest,  However, 18 homes have sold in the first 7 months of 2008.  It is an attractive and extremely well maintained subdivision.   Much of its' popularity with both military and civilian purchasers is the fact that all 3 grade level schools are less than 10 minutes as well as shopping.  Bus, metro and car pools are very conveniently reached.  My husband and I have always appreciated the opportunity to sell homes to and for people in Cardinal Forest - an excellent Fairfax County location offering both convenience and value.   CARDINAL FOREST  DETACHED HOME MARKET REPORT   HOMES FOR SALE   Address List Price Days   8305 Botsford Ct 485,000 73 8345 Carrleigh Parkway 579,900 73 6300 Br... 07/28/2008

Friday afternoonSign listing agreementPlace a temporary sign in the yardPlace a lockbox on the doorPut the listing in the MRIS work fileCreate the listing on your websiteCreate a VFlyer for posting on blogs and Craig's ListSaturday morningHit the send on Craig's ListHit the live button on MRIS & other sitesStart printing brochures to take to houseONE HOUR LATERPhone rings with an agent who found the listing on Craig's list and thinks it might be perfect for his clients. Saturday AfternoonAgent shows houseAgent writes ContractSaturday NightSellers ratify the contractIn the Northern Virginia real estate market where homes can sit on the market for months, listing a home at the right price and in the right condition can attract the right buyer faster than you can get the brochures off the ... 07/02/2008

June 28th from 6:30-7:30Dog Day Afternoon at Lake Accotink Park.  Treat your canine companion to a special cruise aboard Lake Accotink Park's mighty pontoon boat. The cruise will enchant your dog with glimpses of ducks, geese and other lake dwellers. Tour boat cancelled and refunds issued in case of rain or windy conditions. Reservations and advanced payment required. No refunds unless tour boat is cancelled. $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 8-15. Child must be accompanied by an adult. Lake Accotink Park, call 703-569-0285 for registration and more information. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. 06/25/2008

If you haven’t been stationed in Northern Virginia before one of the first things that you want to become familiar with are all the different commuting options available. Depending on the neighborhood you may have the option for an express bus, a metro ride, VRE or slug line. Many who “slug” in the morning take a bus home in the evening, so you are not stuck with just one choice of how to come and go. Once you have an idea of your commuting options then we can take a closer look at some of the Fairfax County neighborhoods that have always been popular with military personnel. This tour takes you down Old Keene Mill Road one of the main throughfares in Springfield. One of those neighborhoods is the tree lined neighborhood of Cardinal Forest located in West Springfield. With well maintain... 06/20/2008

NEW HOME IN SPRINGFIELD VIRGINIA, READY IN 30 DAYS!  4 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths, Powder Room, upgrades throughout.        $879,990 Builder Closing Contribution - $18,000.Homefinders REBATE - $10,000.Exterior is Brick Front and Hardiplank Back                                                                                   LOT SIZE 10,562 Finished living space on Level 1 and Level 2 about 2,768 square feet.Finished living space in the Lower Level, about 1,321 square feet. Main Level:  Foyer Entrance with Center House Staircase, Living Room, Formal Dining Room,Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Family Room with Fireplace, Powder Room, Library.Upper Level:  Owner's Luxurious Bedroom with Super Bath with Soaking Tub, SeparateShower and Huge His/Her's Walk-I... 06/16/2008

NEW HOME IN SPRINGFIELD VIRGINIA, READY NOW!  4 Bedroom, 5 Full Baths, upgrades throughout.        $999,990 Builder Closing Contribution - $18,000.Homefinders REBATE - $10,000.Exterior is Brick Front and Hardiplank Back                                                                                   LOT SIZE 11,571 Finished living space on Level 1 and Level 2 about 3,735 square feet.Finished living space in the Lower Level, about 2,065 square feet. Main Level:  Foyer Entrance with Curved Staircase, Living Room, Formal Dining Room,Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Maple CabinetsFamily Room with Fireplace, Full Bath, Sun Room, Library.Upper Level:  Owner's Suite with Sitting Room and Super Bath with Soaking Tub, SeparateShower and 2 Walk-In Closets, 3... 06/16/2008

SPRINGFIELD VA NEW HOMES * IMMEDIATE DELIVERY * PRICES SLASHED * BUILDER INCENTIVESSPRINGFIELD NEW HOME FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY = $999,990 SPRINGFIELD NEW HOME READY IN 30 DAYS = $890,000YES!!  2 new homes in Springfield Virginia ready for you.  THIS IS AN UNBELIEVABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION IS READY FOR YOU.  Look at the amenities.        Fairfax County Public Schools, ranked among the highest in the country.            Hunt Valley Elementary School                Irving Middle School                West Springfield High SchoolThese homes qualify for the Homefinders Fairfax County New Home REBATE.  The REBATES for these homes is $9,000 and $10,000.  IMMEDIATE DELIVERY NEW HOME IN SPRINGFIELD VIRGINIA - $10,000 REBATE. Property Details for listing # FX6745027 Price:  $999,990 C... 06/14/2008

   The 2008 Springfield Days activities being on Thursday, May 29 and continue through the sinking of the last entry in the boat regatta on Sunday, June 1 Springfield Days is an annual community-wide festival during which businesses, residents, and service groups join together to celebrate who we are, where we began and most importantly, where we are going. Community groups, businesses and volunteers work tirelessly planning for the annual Springfield Days festival. This weekend of fun includes children's entertainment and rides, a parade, music for the whole family, art, community exhibits and the famous Cardboard Boat Regatta. 703.866.3500 www.springfielddays.com. Friday, May 30Burger King Family Festival with Kids' Rides and Games: Springfield Mall, 10 am - 9 pmOld-fashioned Bar-B-Q ... 05/30/2008