****Note, the following blog post has been modified to reflect the updated status of this project**** Hi Everyone! I just attended a meeting at the Springfield Golf and Country Club about the update on Springfield Town Center. For those of you that don't know about it, Springfield Town Center is a proposed development project that will totally revitalize the Springfield Mall. The company Vornado purchased the Springfield mall a couple of years ago. Since then, they have been busy getting approvals from the County Boards and the like to go forward with the project. It looks as if the first approvals will start happening in the fall/winter of 2008, with construction beginning sometime in 2009-2010. Included in the plans are several mixed-use sections along the -acre site. The plans focus ... 05/21/2008

Konnie McKee | Konnie McKee Manassas Realty Direct | 703 407 7088 7212 Squirrel Run Ct., Springfield, VA Gorgeous End Unit, 1 Car Garage...Private setting, backs to Trees, Comon area, Hardwoods, All neutral...Move In Ready!! 3 Bdrm Condo offered at $449,995 Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 1,661 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 2 partial Floors 4 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $45 per month see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Family room Living room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Washer Dryer COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Konnie McKee Konnie McKee Manassas Realty Direct 703 407 7088 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: May 11, 2008, 4:36pm PDT 05/11/2008

Buyers in today's market have a lot of choices among properties.  It has been said over and over that a home needs photos in the MLS to help bring buyers to the door.  We mentioned on numerous occassions that the endless photos of toliets (seat up) don't add any value to the photo array.  However there are also those photos that you might not have thought of that will keep the prospective buyers away from your door as well.  The photo of your pet.  You may have a nice clean home and we could open the door and never know about your pet(s) espcecially if you took them out for a walk when we made our appointment.  Yet when one of the photos in the MLS clearly shows a "pack" of dogs or a cat in every photo the chances are a buyer is going to immediately question whether the house is in the ... 04/29/2008

    Over the past 32 years as a full time real estate broker I've had that question asked more times by inbound clients than I care to count. Fortunately, it is a very easily answered question.  There are good schools throughout Northern Virginia. That is as far as I am qualified or willing to go on the subject.  Unlike many real estate agents I recognize that one family's perception of a "good school" may not be another family's perception of a "good school".  Additionally, special needs frequently enter the equation of what a child needs as an integral part of their education.    The following chart shows Standard of Learning test scores for several of the schools in four of the Northern Virginia public school districts. For links to all NORTHERN VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS plus ot... 04/14/2008

    This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Daventry  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.Currently, there are  6 TOWN HOMES FOR SALE. The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2008  SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)AVERAGE LIST PRICE $419,775AVERAGE SALES PRICE$410,000MINUS SELLER SUBSIDIES$0NET SALES PRICE         $410,000 Daventry is one of the most convenient and most affordable residential subdivisions in Fairfax CountyWe believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.We know the area thoroughly - we've lived in... 04/02/2008

   This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Daventry  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home. Currently, there is 1  DETACHED HOME FOR SALE. The sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2008  SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)AVERAGE LIST PRICE $675,000AVERAGE SALES PRICE$653,000MINUS SELLER SUBSIDIES$0NET SALES PRICE         $653,000 Daventry is one of the most convenient and most affordable residential subdivisions in Fairfax CountyWe believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.We know the area thoroughly - we've lived ... 04/02/2008

   This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Orange Hunt.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.Currently, there are 2 TOWN HOMES FOR SALEThe sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2008  SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)AVERAGE LIST PRICE $450,000AVERAGE SALES PRICE$420,000MINUS SELLER SUBSIDIES$10,000NET SALES PRICE         $410,000 Orange Hunt is one of the most convenient and most affordable residential subdivisions in Fairfax CountyWe believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.We know the area thoroughly - we've ... 04/01/2008

   This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Orange Hunt Estates.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.Currently, there are 8 HOMES FOR SALEThe sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2008  SALES STATISTICS (2 SOLD)AVERAGE LIST PRICE $387,950AVERAGE SALES PRICE$387,500MINUS SELLER SUBSIDIES$8,408NET SALES PRICE         $379,092 Orange Hunt Estates is one of the most convenient and most affordable residential subdivisions in Fairfax CountyWe believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.We know the area thoroughl... 04/01/2008

  This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for Saratoga.  Many REALTORS® prepare a report for all of Fairfax County or Northern Virginia.  In my opinion, that covers too broad an area to be meaningful.  I do believe my approach will give you a much more realistic picture of the market in the area closest to your home.Currently, there are 16 HOMES FOR SALEThe sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING MARCH 31, 2008  SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)AVERAGE LIST PRICE $524,900AVERAGE SALES PRICE$517,500MINUS SELLER SUBSIDIES$0NET SALES PRICE         $517,500 Saratoga is one of the most convenient and most affordable residential subdivisions in Fairfax CountyWe believe we are the most qualfied team to assist you.We know the area thoroughly - we've lived in Norther... 04/01/2008

Woodstream is a neighborhood of single family homes and townhomes set next to Fairfax County Parkland with access to trails and streams.    Pride of ownership shows throughout this community of just over 200 homes. Community amenities include a basketball court and community playground. Commuters enjoy easy access to the Fairfax County Parkway, Route 1 and I-95 yet with no thru streets, neighborhood traffic remains calm. Neighborhood schools include Newington Forest Elementary, Key Middle, and South County.  Please check with Fairfax County regarding any possible zoning changes. Occoquan is just a few minutes away...   Area Links: Restaurants Parks Play this June 2010 Northern VA Marketwatch video from RBI:   03/30/2008

Congress doesn't pass any laws that spend your money wastefully or limit your freedom.  To the best of my knowledge it's been such a week. This weekend in our nation's capital is very eventful and none of it required an Act of Congress. Today marks the opening of the NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL a two week celebration of the gift from Japan in 1911.  Yes, 1911 - the initial trees were given then, but were diseased and replaced in 1912 which is the date the public recognizes.  One of the activities my husband and I enjoy is today's music by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. A second event that sparks both local and national attention is the annual NATIONAL MARATHON that begins and ends at RFK Stadium.  The entire course is run in DC past many national landmarks.  More than 7,000 r... 03/29/2008

    Sound  lending guidelines for home purchases were ignored between 1999 and mid-2005 resulting in more than 1.25 million pre-foreclosure letters being sent to homeowners in 2007 - an increase of 79% over 2006. Lenders are now verifying the prospective borrower's employment, credit worthiness and requiring that the parties have enough residual cash to cover the costs associated with homeownership and other contingencies that may arise. Now that the traditional underwriting guidelines have been reestablished a lot of care and effort has to be taken to prepare for the home buying process.  Keep the benefits of homeownership in mind when the process seems unnecessarily difficult and you will prevail.   Set a firm budget You need to thoroughly understand where every penny of your money wi... 03/07/2008

 WHICH CAUSES THE MOST DAMAGE TO A HOME?If you answered water you are correct.  Water damage results in an estimated $6.8 billion worth of property damage every year..  Many of the water damage claims are the result of appliance and water heater leaks, plumbing leaks or lack of care when using water.There are a few measures you can take to minimize the possibility of these incidents occurring.• Check all the window and door seals in your home and replace or caulk as necessary.•  Inspect your tub and shower for leaking shower doors and replace old and brittle caulk.  Check the sink and toilet - water stains around the toilet may indicate damage to the tank seals. • In the kitchen, examine the sinks, icemaker, dishwasher  and garbage disposal for leaks. • Inspect your washing machine hose... 03/07/2008

16 Springfield subdivisions were selected to demonstrate the wide variety of homes that are available to meet the needs of a broad section of the population. One of the main attractions of Springfield is that it projects a genuine sense of a well established, mature community that is not apparent in more recently developed areas.  Since Springfield is not an incorporated town or city, its' services are provided by the Fairfax County form of government. When you click on the subdivision links you will see photos, prices and other pertinent information regarding the particular subdivision.    CARDINAL FOREST    CARDINAL FOREST CONDOMINIUMS    CHARLESTOWN    DAVENTRY    GREENTREE VILLAGE    KINGS PARK    LAKE FOREST  MIDDLE VALLEY    NEWINGTON FOREST    ORANGE HUNT ESTATES    RHYGATE    SA... 03/01/2008

Though the weather is still a bit nippy in Northern Virginia it won't be long before we begin to see the daffodils poking their heads up in the garden and the blooms on the Cherry Blossom trees.  If you are a seller who is making a move this summer then it is not too early to begin to get your home ready to sell. It can't be said often enough, especially in our current market where the inventory is high and the days on the market are long, your home has to be at its best the first day it goes on the market.  From the second a potential buyer pulls up to your home they have to be enticed to come inside. Creating a positive first impression can make the difference between finding the right buyer and showing your home to many browsers. One of the first things you need to do is step back an... 03/01/2008

   This is the 5th in my series of reports on extinct Northern Virginia airportsAt the end of World War II Carl Allen opened the Springfield Airport with a 2,200 foot unpaved runway.  In addition to providing refueling and other services he planned to open a flying school to serve the postwar interest in flying by veterans under the GI Bill.One of the mechanics at the airport was Charlie Kulp, The Flying Farmer of BEALETON VIRGINIA FLYING CIRCUS fame.  At age 82 he flew his last barnstorming flight in 2007.The owner and his wife were killed in an airplane crash in 1951 and the airport was closed.  Although the site borders 1-95 and the Capital Beltway neither of those roads existed in 1951 - President Eisenhower didn't sign the bill authorizing the Interstate Highway System until 1956. ... 02/25/2008

Ask the residents of Northern Virginia who drive through the Springfield "mixing bowl"  everyday and they may tell you that an airport would be preferable to the 50 ramps and 20 lanes they deal with everyday.  Ask a tourist driving through and you can bet they would rather be flying over than trying to navigate their way through the maze.  In 1945 this same area was the location of a 3,000 foot long unpaved runway as part of the Springfield Airport.  The tiny airport offered fuel and maintenance facilities for small aircraft.  One of the mechanics at the airport in the late 1940's was Charlie Kulp who is best known in our area for his acrobatic flying in the Bealton Flying Circus which still operates today and is a great place to go and watch the amazing flying acrobatics. Our family mo... 02/24/2008

As a follow-on to my posting earlier regarding Fairfax County Foreclosures-Detached Homes in Springfield VA this list is the current townhouse properties listed in the MLS in either Foreclosure or as an REO property in Springfield, VA.Just as with the previous list a foreclosure property may or may not be the best deal available in a neighborhood and working with an agent to help you look at all of the options before deciding on a Fairfax County foreclosure property is essential. Address ListPrice AdvertisedSubdivision BR BF BH LVL FP 7003 BROCTON CT $269,900 GRANDVIEW OF VIRGINIA 3 3 1 3 0 7390 STREAM WAY $271,000 ROLLING FOREST 3 3 1 3 1 8351 ROCKY FORGE CT $275,000 NEWINGTON FOREST 3 1 1 2 0 7808 MARCONI CT $294,900 NEWINGTON STATION 3 1 2 3 0 8057 KITTIWAKE CT $294,900 SARATOGA TOWN... 02/16/2008

With the news continuing to talk about foreclosures and short sales it makes sense to continue to post information on different cities and a list of the current properties available.  Throughout Farifax County buyers will find a great variety of homes available to consider.  Deals are beginning to emerge from among hundreds of homes available.As a buyer before you consider buying a bank owned property you need to understand that buying a property from a bank or mortgage company is not the same process as buying directly from an owner.  Buying a foreclosure takes patience and sometimes weeks of waiting for the bank representative to get back to you.  Not many buyers who are looking to purchase a foreclosure as their primary residence have the patience it takes to wait it out. If you do d... 02/15/2008

Over the past 31 years the Springfield area has been a primary source of real estate business for my husband and me.  The reason I became a West Springfield Rotarian is easy to understand - Rotary International is renowned worldwide for the members service to their community as well as to international projects such as the eradication of polioThe Rotary Club of West Springfield, chartered on April 9, 1980, was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Springfield. It was first known as the Springfield Breakfast Rotary Club and met at the Springfield Howard Johnson. Meetings were moved to the Hunter Motel in 1982 and then to the Springfield Golf and Country Club in 1984. In 1996 the name was changed to The Rotary Club of West Springfield. Four charter members, Kelly Perdue, Doug Alcorn, Roger Appl... 02/15/2008