Charlestown is a highly desireable and sought after town home community in the heart of Springfield The homes and yard enclosures are all brick. There are 497 homes that were Built between 1968 and 1973 Finished liviing area ranges from 1,320 square feet to 1,798 square feet A very active homeowner's association can take credit for the excellent appearance of the community - the proof is in the pictures below Commuting Metrobus Route 18G Express Service to the Pentagon Metro Station operates on Forrester Boulevard close to Charlestown property. The scheduled time to the Pentagon is 30 minutes This would be a good transfer point if you are continuing on to Washington, DC Fort Belvoir is approximately 15 minutes south via Rolling Road to US 1. Slug Lines are available on Old Keene Mill R... 01/13/2008

How do I know this?  Simple,  I've sold homes to many clients in these subdivisions over the past 31 years  There are others, but I am confident the pictures and text will help you understand  why these are among the leaders. In PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY  You should look at LAKE RIDGE,  MONTCLAIR,  WESTRIDGE, OLD BRIDGE ESTATES, TWIN OAKS, PORT POTOMAC In FAIRFAX COUNTY it would be wise to consider KINGSTOWNE, SARATOGA, ORANGE HUNT ESTATES These subdivisions are ideal for commuting to Northern Virginia locations, but also into DC. I will be adding additional posts of popular subdivisions in the future.  PLEASE CONTACT ME for assistance with Northern Virginia Real Estate 01/13/2008

 Unbelievable as it may seem this property was lived in until about five years ago.  It is actually an historic landmark in Lorton, but is beyond repair.Fixer Uppers or Handyman Specials come in several different configurations.First, is the home that is in excellent condition, but has never been updated.  Generally, these homes are owned by people who bought them 40 or 50 years ago, raised their family and are now ready to retire.  In many cases, they are unwilling to invest the necessary dollars to bring the home up to current standards.  The key element is that the home has "good bones".  Depending on your skill level, you may only need to hire a contractor for those items that require a licensed contractor for purposes of meeting current code requirements.Second, are homes that are ... 01/10/2008

If your family includes a pet or two, making sure that they are safe and secure during your move can often be just as important as making sure your household goods arrive in one piece.  Our family has moved around the world with pets and I know how difficult it can be find good care for your pet in a new surrounding.  The first thing to remember if you are moving with a pet is to make sure as you set aside your personal information that you also include a copy of your pets health history and medications that they may need while in transit.  Since most pets are lost during move-in day making sure that your pet is secure while the movers are unloading your furniture is critical.  The best way to ensure that your pet is safe and secure is to find another place for your pet for the day.  Fo... 01/07/2008

    This is the fourth in my series about family owned and operated hardware stores in Northern Virginia. My first association with Fischer's was in the early '80s.  Our family enjoyed camping and we were constantly on the lookout for items that would make our stay in the woods a bit more enjoyable.  Fischer's was the only place we could find Strike Anywhere Matches.  Since then I have looked to them for antiquing finishes - they have an exceptionally fine inventory of refinishing supplies. Opened in 1953, Fischer's remains a family owned business.  Old fashioned, friendly service, wide selection and quality are the store's number 1 priority.  They can be found in the Concord Center at Backlick and Commerce. The other three family owned hardware stores in my series are located in Manass... 01/02/2008

This is a great way to start off 2008. Exploring all of the predications for Active Rain and the real estate market. Taking a look back in time with my technology background I don't think anyone could have predicted where we would be today with YouTube Videos, Podcasts and mobile technologies. All of these are going to be important pieces of the real estate technology puzzle in 2008.Hope it is a good year for everyone. A look back at Fox News panel redictions for real estate in 2007. Remember all real estate is local!!! If you need help with relocation to Northern Virginia just give me a call to discuss how our relocation team can help you make a smooth move. 01/01/2008

   That question has been in the forefront for just about every client of ours relocating to Northern Virginia.  There have been a few who wanted to return to previous neighborhoods or knew where they wanted to live.We live in a transient society and usually are willing to relocate our family to advance our careers and improve our life style.  The housing concern is primary whether a client is in the military, federal government or in the private sector.  Over the past 31 years we have assisted clients who worked for such diverse organizations as:Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, FBI, Secret Service, The White House, DEA, DOD, IRS, Agriculture, State Department, Justice, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, George Mason University, NASA, FNMA, FHLMC, The Patent Office,FAA, Mobil, Hilton ... 12/31/2007

Long before Homer Simpson made the TV town of Springfield famous, before the Springfield Mixing Bowl was created or Slug lines came to town their was a small ‘country” highway stop fifteen miles outside of DC that would come to be known as Springfield Virginia. In 1946 the developer Edwin Carr realized that their was a huge piece of undeveloped land ,close enough to DC to be appealing to government workers who worked in town and that would provide space for larger homes than were currently available in Arlington or Alexandria.  My parents were one of those families who decided that Springfield provided a chance for them to buy their first home.  In 1955 they bought a brand new split level home in the Yates Village neighborhood of Springfield. When we moved in to our new home there wasn’... 12/30/2007

I pick up trash on Rolling Road in SpringfieldAs a member of the Rotary Club of West Springfield, I am committed to community service.  Four times a year you will see club members on the stretch of Rolling Road between the Fairfax County Parkway and Old Keene Mill Road wearing orange vests picking up trash. We participate in the VDOT Adopt A Highway ProgramWe know our efforts are appreciated - periodically a passerby will honk and wave or slow down, roll down the window and holler, "Thanks,"  This past summer I returned home after a cleanup to find my message light blinking. One of my clients left a message that she was driving past and noticed me.Over the years I have sold many homes to and for the residents of Springfield  As a matter of fact, several of my clients still live in homes... 12/30/2007

In Northern Virginia you can turn just about any corner and run across a “mega” store.  When it comes to building and remodeling supplies everyone knows about the competition between the folks in the blue aprons and those in the orange ones.  There is no doubt that when it comes to the basics these stores have loads of variety and if you can find it yourself you can be in and out in no time.  However, if you need help and happen to be trying to remodel a 1950’s vintage Springfield home, you are going to spend a lot of time wandering up and down the aisles looking for parts they don’t carry.  Instead you need to head to the hardware store that our family started using when we moved to Springfield in 1955-Fischers Hardware.  If you had asked me a few years ago what an escutcheon was I wou... 12/27/2007

 PROPER PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCEThat may seem like a trite statement, but it is one my husband and I apply to every planning session about business activity.When we are selected to market a property we develop an Action Plan TAILORED to the property.  Why?  Each property is as unique as the people who own it - it deserves to have a strategy that will result in a timely sale.Similarly, when we work for purchasers we always have a "brainstorming session" with the parties and then develop a specific Action Plan.  Why? It is our goal to facilitate the transaction so that it is a rewarding experience.CONTACT ME FOR ROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE IN 2008With over 30 years experience in Springfileld, Fairfax County and Northern Virginia real estate, we believe we ar eminently ... 12/27/2007

 For years people have been told, "The three most important things in real estate are location, location, location"If you live in the home at the right that may well still be true, but it will not be true for the rest of us in 2008.For 2008, the three most important things in real estate are "Price, Condition and Terms."If any real estate agent tells you something else you may be talking to the wrong real estate agent.CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR 2008 12/27/2007

  John and Kay were in Hawaii with orders to Fort Belvoir.  They contacted me through  my website They were interested in purchasing their first home and preferred working with an agent with in-depth experience.During our initial conversations we discussed location, financing and dates for a house hunting trip.  John told me there was not going to be a house hunting trip.  He selected me because of my in-depth experience and technical capability - he expected the entire transaction to be ready when he arrived with his family.I sent homes via e-mail, lenders contacted them and arranged financing.  The homeowner of the home they wanted to purchase allowed us to take as many photos as we needed. Our software enables us to create a VERY DETAILED VIRTUAL TOUR and upload it to the internet.  ... 12/25/2007

Every year during the holiday season the Rotary Club of West Springfield invites Springfield area school students to perform at one of our club meetings.  We meet every Wednesday at 7:30 AM at the Springfield Golf and Country Club on Old Keene Mill Road.This morning we were entertained by the Orange Hunt Elementary School German Choir.  Fairfax County Public Schools have foreign language immersion programs available at the elementary school level.  Orange Hunt Elementary teaches German.  This choir of elementary school children entertained us with a selection of German Christmas Carols and they were OUTSTANDING.  The citizens of Fairfax County can be proud of programs like this that broaden our children's knowledge of our world.  I am not showing pictures of these kids for the very obvi... 12/19/2007

Showing and selling homes in Orange Hunt Estates for the past 3 decades has been a very gratifying experence for my husband and myself. The 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. The Link Below Is Always Connected To The Area Multiple Listing ServiceThe Listings Are Updated Every Hour Available Orange Hunt Estates Homes No Registration Springfield VA Home Search Commuting MetrobusRoute 18H runs through the community providing both morning and evening rush hour service to the Pentagon Metro Station - it's about a 40 minute trip Additionally, it is a relatively short drive to the Franconia-Springfi... 12/19/2007

 One of my very favorite birds is the cardinal which just happens to be the Commonwealth of Virginia state bird.  Every year I purchase my Christmas cards from the NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION here in Reston Virginia.  I always order Christmas cards from them that have a cardinal on the front of the card.  However, since the drawings are copyrighted I can't scan them and show them to you, but the artwork is outstanding.The National Wildlife Federation supports more than birds, but since elephants and tigers are not allowed in my subdivision I have to settle for birds.  As a matter of fact I have completed the requirements to have my backyard become a Certified Wildlife Habitat.One of the things I like about the Christmas cards is that they are made of recycled material.  If you are inte... 12/18/2007

QUESTION:I am a real estate investor in the state of Colorado that purchases single family homes for rent. My question concerns my growing frustration over tenants that break their lease. Typically, we only make a lease for one year periods. The issue typically arises when the tenant finds a home and enters into a purchase contract, then sends a notice to me that they intend to break their lease sometimes within 3-4 months of signing the lease! My question actually has more then one part. What can I do to discourage this from happening? (The obvious issues are wear and tear and the expense of finding another tenant). What if I have negotiated terms with the tenant for a reduced rate in lieu of a multi-year lease and the same circumstances arise?Are there legal clauses that can be insert... 12/17/2007

   The year is 1977 - Arthur and I are newly licensed.  As you can see, being brunette is all the rage.My very first client (also named Karen) is equally pregnant.  I just met she and her husband at an open house. Shortly, I will sell them a Virginia rambler on Reservoir Road.  Their daughter Heather will precede our son Max by a few months.Since that time I have sold three homes to them and for them when they relocated and returned to Virginia.  All three of them were in Springfield.   Finally, they stopped being transferred and I sold them their fourth property in Kingstowne.Remember their daughter Heather?  I sold she and her husband their first home and sold it for them when they moved to West Virginia.Regardless of what others may think, I know my client loyalty is due to my experi... 12/17/2007

 Over 8,000 RE/MAX agents have earned the CRS or Certified Residential Specialist Designation.  That is many more than the closest competitor and almost twice the national average of those who have earned this prestigious National Association of REALTORS designation. It is obvious the RE/MAX agents as well as those of other firms who have invested time and funds to complete the requirements consider it a valuable resource to assist them in meeting their client's objectives.My husband and I have both met the requirements and feel confident this has improved our real estate knowledge.When you are contemplating buying or selling real estate you would do well to ask prospective real estate agents if they hold the CRS designation.  Or, you can see me for Northern Virgimia real estate service.   12/17/2007

This is one of the market reports I publish on a monthly basis for SARATOGA 22153.  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 13 TOWN HOMES FOR SALEThe sales figures in this report are for the MONTH ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2007  SALES STATISTICS (1 SOLD)AVERAGE LIST PRICE $349,900          AVERAGE SALES PRICE$339,900 MINUS SELLER SUBSIDIES$10,197NET SALES PRICE         $329,703CONTACT ME for assistance with SPRINGFIELD VA or FAIRFAX COUNTY REAL ESTATE. 12/04/2007