Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Chantilly Single Family Home
We have a gorgeous Single Family Home for sale in Chantilly in the Bridle Ridge community.
The sellers have just replaced the carpet with new top-of-the line neutral carpet, additional features include hardwood floors, security system, deck, hot-tub with privacy screen, finished lower level and a ton of other amenities! Here are a few photos, for the virtual tour and more information click this link.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Memorial Day Events Washington D.C.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
For many individuals, Memorial Day weekend is about the first weekend the pool is open, BBQ's and an extra day off to spend time with family & friends. But it is important for us all to remember that Memorial Day is much more than that. Memorial Day is a holiday designed to commemorate the U.S. Men and women who died in military service for their country. These brave souls paid the ultimate price so that we could have our freedom. This is a sacrifice we will not ever forget.
This Memorial Day weekend I'd like to bring some attention to two veterans on an astounding journey to raise awareness.
The Wall To Wall Cross Country Bicycle Ride.
These gentlemen are riding bicycles from the Wall of Valor in Bakersfield, CA to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. about 4,263 miles. ON BIKES! And one of them is a double-amputee. I first read an article about Jeremy Staat & Wesley Barrientos, both veterans of the Iraq war, in January 2012. This statistic quoted in the article really got my attention:
" The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that a veteran dies by suicide every 80 minutes. That’s an annual death toll of about 6,500 — more than all the U.S. military casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan since those conflicts began."
(Read the full article here)
Wow. These men and women go to war, they witness things that many of us couldn't even dream about surviving. Yet they come home and lose hope. How can this be? More importantly, how can we help? I've been keeping an eye on the progress of this ride to raise awareness through social media updates, because their journey is frankly pretty astounding. Wesley & Jeremy arrive in Washington D.C. this weekend, and we can go and cheer them on!
If you think these guys are as awesome as I do, you can Follow them on Facebook
For many individuals, Memorial Day weekend is about the first weekend the pool is open, BBQ's and an extra day off to spend time with family & friends. But it is important for us all to remember that Memorial Day is much more than that. Memorial Day is a holiday designed to commemorate the U.S. Men and women who died in military service for their country. These brave souls paid the ultimate price so that we could have our freedom. This is a sacrifice we will not ever forget.
This Memorial Day weekend I'd like to bring some attention to two veterans on an astounding journey to raise awareness.
The Wall To Wall Cross Country Bicycle Ride.
These gentlemen are riding bicycles from the Wall of Valor in Bakersfield, CA to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. about 4,263 miles. ON BIKES! And one of them is a double-amputee. I first read an article about Jeremy Staat & Wesley Barrientos, both veterans of the Iraq war, in January 2012. This statistic quoted in the article really got my attention:
" The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that a veteran dies by suicide every 80 minutes. That’s an annual death toll of about 6,500 — more than all the U.S. military casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan since those conflicts began."
(Read the full article here)
Wow. These men and women go to war, they witness things that many of us couldn't even dream about surviving. Yet they come home and lose hope. How can this be? More importantly, how can we help? I've been keeping an eye on the progress of this ride to raise awareness through social media updates, because their journey is frankly pretty astounding. Wesley & Jeremy arrive in Washington D.C. this weekend, and we can go and cheer them on!
If you think these guys are as awesome as I do, you can Follow them on Facebook
Friday, May 25, 2012
Weekend Events in Virginia
If you're a late planner like me, chances are you may have no plans yet for Memorial Day Weekend. Here are a few suggestions that may help you:
The National Memorial Day Concert - Washington, D.C. May 27th
Viva Vienna - Vienna, VA May 26th, 27th and 28th
The Virginia Renaissance Faire in Spotsylvania - Weekends May 12th through June 10th.
The Delaplane Strawberry Festival in Delaplane - May 26th and 27th
National College Dance Festival - the Kennedy Center
Or of course, you can always visit a local winery....Virginia Wine
Whatever you do, have a fantastic weekend!
The National Memorial Day Concert - Washington, D.C. May 27th
Viva Vienna - Vienna, VA May 26th, 27th and 28th
The Virginia Renaissance Faire in Spotsylvania - Weekends May 12th through June 10th.
The Delaplane Strawberry Festival in Delaplane - May 26th and 27th
National College Dance Festival - the Kennedy Center
Or of course, you can always visit a local winery....Virginia Wine
Whatever you do, have a fantastic weekend!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Cheetah Cubs at the National Zoo
If you haven't yet heard, or seen the adorable pictures, you've just got to read about the new Cheetah Cubs at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington D.C. These cubs were rescued after their mother underwent an emergency C-section when her labor stalled after the first cub was born.
The cubs will not be ready for public viewing for a while yet, but the photos online are quite charming, and their story is pretty remarkable! Read the full story here
The cubs will not be ready for public viewing for a while yet, but the photos online are quite charming, and their story is pretty remarkable! Read the full story here
Northern Virginia High School Rankings
If you are thinking about moving to (or within) Northern Virginia, it's possible the Schools are important to you. I saw an article in the news today that I wanted to share with you courtesy of the Washington Post Local. The Headline reads: "Stone Bridge High School ranked 10th best in Virginia." (Click the link for Washington Post article).
Wow! 10th in the whole State? That's pretty spectacular! Congratulations to the teachers, students and staff at Stone Bridge HS! According to this article they also placed 178th nationally, and earned a gold medal for the student's college readiness. The article from US News showing the rankings can be found here.
Other local schools placing high in national rankings according to this article, include:
I'd like to point out that Chantilly High School ranked 15 in the state, and Westfield High School ranked 16. This means that 15 of the top 20 schools in the entire state are located in our own Northern Virginia area. Congratulations to Virginia Educators! We appreciate all you do for our children and our future!
Wow! 10th in the whole State? That's pretty spectacular! Congratulations to the teachers, students and staff at Stone Bridge HS! According to this article they also placed 178th nationally, and earned a gold medal for the student's college readiness. The article from US News showing the rankings can be found here.
Other local schools placing high in national rankings according to this article, include:
- #2 - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA
- #19 - George Mason High School in Falls Church
- #55 - George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church
- #85 - McLean High School in McLean, VA
- #88 - James W. Robinson Jr Secondary School in Fairfax, Virginia
- #98 Langley High School in McLean, Virginia
- #122 - W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA
- #129 - James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia
- #165 - Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia
- #178 - Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, VA
- #193 - Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia
- #207 - West Springfield High School in Springfield, VA
- #249 - Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia
I'd like to point out that Chantilly High School ranked 15 in the state, and Westfield High School ranked 16. This means that 15 of the top 20 schools in the entire state are located in our own Northern Virginia area. Congratulations to Virginia Educators! We appreciate all you do for our children and our future!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Silver Line of the Dulles Metrorail Project
If you have driven near Tyson's Corner or Reston Virginia in the last year or two you've probably noticed an enormous amount of construction. Some of this construction is Phase 1 of the Dulles Metro Rail project. For the past month or so I've been hearing a lot about local residents opposing the Silver Line. The Silver Line of the Dulles Metrorail is expected to extend The Washington, D.C. area's public rail transport system or "the Metro" from Falls Church to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and into the city of Ashburn at Ryan Road. You can see a map of the proposed stations here.
Phase 1 of this project is well underway and scheduled for completion in 2013 according to the Dulles Metrorail Project's Website. Phase 2 extends the rail from Wiehle Avenue in Reston to Ryan Road in Ashburn with stops at Reston Parkway, in Herndon/Monroe Street, Route 28, Dulles Airport and Route 606 ending at Ryan Road in Ashburn. according to their website, the proposed completion date for Phase II is 2016.
According to some comments I've seen in various articles and blogs, the opposition is not to the rail itself, but to the taxpayers bearing the financial burden of building the rail system. There are concerns that the cost of use on the Dulles Toll Road & The Greenway (Virginia Highway 267) will increase exponentially. Further, the use of PLA's (Project Labor Agreements) is expected to vastly increase construction costs, decrease the likelihood of Virginia workers getting these jobs, and reduce in-state competition due to the low number of Virginia Unions. For more information on this opposition, see the article here. The Reston Chamber of Commerce has also expressed opposition to these PLA's. You can read more about that here.
From a strictly Real Estate point of view, the Silver line means better access to two major airports as well as commuter options for residents who work in or near the District of Colombia. It means a likely increase in property value for residents in Herndon, Reston and Ashburn once it is completed. However, it is always interesting to see how these types of changes affect the community in which they occur during the building process.
For photos and updates on Dulles Metro Rail construction, click this link.
Phase 1 of this project is well underway and scheduled for completion in 2013 according to the Dulles Metrorail Project's Website. Phase 2 extends the rail from Wiehle Avenue in Reston to Ryan Road in Ashburn with stops at Reston Parkway, in Herndon/Monroe Street, Route 28, Dulles Airport and Route 606 ending at Ryan Road in Ashburn. according to their website, the proposed completion date for Phase II is 2016.
According to some comments I've seen in various articles and blogs, the opposition is not to the rail itself, but to the taxpayers bearing the financial burden of building the rail system. There are concerns that the cost of use on the Dulles Toll Road & The Greenway (Virginia Highway 267) will increase exponentially. Further, the use of PLA's (Project Labor Agreements) is expected to vastly increase construction costs, decrease the likelihood of Virginia workers getting these jobs, and reduce in-state competition due to the low number of Virginia Unions. For more information on this opposition, see the article here. The Reston Chamber of Commerce has also expressed opposition to these PLA's. You can read more about that here.
From a strictly Real Estate point of view, the Silver line means better access to two major airports as well as commuter options for residents who work in or near the District of Colombia. It means a likely increase in property value for residents in Herndon, Reston and Ashburn once it is completed. However, it is always interesting to see how these types of changes affect the community in which they occur during the building process.
For photos and updates on Dulles Metro Rail construction, click this link.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Short Sales and the MDRA of 2007
If you are a homeowner who bought your Northern Virginia house in 2004-2006 you may be significantly upside-down in the value of your home. Meaning that the full amount owed on your mortgage, may be higher than the current fair market value of the home.
The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 made it generally possible for taxpayers to exclude the deficiency (amount still owed after negotiating for a short-sale) from their taxable income when filing their taxes in the years 2007-2012. There is a lot more information available regarding this act from the IRS, who frankly know a lot more about it than we do. The most important thing for Virginia Consumers to note, is that if you are thinking about a short-sale you probably shouldn't sit on the idea for too long. Most short-sales take more than 4 months to negotiate, and there is not a lot of inventory on the market right now...so homes are selling quickly!
If you are a buyer looking at short-sales, please pay close attention to the time frame given by the listing agent. If we tell you it will likely take 4 months, we mean it. Sometimes a short-sale can be approved in 3 months, but typically it is longer.
Should you have any questions about Real Estate, please submit an inquiry to our website. We would be happy to answer any questions you have!
I'll leave you with some photos of our latest Reston Virginia listing, which was under contract in just a few days! Email us for more information about this property as well.
Photos Courtesy of Dan McCutcheon
The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 made it generally possible for taxpayers to exclude the deficiency (amount still owed after negotiating for a short-sale) from their taxable income when filing their taxes in the years 2007-2012. There is a lot more information available regarding this act from the IRS, who frankly know a lot more about it than we do. The most important thing for Virginia Consumers to note, is that if you are thinking about a short-sale you probably shouldn't sit on the idea for too long. Most short-sales take more than 4 months to negotiate, and there is not a lot of inventory on the market right now...so homes are selling quickly!
If you are a buyer looking at short-sales, please pay close attention to the time frame given by the listing agent. If we tell you it will likely take 4 months, we mean it. Sometimes a short-sale can be approved in 3 months, but typically it is longer.
Should you have any questions about Real Estate, please submit an inquiry to our website. We would be happy to answer any questions you have!
I'll leave you with some photos of our latest Reston Virginia listing, which was under contract in just a few days! Email us for more information about this property as well.
.jpg) |
| Handlebar Road - Gorgeous Rambler with Mature trees |
 |
| Fully enclosed Sunroom with fabulous view of the tree lined backyard |
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Support Local Farmers!
Did you know that there are Farmers Markets all over the area where you can buy FRESH local produce and meats ALL SUMMER LONG? If you love a great crop of fresh tomatoes, corn, strawberries, blackberries, or even homemade cakes pies and breads not to mention locally grown beef, pork and chicken you should really check them out!
In Fairfax County
there are fantastic Farmers Markets at both Frying Pan Park Thursdays from 3:30-7pm and in Reston at Lake Anne Village Center on Saturdays from 8am to noon.
For a list of other Fairfax Farmers Markets check out this link. Additional Fairfax County Market Locations include: Annandale, Burke, Herndon, Kingstowne, Lorton, McLean, Mount Vernon, Oak Marr, Reston, Wakefield
In Loudoun County
South Riding Farmer's Market is available Saturdays from 8-12 from April 14th through October 27th. Click this link for more information
Additional Farmers Markets for Loudoun County Consumers include: Ashburn, Brambleton, Cascades, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Loudoun, Middleburg, Purcellville.
The specifically highlighted markets have been visited by members of our Real Estate Team, and we recommend them to our friends, family and clients all the time.
OR, if you prefer to have farm fresh produce, milk or eggs delivered directly to your home, consider signing up for a CSA. Many offer the option of a local pick-up or delivery to your front door for an additional fee.
For more information on how to support local Virginia Commerce, check out this website: http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/
In Fairfax County
there are fantastic Farmers Markets at both Frying Pan Park Thursdays from 3:30-7pm and in Reston at Lake Anne Village Center on Saturdays from 8am to noon.
For a list of other Fairfax Farmers Markets check out this link. Additional Fairfax County Market Locations include: Annandale, Burke, Herndon, Kingstowne, Lorton, McLean, Mount Vernon, Oak Marr, Reston, Wakefield
In Loudoun County
South Riding Farmer's Market is available Saturdays from 8-12 from April 14th through October 27th. Click this link for more information
Additional Farmers Markets for Loudoun County Consumers include: Ashburn, Brambleton, Cascades, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Loudoun, Middleburg, Purcellville.
The specifically highlighted markets have been visited by members of our Real Estate Team, and we recommend them to our friends, family and clients all the time.
OR, if you prefer to have farm fresh produce, milk or eggs delivered directly to your home, consider signing up for a CSA. Many offer the option of a local pick-up or delivery to your front door for an additional fee.
For more information on how to support local Virginia Commerce, check out this website: http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day
We would like to take a moment today to honor the Woman who gave us life, who cared for us when we were small. The person we can count on for anything, anytime we need her. Whether it's advice on how to remove a tick or the recipe for "that thing gram used to make that I loved so much as a kid".
Mothers are a seemingly tireless force in the world, the unseen warriors defending their children against bullying, boo-boos and relationships gone awry. Our Mothers believe in us when we are too frightened to, they swell with pride at our achievements, weep with us over our sorrows, and celebrate our joys. And they do it with all the human imperfections that make them perfectly unique.
For all the sleepless nights, all the times you stayed home with a sick child instead of doing something else. All the worry, all the heartache, stress and love and joy and exasperation.
Moms, we thank you for all that you sacrificed so that we could become who we are today.
Mothers are a seemingly tireless force in the world, the unseen warriors defending their children against bullying, boo-boos and relationships gone awry. Our Mothers believe in us when we are too frightened to, they swell with pride at our achievements, weep with us over our sorrows, and celebrate our joys. And they do it with all the human imperfections that make them perfectly unique.
For all the sleepless nights, all the times you stayed home with a sick child instead of doing something else. All the worry, all the heartache, stress and love and joy and exasperation.
Moms, we thank you for all that you sacrificed so that we could become who we are today.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Paul Joseph McCarty Benefit for the Parnell Family
Early this May the community of South Riding Virginia has some fantastic events going on, for an amazing cause. It is always heartening to see a community pull together to take care of one of their own.
The family chosen as the recipient of these events has a remarkable story. Sara Brown-Parnell is a single mother of four. She has fought Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer), thyroid cancer, seizures, and had both her kidney and thyroid removed. In October 2011 Sara learned that cancer had spread to her other kidney and had metastasized to the brain and lungs. Sara is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation all while trying to maintain her household and support her children. As you can imagine the medical costs alone are quite high.
This year the Parnell Family has been chosen as the recipient of the Paul Joseph McCarty Benefit. Golf Tournament on Monday May 14th 2012 at South Riding Golf Club. Events will be Saturday May 12th at Freedom High School and Monday May 14th. See the full itinerary here
For more information about the Cormac Finn McCarty foundation, please click this link
DISCLAIMER
Our Real Estate team, it's owners partners and management and our Brokerage Keller Williams Realty are in no way affiliated with the Cormac Finn McCarty Foundation. We receive no compensation monetary or otherwise for posting this on our blog.
We do however feel good about reaching out to help a local family in need.
The family chosen as the recipient of these events has a remarkable story. Sara Brown-Parnell is a single mother of four. She has fought Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer), thyroid cancer, seizures, and had both her kidney and thyroid removed. In October 2011 Sara learned that cancer had spread to her other kidney and had metastasized to the brain and lungs. Sara is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation all while trying to maintain her household and support her children. As you can imagine the medical costs alone are quite high.
This year the Parnell Family has been chosen as the recipient of the Paul Joseph McCarty Benefit. Golf Tournament on Monday May 14th 2012 at South Riding Golf Club. Events will be Saturday May 12th at Freedom High School and Monday May 14th. See the full itinerary here
For more information about the Cormac Finn McCarty foundation, please click this link
DISCLAIMER
Our Real Estate team, it's owners partners and management and our Brokerage Keller Williams Realty are in no way affiliated with the Cormac Finn McCarty Foundation. We receive no compensation monetary or otherwise for posting this on our blog.
We do however feel good about reaching out to help a local family in need.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Cinco de Mayo weekend in NoVA
There are more than a few exciting events happening this weekend in Northern Virginia that you may or may not have heard about. Here is a small sampling of some events that sound very interesting for folks all over the Virginia, Maryland & DC area. Click on the links for more information.
- Super Moon Saturday May 5th - The moon will be at it's closest point to the earth, producing what sounds like a glorious show
- Virginia Gold Cup Races - A Fauquier County Tradition
- Cinco De Mayo Running of the Chihuahuas - Chihuahuas y cervesas
- Flower Mart at the National Cathedral - Flowers for sale, rides, food, vendors and much more!
- National Harbor Wine & Food Festival - advance tickets closed, buy at the door!
It's Termite Season Again!
Hello Folks!
Yesterday I was sitting in my office looking out the window when I suddenly noticed a ridiculous number of what looked like ants with wings. That was when I realized, it's Termite Swarming season again! Termites are an insidious force that can do some serious damage to your home, and you may not even notice until they've been there for years. If you own a home in Northern VA keep an eye out for these little guys when the weather gets warm. If you see them, call your local pest control professionals right away before they have time to get into your walls.
Now you may be thinking, "that's great but how do I know that they are termites and not ants?" Well here is a handy graphic to help you make that determination.
I was grateful to two very adorable birds yesterday afternoon who had quite a feast of termite swarmers right outside my window. Unfortunately, I didn't think to take a photo until the little fellas were eaten.
Yesterday I was sitting in my office looking out the window when I suddenly noticed a ridiculous number of what looked like ants with wings. That was when I realized, it's Termite Swarming season again! Termites are an insidious force that can do some serious damage to your home, and you may not even notice until they've been there for years. If you own a home in Northern VA keep an eye out for these little guys when the weather gets warm. If you see them, call your local pest control professionals right away before they have time to get into your walls.
 |
| Photo courtesy of www.bugmasters.com serving Southern California |
 |
| This photo is courtesy of all seasons pests serving St. Louis, MO |
I was grateful to two very adorable birds yesterday afternoon who had quite a feast of termite swarmers right outside my window. Unfortunately, I didn't think to take a photo until the little fellas were eaten.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)