Attention Small Business Owners!

Are you self-employed or a small-business owner?  Then NOW is the time to start thinking about your 2012 taxes (if you haven't already). If you've been keeping up with your quarterly taxes, chances are you probably know about what to expect to pay to uncle Sam. But because the calendar year is not yet over, you can take steps now to change those numbers!

I found this helpful article today on Inman News that I thought I would share. The article is geared toward Realtors, but it is also great for other self-employed people and small business owners. I'm also posting it in our Twitter feed (apologies if you get it twice).

Japanese Beetles

Japanese Beetles are a common summer pest in Northern Virginia. Last year our Fourth of July outing was plagued with them dive-bombing our heads. This summer, because of the dry winter and hot spring we are expected to have quite a lot of insects.

I found this article this week and thought it might be helpful if you have a Japanese Beetle Problem.


There is another article here.


And an organic solution 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:

• #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!

Two for the Market...

Today we put two fabulous homes on the market!
This Stunning Luxury 5 Bedroom, 5 Bath single family in Oakton, Virginia. This porch makes me dream of summer evenings with a cool beverage and a good book, or some good company! There's also a screened porch on the back and dozens of other enchanting details.

Come to our Open House Sunday January 22nd from 12-3pm!!

And this beautiful Short-Sale townhome in South Riding, shown by appointment only.

We have two more homes going on the market tomorrow! One in Leesburg and a single family home in South Riding, a very attractive community in Chantilly, Virginia. Watch this page for updates!