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Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Military Relocation-The Best Part of the Latest Tax Credit Extension

It includes the extension of the tax credit to military families who have been stationed outside the US for at least 3 months in 2009.


For qualifying families they have until June 30, 2011 to purchase a home a qualify for the tax credit.


Now that is good news!

Wordless Wednesday-Remnants of High Tide on The Occoquan River

Remnants of High Tide on the Occoquan River

These logs were washed up on the shore of the Occoquan River after days of rain and high tides. This pile of logs reminded me of an old split rail fence. Walking along the Occoquan River in Prince William County is a great way to relax on a crisp fall day.

Buying a "Pig in a Poke" in Northern Virginia

Buying a Pig in a Poke in Northern VirginiaOn the surface everything about this home looked good. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, beautiful bathrooms, large lot, great price. What's not to love? Turns out this little gem was in reality a "pig in a poke."

A check of the Fairfax County Building Permit site found permits issued and all of them with an incomplete status next to them. Out of the permits that were pulled by electricians and plumbers we couldn't find any that said the remodeling work had passed inspection. Since the property is being sold "as is" chances are that it might not even have an occupancy permit for the new owner to be able to move in.

It is an issue that buyers in Northern Virginia face everyday when they look to purchase a foreclosure or short sale. Since most of these properties are sold "as is" you don't have many outs when it comes to discovering major defects.

If you see a home that is in the middle of a major remodel take a few minutes and check for building permits and inspections.

Alexandria City

Arlington County

Fairfax County

Prince William County

If you have questions most of the city and county government agencies are more than happy to answer them for you.

Before you buy a "pig in a poke" in Northern Virginia check to make sure that what you are buying won't be better as a tear down than a place to call home. If buying a new home in Northern Virginia is in your future give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me help you navigate the murky waters of our current market. No hassle, no pressure just straight talk about whether now is the right time to buy a new home.

Fort Meyer in Arlington VA- Site of the First Commercial Airline Flights

United States Air Force Memorial Arlington VA
When it comes to thinking about firsts and flying everyone immediately thinks of the Wright Brothers and Kitty Hawk. As well they should. However what many don't realize is that the Wright Brothers made what might be considered a more important flight in Arlington VA at the Fort Meyer Army Post.

The US Army Signal Corps wanted an aircraft that could hold two people and fly for at least one hour. The first test came in September 1908 when Orville Wright took up a two seater plane and circled the parade grounds at Fort Meyer 57 times. He then took a passenger up and flew for one hour and 12 minutes.

Later that week on another test flight Orville Wright and his passenger First Lt. Thomas Selfridge made another flight. That flight crashed killing Lt Selfridge, making him the first military flight casualty in the US.

The Signal Corps had one more requirement. The plane needed to fly at least 40 MPH. In July 1909 the Wright brothers came back to Fort Meyer and flew a course between Fort Meyer and Alexandria and hit an airspeed of 42.6 MPH. The US Government then ordered their first military and commercial aircraft. A production and test facility were established across the river in College Park Maryland.

Today as you pass Fort Meyer you see the spires of the Air Force Memorial honoring not only the men and women of the Air Force who have given their lives but also for the early pioneers of flight. Lt. Selfridge is buried in Arlington Cemetery close to the spot where his plane crashed. Fort Myer serves as home to the US Army School of Music and The Old Guard the army's ceremonial unit.

Speechless Sunday-Looking Down River in Belmont Bay

Brlmont Bay A View Down River

The view down the Occoquan River from the roof deck of River Club 1 in Belmont Bay. The roof deck is one of the reasons that River Club 1 has been a popular destination for buyers looking for a smaller condominium building in Belmont Bay. If you are interested in making Belmont Bay your home give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let me show you why som many of my buyers have decided to call this neighborhood home.