Dee Dawson ~ Northern Virginia Real Estate

Buyers: Did You Know...that if you purchase a Fannie Mae-owned foreclosure property eligible for "HomePath" that you could receive up to 3.5% in either closing costs or new appliances? And that is in addition to any HomeBuyer Tax Credits.The good news is that this incentive program runs through May 1, 2010...so you still have time!

I know what you're thinking: Are there any of these homes still available? Actually, yes! After searching our MLS this morning for Active Homepath-eligible properties, there are currently:

* 21 properties listed in Fairfax County priced between $99,900 and $499,900

* 7 properties in Loudoun County priced between $124,900 and $385,000

* 11 properties in Prince William County priced between $75,000 and $325,000

There are indeed restrictions, such as you must be an Owner Occupant (sorry, no investors) and the property purchased must be eligible for the Fannie Mae Homepath Program. Additionally, your Lender may have other restrictions on your loan - so it's best to check with them directly. Here's a website link to more Homepath information.

If you've been actively looking at homes you may know that some foreclosures are selling quickly. So speak with a REALTOR who knows the neighborhoods and who will take you to see and bid on properties early enough to grab a bargain. Many foreclosure homes are selling with multiple offers, so your REALTOR should supply you with comparable sales information on the area so you can be armed to make a strong offer.

I have been able to obtain foreclosure properties for my clients and I'd be happy to assist with this process! If you aren't already represented by a REALTOR, simply call or text me at 571-283-1230, or send an email to Dee@FineVirginiaHomes.com.

Happy House Hunting!

Energy-Conscious, Green-friendly, whatever you want to call it -- we consumers are willing to doing our part.

Of course it's no secret that fluorescent bulbs are much more energy-efficient and last longer than regular light bulbs, and their use will actually save homeowners money. So when we were told that incandescent light bulbs should be replaced with CFL or those curly-fluorescent bulbs, we, like many Americans decided to do our part for the environment. We now have CFLs in our bathrooms, our table lamps and even in our recessed kitchen lights.

BUT what I didn't know is that we cannot throw these bulbs away!! Maybe I'm the last person to know this but these bulbs contain mercury, which could potentially pollute groundwater. Thus, once a bulb burns out it must be disposed of "properly". So how do we do that? Well, if you live in Virginia (Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Prince William County) here's a site that can help you figure out what type of bulb you have and resources for disposal: Know Toxics

And, incidentally if one of these bulbs BREAKS in your home -- please follow the safety guidelines for cleanup: Broken CFL Lightbulbs

Here are more facts on CFL lightbulbs from Energy Star: EnergyStar

While we all want to be more energy-conscious, I think we need to share the information and get the word out. Because throwing the CFL bulbs in the trash will only serve to further harm our environment.

DISCLAIMER: While Dee is a Real Estate Agent, she wants to do her part for the environment. Feel free to contact Dee to share your tips at Dee@FineVirginiaHomes.com

That's right! Pass it on...

What: Moe's Southwest Grill in South Riding is having a Free Burrito Day!

When: Saturday October 24, 5pm to 8pm

Where: Moe's in South Riding, 24995 Riding Plaza SR

Why: I don't know...possibly their official anniversary in South Riding?

How: Just go in to the South Riding Moe's and purchase a drink and any burrito is FREE! (I like free...do you like free??)

For confirmation...here's Moe's Facebook Page:

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Meanwhile, If you are interested in finding out more on living in South Riding or Stone Ridge: either text, email or give us a call and we'll be happy to talk more about our Hometown! Dee Dawson, 571-283-1230, Dee@FineVirginiaHomes.com

Just when you thought you had found the Perfect Home, on the Perfect Lot, and in the Perfect Location...you discover your little ones will be headed to a school that is not the school you had originally thought.

In Northern Virginia, many of the fastest growing areas have boundary changes regularly, particularly in the Elementary Schools. So in a changing world...here are a few local websites to help you determine this year's school boundaries...and next...

Simply put in your address (or the address of the property you are interested in), and the following websites will help you locate the corresponding Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

Alexandria City Public School Boundary Locator

Arlington Public School Boundary Locator (Map program)

Loudoun County Public School Boundary Locator

Fairfax County Boundary Locator

Prince William County Boundary Locator (note this site is under-going maintenance today)

KEEP IN MIND: You should rely only on the school authorities to give you the correct boundary information.

If all this is too confusing...simply give me a call, send me a text or write me an email, and I'll help in any way I can. ~~ Dee Dawson, 571-283-1230, www.FineVirginiaHomes.com

WineStyles Is Open in the South Riding Market Plaza! Have You Been There Yet? Whether you are looking for that special bottle to give as a gift, are looking to pick up a white for sipping on the deck, or are just browsing for new favorites: this place is worth a visit!

The Staff Is Friendly And Knowledgeable Even if you don't know exactly what you want, describe to them the occassion and what types of wines you prefer and they'll offer several suggestions in a few price ranges.

Their Wine Selection Is Marketed By Taste Categories Have you ever gone into the huge beverage store and searched the shelves by country, then wine name? Here you can seach for that perfect wine under the categories such as "Crisp" or "Bold". Because Chardonnays can differ...

They Have Saturday And Sunday Wine Tastings YUP! No need to drive out to the wineries to taste new selections. Simply stop by on Saturday or Sunday between 1pm and 4pm.

There's Even A New Woman's BookClub Starting In September Imagine getting together with friends to meet, discuss and taste a new wine variety each month. And how can I technically call myself a wino if I don't know all the wines?

And lastly - Check out their $10 Table where you can purchase 6 bottles for $60 - dare to try something new.

South Riding WineStyles is located at 25031 Riding Plaza, Chantilly, VA 20152. Phone: 703-327-5052