Kim Curran

Once again the US is gearing up for another Census. There are some cautions to take with regard to your personal information.

2010 Census Cautions
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a
victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S.
Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of
households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census
workers will count every person in the United States and will gather
information about every person living at each address including name,
age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do
you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?
BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge,
a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality
notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering
their questions. And NEVER invite anyone you don't know into your home.
** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address
information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or
banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the
U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial
information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social
Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees
solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in
person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on
the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a
link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the
U.S. Census Bureau.

So, to recap:

Aks for identification all valid Census workers will have a badge-don't believe anyone if they say, "we don't need no stinkin' badges"

DO not give Social Security numbers, credit card or banking information

The 2010 Census will not use email for ANY type of contact with you. If you receive an email be aware. Someone is trying to scam you.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.
<http://www.bbb. org./>

Bristow, VA is a major contributor to the booming popularity of western Prince William County. Home to several planned communities such as Braemar, Brookside, Crossman Creek, Foxborough, Kingsbrooke, New Bristow Village, Sheffield Manor and Victory Lakes. The community is home to the Nissan Pavilion outdoor concert stage, George Mason University's western annex, newly developed shopping and restaurants, and multiple recreational venues. The FBI's newly opened Northern Virginia Field Office is located in Bristow. Already boasting excellent schools, Bristow is home to Prince William County's two newest schools (a high school and an elementary school due to open in 2011). Combined with easy access to Interstates and other major arteries, Bristow is a family-oriented community that is a popular choice for those seeking excellent housing value coupled with reasonable commutes to the area's major business and government centers.

Housing Facts for Bristow, VA August 1 through August 28th

ACTIVE HOMES FOR SALE 60

PENDING SALES 173

CLOSED 31

CLOSED HOMES SOLD BETWEEN $185,000 AND $552,775

WITH AN AVERAGE PRICE OF $327,577

VINT HILL CRAFT WINERY - WHERE YOU ARE THE WINEMAKER

OFFERING FREE TASTING NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13TH!

COME AND LEARN!

FREE WINE TASTING - Just ask us!Today through September 13th You Are the Winemaker! 7150 Lineweaver Road Vint Hill, Virginia 20187 www.vinthillcraftwinery.com info@craftwinery.com 703.991.0191 Harvest is coming on fast. We figure we have just a few weeks to relax with you. So come on in and see what we're about. And of course, there are great wines here to sample and purchase. New to the Washington Metro area, Vint Hill Craft Winery is unique among East Coast wineries. Come see what all the buzz is about. Bring your friends and share the fun. We want you to get a first hand look at what we're all about. We're rolling out the Red Carpet on the Teaching and Tasting Balcony. There are great wines to enjoy. As a pre-harvest special, we're serving free tastings of select wines made especially as our house label. We'll show you how great wine is made, taste some great wines and continue with our growing tradition of sharing our knowledge in wine and wine education. We hope to welcome you here, soon.

VINT HILL CRAFT WINERY WHERE YOU ARE THE WINEMAKER

FREE WINE TASTINGS NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13TH

WHAT IS A 203(k) LOAN? And how can I use one to make my house a home?

Have you found the "perfect home" but it's a disaster? Can you see the potential beyond the shabby appearance? The purchase of a house that needs repair is often a catch-22 situation, because the bank won't lend the money to buy the house until the repairs are complete, and the repairs can't be done until the house has been purchased.

Introducing HUD's 203(k) program which can help you overcome this obstacle by enabling you to purchase or refinance a property plus the cost of making the repairs and improvements in one mortgage. The FHA-insured 203(k) loan is provided through approved lenders and is available to persons wanting to occupy the home.

The downpayment requirement for an owner-occupant is approximately 3.5% of the purchase and repair costs of the property.

The 203(k) loan includes the following steps:

A potential homebuyer locates a fixer-upper and writes an offer after doing a feasibility analysis of the property with a realtor. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking a 203(k) loan and that the contract is contingent on loan approval based on additional required repairs by the FHA or the lender.

The homebuyer then selects an FHA-approved 203(k) lender and arranges for a detailed proposal showing the scope of work to be done, including a detailed cost estimate on each repair or improvement of the project.

203(k)'s are not for the faint of heart. The process is not quick and requires the potential homeowner to do some homework, lots and lots of homework.

The appraisal is performed to determine the value of the property after renovation.

If the borrower passes the lender's credit-worthiness test, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance cost of the property, the remodeling costs and the allowable closing costs. The amount of the loan will also include a contingency reserve of 10% to 20% of the total remodeling costs and is used to cover any extra work not included in the original proposal.

At closing, the seller of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are put in an escrow account to pay for the repairs and improvements during the rehabilitation period (6 months).

The mortgage payments and remodeling begin after the loan closes. The borrower can decide to have up to six mortgage payments (PITI) put into the cost of rehabilitation if the property is not going to be occupied during construction, but it cannot exceed the length of time it is estimated to complete the rehab.

Escrowed funds are released to the contractor during construction through a series of draw requests for completed work. To ensure completion of the job, 10% of each draw is held back; this money is paid after the lender determines their will be no liens on the property.

VIOLA! Work is done, buyer/homeowner is happy and taking the after pictures to show family and friends!

If you are willing to do some major work to make your house not just a house but your home-sweat equity included, a 203(k) might just be the ticket for you. Call me and we can begin your search, because Your Search Today helps bring you Home Tomorrow!

KID'S EAT FREE ALL OVER TOWN!!

Aren't we all looking for ways to stimulate the local economy and yet save money? Here is a list of some restaurants that offer free Kid's meals with the purchase of Adult meals! Now there is an economic stimulus plan we can all get behind!

Monday

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

Jerry's Pizza (in Kohl's shopping center in Manassas). Large cheese pizzas for $5.99 after 3 p.m.

Salsarita's on Rte. 28 in Bristow (near Super Target). Free kids meals (1 per adult entree) from 3-7 p.m.

Tuesday

Applebee's in Manassas. Kid's Day is all day with $.99 kid's meals (includes regular drink). Face painting between 6-7 p.m.

Austin Grill in Centreville. Kids' Night: Up to 2 free kids meals (drinks included) per adult entrée from 6-8 p.m. Includes chips and salsa. Also features children's entertainment such as balloon artists, face painters, bands, etc. varies weekly. Call for schedule of events.

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

IHOP- various locations. Kids 12 and under eat free (with the purchase of an adult meal) from 4-10 p.m.

Joe's Crabshack. Unlimited dollar kids' meals at lunch and dinner.

Mcdonald's inside the Walmart on Liberia Ave in Manassas. Kids' Night on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. Buy 1 Happy Meal, get 1 Happy Meal free.

Red, Hot, and Blue in Manassas. Free Kid's Meals (ages 10 and under) with the purchase of Adult Meals after 4

Silver Diner in Woodbridge (near Potomac Mills). Kid's Night from 5-8 p.m. features a weekly activity such as a magician, etc. Kids who join their kid's club get a free kid's milkshake.

Wednesday

Chik-Fil-A at Fair Oaks Mall. Kid's Night featuring crafts and entertainment from 5-7 p.m., but no deal on kid's meals.

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

Thursday

Chik-Fil-A at Manassas Mall. Kid's Night from 5-8 p.m. and offers a free kid's meal with a paid adult meal.

Chik-Fil-A on Liberia Ave. in Manassas. Kid's Night from 5-8 p.m. and offers free kid's meal with a paid adult meal. Also features clown entertainment.

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

Friday

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

Saturday

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

Sunday

Brass Cannon (in Stonewall Golf Club behind Wegman's). Sunday brunch buffet is buy one adult buffet get one free. Kids under 6 also eat for free.

California Tortilla in Bull Run Plaza in Manassas. Kids eat free on Sundays after 5 p.m. with a paying adult.

Carmello's in Old Town Manassas. Kids eat free on Sundays (open for dinner only).

Denny's in Manassas. Kids under 10 eat free (drinks not included) from 4-10 p.m., up to 2 kids per adult meal purchased.

Hard Times Café on Sudley Road in Manassas. Kids eat free on all day with a paying adult.

Salsarita's on Rte. 28 in Bristow (near Super Target). Free kids meals (1 per adult entree) from 3-7 p.m.

Another great source for Kid's to dine free is http://kidseatfree.us/. You can input your zipcode and specify day of the week and it will bring up a list of restaurants that participate in Kids Eat Free programs!