Pat Fenn

Recently some friends were out in Northern Virginia trying to decide if a new home was in their future. They were checking out various condominiums developments from Arlington to Prince William County. They quickly learned that the differences from building to building can be huge.

We aren't talking about condo fees which is something that every buyer needs to consider when they are looking at their budget but instead this is focused on construction. Many of the older "garden" style condos that they looked at reminded them of their days in a college dorm. But what they noticed the most was the noise! If they were looking at lower level units they could hear people walking around upstairs. They heard toilets flushing and when people walked by on the outside stairwells they could hear their conversations. The noise was a deal breaker and eliminated the garden style condos from their list.

Then they checked out the "high rises" and began to notice the quiet. Buildings constructed out of poured cement and steel were by far quieter than stick built construction. They also found what they labeled "hybrid" buildings. Stick built "mid-rise" condos with a thin layer of concrete poured over the standard sub-floor to help buffer noise between floors. It made them realize that not all condos in Northern Virginia are built the same and looking beyond the glitzy kitchens and nice clubhouses was going to play a huge role in their decision process.

Now they are going back to each of their top three choices at night to listen for the neighbors. If they can hear them loud and clear then the condo is off their list. They can't afford a penthouse overlooking all of the DC monuments so they are being realistic but before you sign on the dotted line for a new condo you may want to follow their lead. Go back at night or on the weekend and make sure you can live with the noise levels in your new condo.

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old you can always find something to do at one of the nine Fairfax County Recreation Centers.

Want to take a class? Then check out the “Aerobics to Zoom” list of course available.

Want to work out? The each of the recreation centers offers you full work out facilities and many offer personal trainers if you need a little extra help.

Want to swim? Each of the centers offers an indoor swimming pool. Three of the centers Audrey Moore, Lee District and Oak Marr have 50 meter pools to help you practice to become the next Michael Phelps.

Follow these links to find out more information on each of the Fairfax County Recreation Centers:

Audrey Moore RECenter
Cub Run RECenter
Lee District RECenter
Mount Vernon RECenter
Oak Marr RECenter
Providence RECenter
Spring Hill RECenter
South Run RECenter

It doesn't matter how many times you move each time seems to bring a new set of challenges. Often the move just across town is the hardest as you think maybe I'll just throw the little things in my car and not worry about wrapping them up. It never fails that is the time you have to hit your brakes and everything goes flying.

One of the most important things you can do when you are getting ready for a move is to create a move checklist. If you are undertaking a "Do it yourself" move start scouring your local Craig's List for free moving supplies. You might be surprised to find everything you need, except perhaps the tape available for you to pick up close by.

Start clearing out your closets and bookshelves of any items that you no longer wear or books you no longer read. Remember that every box you pack is either one you have to move yourself or if you are hiring professional movers adds to the weight of your shipment and adds up in dollars.

Make sure that you have a special place in your home set aside for important papers. You don't want those to go in your moving truck, especially on a long distance move. Insurance papers, medical records, bank and credit card information and medications all needs to go with you. If you have a pet don't forget their papers as well.

Create a special box for your first night in your new home. A clean set of sheets, the always important toilet paper, paper towels and any other necessities you might need and don't want to spend hours looking for in the chaos of a move.

These are just a few simple steps to get your started.

If you find yourself facing a move either locally or across the country give me a call. As a referral specialist I help people just like you everyday make connections with great Realtors both in Northern Virginia and across the US.

For some reason there seems to be confusion among prospective buyers who are looking at the community of Kingstowne in Fairfax County.

Kingstowne is not a city of its own even though it certainly is larger than some cities in our area. In fact Kingstowne is a planned community with a postal address of Alexandria but it is located in Fairfax County. Wow that seems confusing enough even for anyone who has lived in the area their entire lives.

With its convenient location close to two metro stations, Springfield-Franconia on the Blue line and Van Dorn on the Yellow line the neighborhood provides ease of transportation to Alexandria, Reagan National Airport, Pentagon or into DC and you can be at the gates of Fort Belvoir within 15 minutes.

Kingstowne offers two major grocery stores including a huge Safeway and Giant, smaller stores such as World Imports, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Home Goods and a Next Day Blinds to name a few. Looking for places to eat? Not to worry you can enjoy Italian at Macaroni Grill, Seafood at Bonefish Grill, Cajun at Kings Street Blues and of course Tex-Mex at Chipolte's.

So if you are relocating to Northern Virginia there is no need to be confused by the right address for Kingstowne. I can connect you with an experienced agent who knows their way around Kingstowne's neighborhoods and can help you make the right choice for your next move.

If you don't like to miss an opportunity to combine family fun with fall weather then make sure to mark your calendars for the annual Lake Ridge Fall Festival on October 25 from 10 am to 2 pm.

A children's costume parade starts at 11 am and there will be activities for all ages as well as a crafts fair to give you the chance to get a head start on your Christams shopping. Enjoy a moon bounce, Jack O-lantern juding and a mouse hunt as some of the activities.

The event is held at the LRPRA office parking lot located at 12350 Oakwood Drive.

While you are out don't forget to head to the Lake Ridge Nursery. Fall is in full swing with fun for the kids including a rope swing, moonbounces and slides, pumpkins and Halloween gourd painting. Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm the kids can enjoy the play area while parents shop for pumpkins or fall flowers.

Lake Ridge Nursery is located at 3705 Old Bridge Road.