Pat Fenn

We are headed into the last week of May and it seems like a good time to take a look at the current market conditions in Lake Ridge in Prince William County.

Everyone knows prices are down from a year ago that doesn't even need to be stated anymore. What we are seeing though is the start of the number of homes going under contract rising. If you look at the statistics that show how many homes have sold already this month and the number of homes that are currently under contract (UC) you begin to see that inventory is moving.

Everyone likes to speculate whether that is due to lower prices, lower interest rates or lower inventory. The bottom line is no one can put a finger on an exact reason but a combination of factors is making the current market attractive to buyers.

If we look at the current number of homes under contract we can anticipate that is a significant percentage of these properties close in June that we will have almost doubled the TH sales from the same time period in 2008.

If you are interested in buying a home in Lake Ridge this summer give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213. You can also check out more information about the Lake Ridge Community including current listings by price range on our website.

If you haven't been stationed in Northern Virginia before one of the first things that you want to become familiar with are all the different commuting options available. Depending on the neighborhood you may have the option for an express bus, a metro ride, VRE or slug line. Many who "slug" in the morning take a bus home in the evening, so you are not stuck with just one choice of how to come and go.

Once you have an idea of your commuting options then we can take a closer look at some of the Fairfax County neighborhoods that have always been popular with military personnel. This tour takes you down Old Keene Mill Road one of the main throughfares in Springfield.

One of those neighborhoods is the tree lined neighborhood of Cardinal Forest located in West Springfield. With well maintained homes spread out on large lots, the ability to walk to Accotink Park and express Metro bus (18G) service to the Pentagon this area has been a prime location since it was built in the late 1960's.

Just around the corner is the townhouse community of Charlestown. Built to reflect Colonial Williamsburg the all brick homes are well maintained by the homeowners and the association. The HOA is responsible for all of the exterior maintenance of the homes, including a three year paint cycle for trim, brick courtyard walls, roofs, front yard mowing and trash removal.

Just as with Cardinal Forest you can walk to all of the same recreation, shopping and commuting options. The largest model town houses the Concord and Hermatage have 2500 square feet of living space on three levels.

The final stop on this tour down Keene Mill Road is the neighborhood of Orange Hunt Estates. Orange Hunt also is on a direct bus line to the Pentagon and is only minutes away from one of the major slug lines and connector bus points in the area. Just like Cardinal Forest the homes in Orange Hunt Estates sit on large tree lined lots and have been maintained well over the years by the owners.

All of these neighborhoods are part of the West Springfield HS Pyramid.

So if you are looking for affordable neighborhoods in Fairfax County with loads of commuting options to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir or other military bases in the area, consider these terrific neighborhoods. If your orders bring you to Northern Virginia this year give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213. If buying is not in your plans. Don't worry our team is happy to help you find a place to rent in any of these or other Northern Virginia neighborhoods as well.

Cardinal Forest today retains some of the same feel that it did in the 1970's when the neighborhood was first converting to condominiums from rental units. Still welcoming newlyweds, military families and retirees the community has matured and maintained its charm. Buyers and owners can say thank you to a diligent homeowners association which makes sure that the neighborhood has been well taken care of over the years.

Buyers may be surprised when they drive through the neighborhood at the wide variety of condominiums available in the Cardinal Forest neighborhood. There are one, two & three bedroom single level units, two level townhouses and a 2100 square foot three level townhouse as well. There are a total of 68 buildings and 1050 units that make up the neighborhood. The condominium fee in Cardinal Forest includes everything but your "plug ins" and whatever internet/cable/phone bundle you may choose.

Owners can walk to the Giant, Whole Foods, Starbucks and the Washington Sports Club, all within a mile. If you are commuting to DC or the Pentagon you are only a short step out your front door to catch the 18G express bus. The Springfield metro is 15 minutes away and if Fort Belvoir is your destination you can be at Tulley Gate within 30 minutes. Cardinal Forest also shares the back gate entrance to Lake Accotink Park, one of Fairfax Counties lake front parks along with the Charlestown neighborhood.

If a move to Springfield VA or anywhere in Northern Virginia is in your future give the Cindy Jones team at call at 703-346-2213. Having owned, lived and sold homes in every zip code in Springfield there is a good chance we can give you the straight scoop on many of our terrific neighborhoods. Our approach is no hassle, no pressure just a chance to meet and talk about whether buying a home is the right choice for you in today's market.

As with so many new neighborhood in Prince William County buyers have a choice.  Do I buy new or do I buy a resale?  The Potomac Club Community on Route 1 in eastern Prince William County is no exception.

The eight sales to date this year show a mix.  New two level 2BR/2.5 BA condominiums have been the top sales this year.  As you drive through the neighborhood you see the construction going on by all of the builders, Pulte, Ryan and M/I are all still building.  It could be the convience of the neighborhood to transportation or for me it would be the club house that offers indoor and outdoor pools, a rock climbing wall, business center and more.

If you are considering buying a Potomac Club condominium this year call the Cindy Jones team at 703-346-2213. 

Most Virginian's are familiar with the annual School Supply Tax Holiday that takes place in August but did you know we have another tax holiday approaching?

This tax holiday is designed to help families and businesses buy the supplies needed in case of a hurricane. Hurricanes in Virginia generally happen in August and September but the official hurricane season start date is June 1.

The list of items that are including in the tax exempt holiday are in some cases items that you might want on hand no matter what the season. Some of the items include batteries, bottled water, flashlights and smoke detectors which you can use year round.

For more information on the products including in the Hurricane Prepardness Tax Holiday.

Virginia Tax Exempt Days in 2009

Hurricane Preparedness
May 25-May 31

School Supplies and Clothing
August 7-9

Energy Star and WaterSense Qualified Products
October 9-12