About Fairfax's Fair Lakes

Market Report for Fair Lakes Townhomes, September 2011

Townhomes in the Fair Lakes area of Fairfax and surrounding Monument Drive are fairing a little better than many communities in the Northern Virginia area. Home prices are up using the median sold price year-to-date through the end of August, 2011 as compared to the same time period in 2010.

The number of homes that sold is down slightly, and this reflects the fact that many homeowners are holding tight to their investments in anticipation of an area market correction. But for home buyers who are ready to ride the tide, some excellent bargains can be had by jumping into the market at this time!

The Fair Lakes area is an excellent place to live, and is surrounded by anything you could need - shops, restaurants, parks, walking trails - and it is convenient to all many major transportation routes, including I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway. Call The Virginia Team, Inc. at 703-898-8050 to learn about your current Fair Lakes Townhome opportunities!

Where to Eat in Fairfax Virginia

The Havabite Eatery

Having lived the past ten years or so in the great little town of Fairfax, Virginia, we've gotten to know the local eateries up-close and personal. For any of you who may live nearby, I wanted to share some favorites in case you've missed these local gems. These are some favorite pics on where to eat in Fairfax Virginia.

Downtown Fairfax, on Main Street, of all places, is The Havabite Eatery, specializing in Greek and Italian specialties. They have been a local favorite since 1978. It's a small quaint little restaurant, and over any given lunch hour, you'll find the place buzzing. I love taking clients there, and it gives the local flavor and feel of small town Americana. The meatball and cheese sub is a 10!

10416 Main Street, Fairfax - Open Monday through Saturday 11 to 9:30

Cantina D'Italia Restaurant

For low lights, quite music, and beautiful ambiance, Cantina D'Italia can't be beat. (They also have a restaurant on Elden Street in Herndon). Reservations at not needed, but if you have to wait a few minutes to be seated, there's a cozy little bar to relax in. It's a wonderful dinning experience and the prices won't bust your budget. And not only is the food all it's advertised to be, the wait staff are some of the best in the business. The chicken cacciatore and lasagna are two dishes worth mentioning.

13015 Fairlakes Shopping Center, Fairfax, 703-631-2752

Open Monday through Thursday 11 to 10 - Friday & Saturday 11 to 11 - Sunday 12 to 10

Tony's New York Pizza

(Okay, I seen an unintended theme going here with all the Italian places, but oh well, they ARE the best!)

If it's pizza you're looking for - Fairfax has a pizza parlor to rival anything you'll buy on the streets of New York. Tony's is always packed, always lively, and always worth the visit. Hands down, Tony's will be your favorite once your step in the door, especially if you order the thin and crispy pizza. The Calzones are also a excellent!

13087 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax Open 11 to 11 Seven Days a Week - 703-502-0808

If you're a local, I'd love your takes on where to eat in Fairfax Virginia and would be interested in any of your favorites, too!

Thomas Merical

http://www.mynvahomes.com/

http://www.findahomesellahomenow.com/

Blog@MyNvaHomes.com

Take Charge When Buying a Home in Fairfax County, VA

If you approach the home buying process intelligently and with confidence, you are much more likely to buy a house you'll be proud to call home.

Approaching the task of buying a home can be overwhelming; there's so much to consider:

• How much house can I afford?
• How can I find the best loan?
• Where will I come up with a down payment, and how much will I need?
• Should I buy a new or resale home, and which will go up in value?
• Should I work with an agent or look at homes on my own?

And these questions are just the beginning. Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions in your lifetime - do your research so you know what you're doing.

Here are the two most important things to remember no matter where you are on the road to home ownership:

1. You can and should understand everything that is happening in the home buying process.

There is nothing that is so complex that it can't be easily explained to anyone with average intelligence. Just because you don't apply for a thirty year mortgage once a week doesn't mean you have to take the first one that comes along. You'll need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time to understand what you're getting into.

If, at any point, something happens that doesn't make sense to you, simply demand a full and complete explanation. If it still doesn't make sense, seek help from someone you trust like your CPA, your banker or maybe an online real estate columnist.

2. In the world of real estate sales, YOU are the most important person in the entire process.

It's easy to think that everyone else carries more weight than you. The agent talks fast and has an answer for everything. The lender may decline your loan application, and on and on.

But the truth is that you, the buyer, are the one person in the transaction that makes it all happen. If you decide to not buy, the entire process comes to a grinding halt.

So flex your consumer muscle and take command of this process. Surround yourself with a team of professionals that you have confidence in and make them work for you.

Approach home buying with intelligence and confidence, and by doing your homework, and you are more likely to buy a house you're happy with and to know that you made the right decision.