Localism: Springfield, VA

Fort Belvoir Relocation-Watch Out for the Falling Acorns in Springfield Oaks

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:19:43 -0600

If you are headed to Fort Belvoir and are looking for a reasonably priced townhouse community where the developer left green space and clustered courtyards then check out Springfield Oaks in Fairfax County.

Situated on 18 acres of wooded and gently rolling terrain the 382 townhouses in Springfield Oaks are only 5 miles from Fort Belvoir. The community is also within 5 minutes of the Lorton Station VRE, 15 minutes to the Springfield Metro or you can catch a Fairfax Connector or Metro bus at either entrance to the community

Having owned a townhouse myself in Springfield Oaks I knew how well the association worked to keep the neighborhood up to date and they have recently completed a brand new tot lot. The neighborhood is divided into two sections crossed by Alban Road. Both the upper and lower sections of the neighborhood share services including twice a week trash pickup, community leaf cleaning and snow removal.

Every year the community sponsors events to bring the neighbors together including ice cream socials, Easter egg hunts and Halloween parties. If you need a lesson on Oak tree species all you have to do is drive through the neighborhood and look at the street names including, Blue Oak, Chapman Oak and Pin Oak to realize how many types of Oak trees there are.

The only down side of living in a neighborhood full of Oak trees is the annual dropping of acorns. Though the squirrels are fat and happy!

If you are headed to Fort Belvoir check out www.militaryrelocationnews.com or Fort Belvoir On-Line Relocation Guide for more information. Feel free to drop me an email or give me a call to chat. If you are in the area we can meet for coffee and talk about about whether this is the right time for you to make a move. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about the home buying process property in today's market.

Do You Serve Your Community? Karen Does In Springfield, Virginia

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:35:37 -0600

My wife and I have been active with Rotary International for many years.

In Karen's case it is the West Springfield Rotary Club. She was invited to join because of her years of involvement as an effective and community active real estate broker in the Springfield, Virginia area. These dedicated "West Springfieldites" actively and financially support both local and international projects.

A few weeks ago her photo was snapped in one of their more mundane, albeit important, projects - the club participates in the VDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program.

My wife was seen picking up trash on Rolling Road - they clean up roads in Springfield every three months.

PLEASE Do not report me to my wife at KAREN KRUSCHKA for publicizing this photo unless you want to volunteer to pick up trash in Springfield or wish to visit the West Springfield Rotary Club and become involved in community service.

If you are planning a Northern Virginia home purchase please use our

NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME FINDER

and then contact Karen Kruschka, one of Northern Virginia's most experienced real estae brokers

Lake Forest On the Fairfax County Parkway, Springfield, Virginia Market Report

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:56:56 -0600

Lake Forest (aka Lakewood Hills) is an extremely convenient Springfield location just off the Fairfax County Parkway between Hooes Road and Huntsman Boulevard.

The Gambrill Road Park and Ride Lot is less than 10 minutes away at the Gambrill Road exit on the Fairfax County Parkway. You can board Fairfax County Connector Route 305 to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for your trip to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC or any other point in the Metroreail system
The subdivision is in the West Springfield High School Pyramid and the
Pohick Regional Library is no more than 15 minutes from the subdivision.
Huntsman Square Shopping Center is only minutes away at Huntsman Boulevard on the Fairfax County Parkway
South Run Rec Center with year round pool, exercise facilities and other activities is aso a few minutes away at Huntsman Boulevard and the Fairfax County Parkway.
Burke Lake Park. is one of the better outdoor parks in Northern Virginia with golf, camping and boat rental for lake fishing. It is within 15 minutes
Fort Belvoir is approximately 29 minues via the Fairfax County Parkway and Rolling Road
Slug Lines form at the Sydenstricker commuter lot - the link will show you its' location - it is less than 10 minutes from Lkae Forest

LAKE FOREST DETACHED HOME MARKET REPORT

*HOMES FOR SALE*

Address		List Price			Days

9116 Fishermans Lane			459,900		218

*HOMES SOLD AND SETTLED*

YEAR-TO-DATE 2008 AS OF 11/3/2008 VERSUS TOTAL 2007

	2007			2008	+/- %

Number of Homes	7			3	NA

Average List Price	588,629			563,167	- 4%

Average Sales Price	575,986			546,000	- 5%

Seller Contribution	- 4,397			- 7,700	+ 75%

Net Sales Price	571,589			538,300	- 6%

Prepared By Karen Kruschka

Please check my Online Relocation Guide with more than 100 links to vital area information including colleges, local government, parks, entertainment and much more. If a Northern Virginia home purchase is in your plans you can search for homes at my

NO REGISTRATION HOME FINDER

and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Lake Forest On the Fairfax County Parkway Springfield, Virginia

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:33:39 -0500

Lake Forest (aka Lakewood Hills) is an extremely convenient Springfield location just off the Fairfax County Parkway between Hooes Road and Huntsman Boulevard.

The Gambrill Road Park and Ride Lot is less than 10 minutes away at the Gambrill Road exit on the Fairfax County Parkway. You can board Fairfax County Connector Route 305 to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station for your trip to the Pentagon, Alexandria, Washington, DC or any other point in the Metroreail system
The subdivision is in the West Springfield High School Pyramid and the
Pohick Regional Library is no more than 15 minutes from the subdivision.
Huntsman Square Shopping Center is only minutes away at Huntsman Boulevard on the Fairfax County Parkway
South Run Rec Center with year round pool, exercise facilities and other activities is aso a few minutes away at Huntsman Boulevard and the Fairfax County Parkway.
Burke Lake Park. is one of the better outdoor parks in Northern Virginia with golf, camping and boat rental for lake fishing. It is within 15 minutes
Fort Belvoir is approximately 29 minues via the Fairfax County Parkway and Rolling Road
Slug Lines form at the Sydenstricker commuter lot - the link will show you its' location - it is less than 10 minutes from Lkae Forest

NO REGISTRATION HOME FINDER

Cardinal Forest Condominiums-You'll Feel as if You Are A World Away

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:02:28 -0500

In the mid 1970's my college roommate and her husband settled into their first apartment in West Springfield. A few years later those apartments became part of the condominiums that make up the Cardinal Forest neighborhood. 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 1, 2 & 3 bedroom single level units, two different models of 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.

If you are looking for outdoor recreation you can walk to the back entrance of Lake Accotink Park or take a short drive to Hidden Pond Nature Center. With two swimming pools, multiple tot lots and easy access to shopping you can't find too much to complain about. Metro buses, Fairfax County Connector buses and drivers looking for slugs run right through the community so you can leave your car at home if you work in DC or at the Pentagon. The neighborhood is also convenient for any one stationed at Fort Belvoir. Multiple roads will lead you to the base in less than 30 minutes.

When our family lived across the street in the Charlestown subdivision we walked to the Giant, Whole Foods, Starbucks and the Washington Sports Club, all within a mile. Cardinal Forest is just one of the many terrific West Springfield neighborhoods you might want to call home.

If a move to Northern Virginia is in your future give me a buzz. Let's talk about how we can find the best home for your needs.