This Relocation blog post always stays First in Line so we can easily update it with new links. To access new blog post entries just scroll past this one. Thanks for dropping by!!
When folks are moving to an area they want to know:
What are my housing options as far as location and cost?
What is the area like?
What are the schools like?
What are my transportation options?
What are good sources of information for area services?
Relocation Resources for the Virginia Suburburban Counties of:
Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, and Stafford Counties
Home Finder for Northern Virginia (automated and live search.
Requires sign up but no one will bother you. Check it out. Data is current within hours)
Northern Virginia Real Estate Blog an informal look at real estate happenings and resources
Apartment Finder for Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia County, City, and School Web Sites.
Alexandria City Alexandria City Schools
Arlington County Arlington County Schools
Fairfax City Fairfax City Schools
Fauquier County Fauquier County Schools
Fairfax County Fairfax County Schools
Loudoun County Loudoun County Schools
Prince William County Prince William County Schools
Stafford County Stafford County Schools
Vienna, Town of Fairfax County Schools serve Vienna
Washington DC Washington DC Schools
Transportation Options:
Amtrak Trains
Metro (our subway and bus system)
Virginia Railway Express
Marc Trains (Maryland and DC)
Northern Virginia Highways
Washington DC area Slugline
Northern Virginia Hospitals
Arts and Entertainment
Restaurant Guide
Children's Activities
Sports College and Professional in Metro DC
Thanks for stopping by. Jan and Steve Bachman are 25 year residents of Northern Virginia with 20 years of real estate experience. They are happy to be of service with no hassle and no pressure.
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It is a warm day this February 1, 2012. Not quite as warm and green as it will be this summer in Chantilly Highlands.
This beautiful neighborhood is conveniently located just off the Fairfax County parkway close to the employment centers of Herndon/Reston and Dulles.
With an elementary school within its boundaries, pool, tennis and walking paths, Chantilly Highlands has proven to be a destination community for 25 years.
Stop in monthly to see what homes are available and follow the trend by checking out what has sold as well.
This report shows the NO homes are for sale in Chantilly Highlands as of February 1, 2012. 2 properties are currently under contract: Homes Under Contract in Chantilly Highlands Oak Hill /Herndon VA 20171
The following report shows the 10 homes that have sold in Chantilly Highlands since October 1, 2011: Homes Sold in Chantilly Highlands
The links in these reports generally EXPIRE in 30 days from the date of this post and become non functioning.
Check in monthly for current data. OR just drop us an email and we will send you the current sales figures or set you up on an auto search so that you will ALWAYS have current data.
You can set up you own search at Jan and Steve's Listing Book.
Chantilly Highlands is a community of single family homes in Fairfax County located between Herndon Virginia and Chantilly.
Dulles Airport is approximately 5 miles down the road as is the adult playground of Reston Town Center. Fair Lakes Mall and Fairfax Corner are 15 minutes in the other direction.
Chantilly Highlands has Oak Hill Elementary school within its boundaries, a playground, a pool (home of the Chantilly Highlands Dolphins Swim Team), community center and tennis courts.
It is conveniently located between the Fairfax County Parkway and Centreville road. The major Tech Corridor artery of Route 28 is 1.5 miles away. Chantilly High School and Franklin Middle School also serve the community. Transportation options, shopping and entertainment abound within a few miles in each direction of the community.
If you would like to visit some of the Chantilly Highlands homes as they come on the market, please drop us an email and we will make it happen.
Also, if you live in Chantilly Highlands and would like a free analysis of the market value of your property, we are happy to provide it with no obligation and no sales pressure :-)
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Welcome to the Franklin Farm February 2012 Home Sales Report and community tour.
The following information lists current home sales activity as well as tracks sales trends over the last 4 months.
Single Family Homes for Sale in Franklin Farm as of February 1, 2012.
5 homes are currently on the market in the neighborhood.
Once in the listings, click on the MLS # to expand the listing and the camera icon to see any pictures there might be.
7 Single Family Homes Sold in Franklin Farm since October 1, 2011.
The average # of "Days on Market" of these homes was 52 with the median set at 51.
"Days on market" means the number of days it took to get a viable contract from the date the property went on the market. It is not the number of days from list date until settlement.
You don't often associate neighborhood aesthetics with a housing development.
However the planners of Franklin Farm have left open space and plenty of natural beauty in and around the neighborhood.
Its tree lined streets are inviting and its amenities and close proximity to employment and shopping make it a great place to live.
It should be on your short list of neighborhoods to visit if you are looking for a home in Western Fairfax County.
Take a photo tour of Franklin Farm in her autumn colors below, then come visit in person.
**For a full screen version of the tour click the link under the left corner of the tour below that says "Welcome to Franklin Farm"
Franklin Farm is served by
Oak Hill Elementary
Lees Corner Elementary,
Scott Crossfield Elementary.
Remember that school boundaries can change.
Always check with the school district to verify. For Fairfax County Schools go to this web page: http://boundary.fcps.edu/boundary/
Franklin Farm has 2 playgrounds, 2 pools with a great swim team: The Franklin Farm Froggers), a community center and tennis courts.
Conveniently located between West Ox road and Centreville road, with the Fairfax County Parkway only a couple of turns away.
The major Tech Corridor artery of Route 28 is 1.5 miles away. Great schools serve the community and transportation options, shopping and entertainment abound.
If you would like to visit some of the Franklin Farm homes that are on the market please drop us an email and we will make it happen.
Also, if you live in Franklin Farm and would like a free analysis of the market value of your property, we are happy to provide it with no obligation and no sales pressure :-)
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An attempted short public essay on the topic of TRUST....with humor ventured
I trust that my dogs will sit when I tell them. Except in close proximity to a squirrel. Unless I have a TREAT.
I trust that my cat will not sit when I tell it. Even if I have a treat. I do no have a cat. You cannot trust them.
I trust that my wife likes me. She has since she was 20. I like her too. Since I was 20. She is my first and last wife. This I trust.
I generally want to be liked more than loved. Like is a positive, friendly, warm emotional response.
Love is a commitment. Loyalty in the face of adversity, helpfulness in time of need, courtesy when none should be given, self sacrifice on behalf of the one loved...whether "liked" at that moment or month or months.
True friends love you, your acquaintances do not.
Forget it. I will take being loved over being liked. Although I do want to be liked by those I love and those that love me.
These things I trust.
I love my children. I do not always like them. They feel the same way about me. This I trust.
I trust that if I purchase a used car, the results will be excellent. Experience bears this out.
If I recommend a particular used car to my mother-in-law, it will be the worst LEMON ever to wear four wheels. Experience bears this out.
This I trust.
I trust America's founding principles. I know that we as a nation will not always honor those principles or do the right thing.
Yet we have proved over time that we will provide shelter to the oppressed and disadvantaged when the self proclaimed, more enlightened countries have closed their doors.
We are a country that over time corrects her mistakes. May we continue.
In this I hope.
I trust that if I buy a deluxe snow-blower based on recent humongous storms, that no significant accumulation will occur for the next 7 years. That is a worthwhile investment.
I trust that my Sears lawn mower will start as it has for the last 21 years despite neglect and abuse.
If my Sears lawn mower does not start. I will buy another Sears lawn mower. Trust me.
I've discovered that some of the darkest, saddest moments of life contain the most useful, long lasting, even beautiful revelations of underlying truth.
The hurt will linger and often just be hiding. I trust that this will continue to be my experience.
Time does heal. Pain you never thought would relent can diminish. I hope time continues to offer this balm.
God never guaranteed me an easy life, filled with non-stop fun and happiness.
He does offer contentment and comfort in time of sadness in this life and an amazing experience in the next, if I trust His promises and ask for His forgiveness. I trust God.
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Real estate might be bad shape in other areas of the country but not in Northern Virginia.
Even though the buyer's market ended in the first part of 2009, we are often contacted by folks who want to know where the bargains are...where they can buy a house for 75% of market value.
Frankly, that is almost impossible to do any more. Even at the courthouse where the foreclosure auctions are held, property routinely goes for 90% of fixed up market value.
That gives very little dollar room for flipping or fixing unpleasant title surprises....
.....this whole post with charts and graphs can be seen right here: http://actvra.in/rsC
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If you are relocating to Fairfax County VA and you have a Special needs child or adult in your care...be encouraged.
Fairfax has tremendous resources at your disposal: education programs, transportation, Special Olympics and Special Needs sports and Aquatic programs as well as child and elder care.
Below are some links to Fairfax County programs that may be of help:
Fairfax County Special Needs Educational Resources:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/dspd/educ_children.htm
Fairfax County Kinship Care: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov
/dfs/kinship/
Fairfax County Special Needs Registery: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/specialneeds/
More Options: Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
Fairfax County Special Needs Aquatics Programs
Fairfax County Special Olympics
Transportation for Seniors
Dept of Rehabilitation Services
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We will be posting the Bank Owned homes (property that has already been foreclosed on and now offered to the public through real estate agents) for Sale in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties every few weeks. If you need immediate data, please email us.
When folks talk about buying forclosures, bank owned homes (REO's) are generally what they are talking about.
These reports below expire within 30 days so keep checking back. Please drop us an email if you have any questions.
We have helped many buyers acquire these homes over the years and we also work with investors.
****If you are interested in the process of the foreclosure auction itself, you can read a bit here: On the Courthouse steps****
These reports expire in 30 days so please check back regularly for updates
Prince William County: 102 Bank Owned homes are on the market as of November 9, 2011. Here is a link to this report: Prince William Foreclosures
Loudoun County: 67 Bank Owned homes are on the market in Fairfax County as of November 9, 2011. Loudoun Foreclosures
Fairfax County: 181 Bank Owned homes are on the market in Fairfax County as of November 9, 2011.
Fairfax Foreclosures
***For more information about the foreclosure process please visit our website at Distressed Properties
Follow Jan and Steve at the places below
Jan and Steve Bachman are full time Realtors® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes for Sale in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington Counties.
Check us out on Google: Jan and Steve Bachman
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Our adventure to the Seattle area is over :-( What a great place to visit and I would live there in a heartbeat, rain or no rain.
As far as taking better photos is concerned, I would ship a better tripod and use a remote control shutter button, especially for night shots. I bought a cheap light weight travel tripod that swayed in the wind and moved when I depressed the shutter button.
I lost my remote shutter release somewhere and should have bought another. If you are beginning your journey to better photography land as I am, crystal clear night photos demand a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter control since the shutter must remain open a LONG time without any movement in order to let in enough light to make a photo. I propped the camera up on various things as a substitute for a tripod and did OK but not as good as I would like.
Here is information about the Seattles space needle from the wikipedia:
"The Space Needle is a tower in Seattle, Washington and is a major landmark of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and a symbol of Seattle. Located at the Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, during which time nearly 20,000 people a day used the elevators, with over 2.3 million visitors in all for the World Fair. The Space Needle is 605 feet (184 m) high at its highest point and 138 feet (42 m) wide at its widest point and weighs 9,550 tons. When it was completed it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.[5] It is built to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour (89 m/s) and earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitude,[6] which would protect the structure against an earthquake as powerful as the 1700 Cascadia earthquake. The tower also has 25 lightning rods on its roof to prevent lightning damage.
The Space Needle features an observation deck at 520 feet (160 m), and a gift shop with the rotating SkyCity restaurant at 500 feet (150 m).[5] From the top of the Needle, one can see not only the Downtown Seattle skyline, but also the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands. Photographs of the Seattle skyline often show the Space Needle in a prominent position, even appearing to tower above the rest of the city's skyscrapers, as well as Mount Rainier in the background. This occurs because the tower, which is equivalent in height to a 60-story building, stands more than a kilometer northwest of most downtown skyscrapers.
Visitors can reach the top of the Space Needle via elevators that travel at 10 miles per hour (4.5 m/s). The trip takes 43 seconds, and some tourists wait in hour-long lines in order to ascend to the top of the tower. On windy days, the elevators are slowed down to a speed of 5 miles per hour (2.2 m/s). The Space Needle was designated a historic landmark on April 19, 1999 by the City's Landmarks Preservation Board.[5][7]
Follow Jan and Steve at the places below
Jan and Steve Bachman are full time Realtors® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes for Sale in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington Counties.
Check us out on Google: Jan and Steve Bachman
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Our neighbor since he was a baby, Nick..... and his bride Jenna.
Click here to see photo of waiting for the bride
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PCS to the Pentagon. What are the public transportation options?
You are coming to work at the Pentagon...you've moved 6 times already so you know the ropes.
Rope #2 is often a combination of: " where shall I live so that I can get to work on time and still function"
OK.... the vehicular traffic in the Washington DC area IS exactly what you have heard.
If you want to drive no more than 15 minutes and be at your desk at 0700 then you need to live in Arlington no more than 3 miles from the desk.
That choice also gives you the easiest access to Washington DC for both work and entertainment options across the river.
Expect to pay a pricing premium for your new domicile since much of the world also wants to live in Arlington for the same reasons.
( the photo to the left is to remind you that Northern VA is not all concrete and steel)
If you need to travel frequently to Ft. Belvoir or Quantico Marine base, then you may want to consider living along the route 95 south and Route 1 corridors in Fairfax County VA or further south in Prince William County.
This does somewhat limit your Metrorail options on those days when you are only going to the Pentagon, but there are plenty of bus routes to choose from.
Prince William county offers the most affordable housing options among the close-in VA counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William....the definition of "close in" is extremely relative of course, especially if you've come from a base that was surrounded by nature, not people.
Also, the 95 South/Route 1 corridor (They run parallel) offers the most Pentagon car pooling options of any area plus SLUGGING.
If you would like to take Metrorail (our subway system) to work, you can have a relatively easy Washington commute since the Pentagon has its own stop.
Here is the map of the metro system: Metro to the Pentagon
For the early riser who wants to live WAY out in the most affordable areas of Virginia and still take public transportation, Virginia Railway Express runs in from Fredericksburg, south of Quantico Marine base and also runs in from the west from Manassas. Here is the rail site: VA Railway Express once inside, click on "Service Information" along the top bar, then choose "System map" from the drop down box.
For the Pentagon's very accurate take on area transportation click: Pentagon
Here is a link to our own relocation's page. It has the school and county web site links as well as home search options.
Thanks for stopping by.
Follow Jan and Steve at the places below
Jan and Steve Bachman are full time Realtors® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes for Sale in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington Counties.
Check us out on Google: Jan and Steve Bachman
Search for Northern Virginia Homes Like an Agent Just play around. No hassle, no spam,
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Link to video: http://youtu.be/Ytkg8y37-Bw
At Boy Scout camp one summer when I was 16, a group of us were training to become life guards.
One of the requirements for that as well as for a badge we all wanted to earn, was to swim a mile non-stop.
I think it took me and the rest of our group 45 minutes or so with lots of side stroke, resting back stroke and all kinds of labor saving methodologies to survive it. All accept Craig Bartlett. Craig was 12-13 and he finished in about 20 minutes, swimming free-style (crawl stroke) the whole way.
The adults beside the pool were all yelling at him to slow down so he wouldn't fail. He didn't slow down and he hopped out of the pool and strolled off to an ovation from astonished viewers.
The rest of us stayed in the water thrashing about for another 30 minutes. The difference between Craig and the rest of us was that he had been on a summer swim team since he was 6 years old. The rest of us had just had the usual local swimming lessons that are still taught today.
We all thought Craig was some kind of superman and he was held in awe from that day forward. Now that I am an adult, I know that Craig was not an anomoly.
I have seen many younger children swim that far in less time as well as see them swim backstroke, breast stroke and butterfly as well as the usual freestyle that we all have attempted to learn.
So, if you want your children or grandchildren to REALLY be able to swim well. Get them on a swim team. The usual requirements are generally that they be water safe. Meaning that they can tread water for a minute and swim one length of the pool one their belly and one on their back....however ugly in form and style :-)
Summer swim teams are a combination of advanced swimming lessons and introduction to competitive swimming. Here they will learn to swim like my childhood friend Craig Bartlett or better.
photos by swim dad David Yurashus
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Stone's Cove Kitbar Herndon VA
Hey if you are looking for a restaurant review, this isn't it. My definitional of good food is any food that I DON'T have to Cook MYSELF and clean up from.
However, if I even bother to take the time to write about a place....I like it. AND I am happy to go back.
If the food is good I am happy, but if the service is not pleasant and friendly I am not going back. I don't care how good the food is.
Around western Fairfax, there are plenty of eateries options and I do not enjoy spending money to get poor or indifferent service.
Hey, if you enjoy being treated with indifference, you can get that almost anywhere for free.
So Stone's Cove Bar, Herndon VA. I am going back. I was happy. Six of us went and we probably ate a third of the menu.
We agreed that there was not one thing that we would not have again.
We ate mostly tapas or small plates. If you have never eaten this way, it is like making a meal of appetizers. Heck, I did this before I even knew what tapas was. I always thought that the appetizers were the best part of most restaurant meals and the rest seemed like filler. Now you can go to a place that only serves the best part...no fillers. How good is that?
Service was stellar in my opinion. Three guys waited on us and they were personable, humorous and attentive but not overly so. I was a waiter in 4-5 restaurants in high school and college so I know good service from both sides, and these guys are good!
Did I say the wait staff was great? I know, but it is worth saying again. One reason is that much more is required of them than slingin' hash. They are known as cheftenders and have multiple responsibilities including cooking, beverage prep, cleaning in addition to service.
So.... if you cannot tell yet, my family likes this place and advises you to check it out.
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Jan and Steve Bachman are full time Realtors® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes for Sale in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington Counties.
Check us out on Google: Jan and Steve Bachman
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Welcome guest blogger Frank Kliewer from the Seattle area.
He is an outstanding real estate agent, artist and photgrapher. If you know folks headed his way, please have them touch base with Frank and his partner Nina Cross.
They will take good care of your friends real estate needs and make the whole process enjoyable.
Below
are a series of rock sculptures along a shoreline of Puget Sound in
Washington State.
This type of construction is a popular art form in the area, to be
found in surprising places, including formal gardens and backyard
spaces. If you look really close you can see a new piece under
construction.
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There
is always something fun to discover in the Puget Sound area. Come and
visit if you get the chance.
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Diane: We are planning to move to the Reston Virginia area. What can you tell us about the schools there?
Steve: Reston is located in Fairfax County Virginia. The resources at your disposal for evaluating your child's education options are extensive and thorough.
This post will give you the addresses of the 
school web sites that our clients have found most helpful . Click here for the main page for the Fairfax County school system
Diane: How do I know which schools serve a home I might consider buying?
Steve: Go to Fairfax County's school boundary site and enter the address of the prospective property. You will be given the elementary, middle and high school that currently serves that home. There is also a phone number for you to double check to see if any boundary changes are anticipated.
Fairfax County schools are divided into clusters then subdivided into pyramids named for the high school that tops the pyramid.
The following site will also show the elementary and middle schools that feed into it. Reston is in cluster 8 and is served by the South Lakes high school pyramid. Click the link and scroll down past Oakton until you get to South Lakes
Diane: Are there any independent school evaluation sites you know of?
Jan: Here are three sites that our clients have found valuable.
Great Schools
School Digger
School Matters
Sam: How about private schools in Reston?
Jan: The Fairfax County website lists schools alphabetically by town. Click here for Reston private schools.
Schools in Reston, Reston schools, schools that serve reston, what reston school serves my neighborhood
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With our tough traffic and steep fall in home prices since 2005, you may
feel put upon. But count your blessings. Our unemployment rate is half the national average and homes under $400k are flying off the shelf often with multiple offers on them (yes...it is true). Our housing inventory is half of what it was this time last year.
That's good news for our residents, our economy and our real estate market…… the economic news might be bad nationwide, but the Washington DC metropolitan area in general and Northern Virginia specifically is financially strong.
Our median family income is far and away the best in the country. Of the top 20 counties nationwide, 9 are in our area: 6 in Northern Virginia and 3 in suburban Maryland.The last complete year available is 2008. It looks as if Loudoun will be slightly ahead of Fairfax for 2009...but it's all good news for those who live her and our new friends who are coming in the future.
Check the numbers below and be happy!
US counties with the highest median family incomes for 2008
1 Fairfax County, Virginia $100,318
2 Loudoun County, Virginia $99,371
3 Howard County, Maryland $94,260
4 Hunterdon County, New Jersey $93,297
5 Douglas County, Colorado $92,125
6 Somerset County, New Jersey $91,688
7 Morris County, New Jersey $89,587
8 Montgomery Cty, Maryland $87,624
9 Arlington County, Virginia $87,350
10 Nassau County, New York $85,994
11 Marin County, California $85,892
12 Stafford County, Virginia $85,014
13 Calvert County, Maryland $84,891
14 Santa Clara County, Ca $84,838
15 Forsyth County, Georgia $83,682
16 San Mateo County, Ca $82,123
17 Putnam County, New York $81,907
18 Williamson County, Tenn $81,449
19 Prince William County, Va $80,783
20 Alexandria City, Va $80,449
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Avoid Later Blame
Sign up for the Chantilly Highlands Dolphins Swim Team in April!
The Answerman
Ted: Whenever I attempt to make helpful suggestions to my children as to how to
improve one of their skill sets or behavior patterns, somehow it always turns out that their shortcomings are my fault. This happens with my spouse too.
Answerman: Give me an example.
Ted: Well, I asked my daughter, politely, if she would clean up her room, she responded that it would be perfectly clean all the time, if I did not insist that she attend school. When I mentioned to my wife that her mood should be adjusted to a more gentle, quiet, co-operative mode of being, she responded that if I provided her with servants, a personal shopper, live in chef and laundress, her mood would be one that I would definitely find acceptable. The short comings of this world seem to have me as their source.
Answerman: You must still be young, Ted. Basically, this is part of being a man that no one ever tells you about. If they did, there would be no marriage, no children and the human race would shortly be holding very small, short swim meets.
Ted: Is there nothing I can do?
Answerman: Yes Ted there is hope. You must take pre-emptive action. In 20 years when someone makes fun of your son Teddy’s splashy, go nowhere, grunting swim stroke at the pool of the Acapulco Princess during a marketing convention, you do not want him to be able to say, “My parents were too pathetic, short sighted, and self centered to make sure that I developed a smooth, elegant, strong, safe, swimming style by signing me up for the Chantilly Highland’s Summer Swim Team.”
Ted: No I certainly don’t want to be blamed for that. What can I do...and why are you writing this when it's snowing and sign up is not intil April?
Answerman: Ted you must sign your son up for the Dolphin’s swim team. I'm writing now, so that there is time for you to plan...also Teddy must be able to at least swim one length of the pool on his back and one on his belly, in order to be on the team....if he can't... get him over to the Cub Run REC Center pool, the Reston YMCA, or Herndon Community center for some lessons. The Dolphin's coaches will take him forward from there.
Check the Dolphins 
website in a few weeks, for the correct registration times and go to the neighborhood Community Center and register this April...it's very inexpensive.
You can learn more at the swim team website: http://www.chdolphins.net , there will also be a registration form there that you can fill out in advance.
You can also watch this space for the Answerman's advice for new swim team parents. He will attempt to answer your questions regarding the philosophical underpinnings of the Aquatic Ethic, psychological insight into human interaction poolside, and other deep analysis of the human condition as well as the best things to eat at the snack bar during swim meets held at the Franklin Farm pool.
Doris: I have been going to your swim blog in the hopes of getting the daily guidance I need, and you haven’t updated that sorry thing since last summer.
Answerman: Truth, beauty, and the Answerman’s comments are not bound by time, Doris.
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Slug line to the Pentagon and Ft Belvoir....a Washington DC institution.
A few days ago I wrote a blog post about transportation options for folks
moving to a duty station at the Pentagon. An alert reader, Nancy Murray a retired Navy commander who was stationed at the Pentagon some years back left a comment that she had "slugged in from Fairfax Station". I had forgotten about THE SLUG LINE.
Slugging is a cross between organized hitch hiking and random carpooling. It is human ingenuity at its best. As my friend Rich who slugs to the State Dept. says: "Slugging is an example of a government policy (HOV lanes) creating the desired government result (cheap alternative transportation) without government involvement".
What is slugging? Well, slugging has become so organized and entrenched that is has its own superb website that explains the whole thing better than I can. http://www.slug-lines.com/:
" The system of slugging is quite simple. A car needing additional passengers to meet the required 3- person high occupancy vehicle (HOV) minimum pulls up to one of the known slug lines. The driver usually positions the car so that the slugs are on the passenger side. The driver either displays a sign with the destination or simply lowers the passenger window, to call out the destination, such as "Pentagon," "L’Enfant Plaza," or "14th & New York." The slugs first in line for that particular destination then hop into the car, normally confirming the destination, and off they go."
For a local interest story of real life slugging visit: Congressman joins the slugline
If you or friends are moving out of Northern Virginia ...away from Slug 
Central to the more peaceful climes of Colorado Springs and you need real estate assistance....a good place to start would be our alert reader friend Nancy Murray. Nancy is a Realtor in Colorado Springs with knowledge of DC and miltary relocation...from both sides. You can see Nancy's profile at: Nancy Murray once you are at Nancy's profile, you can check out her Colorado Springs real estate blog by clicking on it over on the left side of the profile page. She and her partner Ann Knoll would be happy to help make your relocation a smooth one.
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If you have purchased a home in 2009 and have not yet filed your taxes, 
we encourage you to consult a tax professional. There are tax advantages that you may not be aware of if you have not owned before. In addition to the interest you pay each month, there are most likely additional deductible items on the HUD1 form that you received at settlement.
Also, if you do decide to do your own taxes, make sure that if you are eligible for the home buyer tax credit that you get the right forms from the IRS. Here is one of the links to do that: IRS tax credit forms.
The experience of our buyer clients is that it pays to hire a tax pro... at 
least the first time you purchase a home since they will often save you far more than they cost. All good ones should be up front and open about their fees, so that you can make an informed decision.
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What is that White Building Across From Reston Town Center?
Casper: I have seen this older looking white building across Reston Ave from Reston Town
Center. Do you know what it is? It has been there for years.
Jan Bachman: This building housed the office of our primary real estate settlement attorney back in the early 1980’s, I learned a bit about it when cooling my heels in his waiting room…. it has a great history and we are glad that it has been saved. In the 1940’s, A.C. Bowman lived in the house and produced, “Virginia Gentleman Bourbon Whiskey” from the distillery that was on the property behind the house. Distilling continued until 1988 when the company moved south to Fredericksburg VA. In the 1960’s, the house was sold to Robert E. Simon. Simon, who helped develop Madison Square Garden in NYC and whose family owned Carnegie Hall, liked the idea of the European piazza and as such, was instrumental in creating the Reston of today.
How Reston Got Its Name
Reston, named for Robert E. Simon’s initials R-E-S with the English word for town T-O-N, was one of the first planned communities in the nation. The site, located along Old Reston Avenue, was purchased by Bowman in 1927 and served as his family’s estate. The Bowman mansion oversaw the family business, the Virginia Gentleman bourbon distillery, which is now the location of the Sallie Mae building.
Prison Fellowship bought the property in July 1983 and built the office buildings to house the organization’s staff. Prison Fellowship was founded in 1976 by former Nixon aide, Chuck Colson, who became a born-again Christian after a seven month prison stay for his role in the Watergate conspiracy. The organization, now led by former Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley, has become the world’s largest religious outreach program for prisoners, ex-prisoners, crime victims, and their families.
When my husband (Steve, the regular blog author) and I first moved to Reston, there was no 
Town Center, no toll road, no Reston north of Route 606 and the Smith Bowman distillery was in full function…lots of changes since then!
Check out the Reston Museum for the most acurate historical
information regarding the development of this beautiful planned
community.
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Should I Buy a Foreclosure? I have seen a lot of Bank owned homes online in Northern Virginia.
John: Should I buy a foreclosure? I have heard from coworkers that there are unbelievable prices on bank owned, 
foreclosed homes in Prince William…I am renting a townhouse near Fair Lakes and want buy something bigger than I am renting. I work at Tysons Corner, and don’t mind the commute I have now... but I know I can’t get a single family home around here for under $400k. I think I could stand driving more, if I can get more house. Is it possible to get some halfway decent bank owned homes under 10 years old in Prince William county?
Steve Bachman: Yes,there are plenty available in Prince William, however you may want to consider Herndon and Sterling as well, which is a lot closer to where you work. Jan and I just got back from showing 5 3+ bed, 2+ bath single family, detached homes in those communities under $400k that had sold in 2005-6 for over $500k. No joke.
However, you are faced with the classic choice that buyers face in every metro area...far out, bigger and cheaper...close in, smaller and more expensive. Should you decide to move further out in Loudoun or Prince William counties, we believe that you need to be able to commit to that home for…. at least 5 years. No one knows when the market will turn and there is a lot of inventory that has to be bought up before prices can rise …AND builders are still building adding to the problem. This situation can be found all the way over to the river in Woodbridge and down into Stafford and beyond.
Roger: Why do you think that prices in Loudoun and Prince William have fallen faster than in 
Fairfax, Arlington etc…the inner suburbs?
Steve Bachman: Warning Roger... this is a long answer...Some observations and speculation….. Prince William and Loudoun have fallen further then Fairfax mainly due to over-building. There is no room to build sprawling developments in Fairfax anymore...no available land…..houses go on the market one at a time as the individual seller has motivation.
In the outlying areas, hundreds of homes were coming on the market all at once in 2003-2006…competing for buyers with regular re-sale homes. Since Fairfax and areas in toward DC are closer to employment...there is more demand from folks all over the US and the world, with deep pockets who have no interest in a 90 minute commute. All this building was started before gasoline was priced where it is now...if folks worked in close to the city...they started to think twice about that long drive to and from….weighing the gasoline expense against the cheaper price of housing further out.
In addition to the glut of new homes…the easy credit that fueled the building and buying frenzy dried up. Many first time buyers came out of their rentals during the time of easy credit and poured out to Loudoun and Prince William, drawn by the desire for new homes. Since many of them were just barely able to qualify under easy credit standards, if they had any life crisis (divorce, job loss, sickness etc.)They needed to try to sell the homes they just bought, or re-finance them….. but they could do neither.
Credit had tightened, the builders were hurting because of the credit situation as well, and were dropping their asking prices far below what they had just sold the new-built homes for to that last wave of eager buyers. People ended up owing $400k on homes that would now only bring $325k IF they could sell…they couldn’t re-finance(the home would not appraise for what they owed)…and they couldn’t sell… hence the increase in short sale attempts and properties headed toward foreclosure.
There is a lot of stress on sellers now…it is not a pretty picture...however the seller’s pain has become the buyer's gain. These difficulties have opened opportunities for buyers who were on the sidelines or locked out during the price run up of 2002-2005. Some prices have fallen back to 2003 levels.
We just contracted a townhouse in the below $250k, that was purchased for $350k in 2005. 
Another client ratified a contract on a 5 bedroom single family home in Manassas at $350k on a home that sold for $550k in 2005. Opportunities exist...but the market is unpredictable ...that is why we tell prospective buyers that they need to plan to be in a home for 5 years...there is no more easy flipping or getting in and out in 2 years without a loss, unless you are really knowledgeable and are willing to fund significant repairs.
If you want to pursue bank owned foreclosed property you need to be patient and have a tough stomach…some of these properties can be very, very rough....in addition there may be delays caused by problems getting the bank to come up with a clear title. In summary, great opportunity exists...but patience, care and an eye toward the longer run are necessary.
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How did Reston get its Name?
Marnie: How did Reston get its name…from being a restful place to live?
Steve: No Marnie, Reston is a peaceful place to live…but the name Reston was derived from the initials of
Robert E. Simon, the man behind the outstanding design, vision, and creation of Reston. That is a sculpture of him above sitting on a bench at Lake Anne Center. I will write about the history of Reston from time to time, since it is an intriguing topic for anyone interested in real estate development and the thought process that goes into designing a livable community…rather then just slapping up some 
buildings, selling them and running off to do it again somewhere else.
The following quote is from the Washington Post 2004:
“Robert E. Simon Jr. is the pioneer behind the groundbreaking planned community of Reston, which celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year. Reston’s European-style plaza, clustered townhomes, centerpiece lake, and contemporary architecture are studied by planning and architecture students across the country. Named by the American Institute of Certified Planners as a national planning landmark, Reston is a classic study in community planning. Simon, who turns 90 next month, moved back to enjoy his creation 11 years ago.”
Source: Washington Post, Mar 25, 2004
What was he thinking?
Marnie: Do you have some quotes from any speeches made by Mr. Simon which give some background into his thought process?
Steve: Yes …..the following quote is from his Genesis speech in 1961:
“This brings me to 1961. A representative of the Washington real-estate firm of Shannon & Luchs was given the assignment to sell a 6,750-acre parcel of Virginia countryside. He spoke to Jim Lannegan in New York, hoping to interest Roger Stevens, but instead Jim called a friend of his, Henry Wrightson. “Henry, do you know anybody that is interested in 6,000-odd acres in Virginia?” Henry replied, “Maybe, if you come on up and see me.” The person he had in mind, of course, was me. The project was really out of my area, but it seemed such a marvelous opportunity. The location was perfect. The foundations were just being laid for the magnificent Dulles Airport terminal building and construction crews were scratching away at the runways. An airport like that in what seems like a desert will cause the desert to flower. And Dulles Airport was being put into Fairfax County, then the single, fastest-growing county in the United States.
The property was about 18 miles from Washington, the nation’s capital and fastest-growing metropolitan 
area in the country. On top of this, the terrain was beautiful. It was an irresistible challenge, so I didn’t resist. What should be done with the land? With a parcel this size, the only conceivable single use was a bedroom community; and that, to me, was a repulsive idea. We began to think about a “New Town.” Of the many definitions of a New Town, I prefer the one given by Ada Louise Huxtable in the New York Times: a New Town is a large-scale development with residential, commercial, industrial, cultural and civic functions. In other words, a well-rounded community.
Marnie: Is Mr. Simon still alive…I hope so...... he sounds like such a good guy?
Steve: Yes Marnie Mr. Simon is alive and living in Reston at Lake Anne, where it all started. You can kind of visit him at the Lake Anne Plaza….his life size bronze sculpture sits on a park bench there. You can sit beside him after learning more about the very cool history of Reston at the Reston Museum.
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Reston Homes for Sale. Does finding them online need to be so Painful?
Cara: I'm looking for Reston homes for sale online. I must say that I am sorely disappointed with the old data I have come across on the main public home search programs... 4 of the 5 homes that I wanted more info. on turned out to have been sold or put under contract days (sometimes weeks) ago. What do you recommend I do?
Steve Bachman: Cara, the reason the big public home search programs are so out of date and such time wasters is that they have to pull info from hundreds of separate Multiple Listing Services from all over the country. It is a huge data transfer problem. We have 3 programs we use to help friends and clients search online. Right now this is the most popular: Search Like an Agent. If you click on that link it will take you to a search set up page. The data on the search site is normally updated no later than every 30 minutes, so it is the closest you can get to the Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
You often see a home listed on a place like Realtor.com only to find that it went under contract 3 days ago…that should not happen here. Search live or set up an automated search that will email listings that meet your criteria. Just fill out the little form and accept the confirming email and your password will be sent right back to you and off you go. It’s free and easy. No one will bother you.
Cara: Is this some semi transparent attempt at blatant self promotion on your part?
Steve Bachman: If you have wandered around our blog much, you have probably noticed that we try very hard not to self promote. Hopefully you can tell from the tone of the writing that we are not annoying, painful people. We provide information. If you feel like contacting us, that’s great. If not, please have fun on our blog and search site.
Cara: What areas does the search cover?
Steve: The entire DC metro area. Virginia, DC and Maryland. Reston too of course. It is linked straight to the local Realtors MLS and only acquires data from there. That is one reason the data is fresh...it only has to pull from one local source of data...not hundreds from all over the US.
Cara: Ok I'll give it a whirl. Just click here to: Search Like an Agent Is that correct?
Steve Bachman: That will do it. Please let us know if you have any questions, problems or want to go see a property. Just drop us an email at Steve@HomesByBachman.com. No one will hassle or annoy you.
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Carlene: You have written before that Reston is not only pleasing to my sensibilities, but that I can live with 
imagination and die peacefully within a five block radius if I move to Reston?
Steve Bachman: Yes
Carlene: I live in Philadelphia and just can’t capture the idea you are trying to get across…you got pictures?
Steve Bachman: Yup…. If I can get them uploaded….(if not imagine a lovely well planned urban center amidst what was once considered the souless ‘burbs near Dulles Airport)…We have behind me Reston Town Center where you can live, work, hit the library, avoid the police station, cross over Reston Parkway to St Andrews Episcopal, come back have lunch with three part harmony, cross over Baron Cameron, pick up some mulch at Home Depot, have some chest pains and roll into Reston Hospital…all within a 12 minute walk.
Arlo: Didn’t that Home Depot used to be a Hechingers?
Steve Bachman: Yes…. I liked that store. It is now a Home Depot
Arlo: When you were very young did you ever deliver REALLY expensive furniture to Mr. Hechinger senior’s REALLY NICE house and scratch a table leg during the expedition?
Steve Bachman: Yes.
Arlo: As a really prepared and knowledgeable furniture guy did you whip out the matching color special wood markers to mask your ineptitude?
Steve Bachman: No…we forgot them. The earth was moist and we were able 
to rub a little mud um…we were pleased.
Carlene: Can you help me put down all this mulch I just bought? You know, I will need a good Reston realtor to help me buy a home.
Steve Bachman: Yes…. if my action is part of the process of improving the curb appeal of your property that you are getting ready to list with us….if not call one of the low or no service realtors. They will be happy to at least post one photo of you mulching, maybe... if you take the photo and email it to them. Just do not interrupt their regular daytime TV viewing schedule.
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Sally: I want to buy a home in Reston. Are you providing me information in this video that is timeless, never gets old, and is applicable today and forever?
Steve Bachman: Yes Sally. Just watch our home made video by clicking on the link right here beside the lovely picture of Reston's Lake Anne. Link away Sally! Buying a Reston home can be fun if you are not under time pressure and the market is in your favor. There are certain things you need to do to prepare and educate yourself: apply for a mortgage, find the best Reston realtor, determine your "must have" needs as well as those feaures that would make you happy.
That is the point of these videos and this blog. Our goal is to make 
you knowledgeable and comfortable with the whole process. Check out the totality of the choices before you, analyze your needs and wants, separate the two, visit as many properties as you need to until you can connect with just the right home for you. It will be almost a spiritual sensation....a 1970's terminology...you should feel the right "vibe". The right real estate agent will understand this and enjoy the hunt as much as you will...do not work with anyone with whom YOU do not have the right "vibe"! There is no point in that.
Be at peace Sally....all will be revealed
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Karen: Do you think swimming or aquatic therapy is appropriate for my special needs kid?
Steve Bachman: Absolutely, positively without equivocation. In general, the swimming community is 
the most supportive group of families we have come across in the 17 years that we have been involved with kids sports in Fairfax County. The Special needs volunteers are as you can imagine...outstanding human beings.
Your child does not need to be involved in competitive Special Olympics programs to physically and mentally benefit from aquatic training. For some reason, water has a special power, it is almost spiritual. It has a calming effect on children when they are introduced to it in the right way.
The following information was taken directly from Fairfax County park web page on Adaptive Aquatics: Click here to view.
Adapted Aquatics
"The Park Authority's award-winning Adapted Aquatics is an individualized swimming and water activity 
program for customers with physical and developmental disabilities. This success-oriented program targets individuals who do not currently meet the prerequisites for participating in an inclusive environment. The program is designed to develop basic swim skills in a structured setting with one-on-one support from trained volunteers.
Students may register for:
- Adapted Aquatics Group Classes – These courses are conducted by American Red Cross certified Adapted Aquatics Instructors and trained volunteers.
- Small group lessons (one to four students) – These lessons are offered at all RECenter pools. Flexible scheduling is available. Classes can also be arranged for school groups and group homes. Call 703-324-8565 for more information.
Please note that family members may be requested to assist in the water if volunteers are not available."
Also available are Special Olympics prep programs for developmentally delayed youth who want to participate in swimming competitions. These swim meets are awesome and encouraging. Check out what the county currently has available HERE.
Here is the main Aquatics Specialty page: Swim now!
Steve Bachman, RE/MAX Gateway, Northern Virginia Realtor
Terri: I am not a person that just wants to eat meat and potatoes all the time and I am sorely dissapointed in the produce and international food sections of the standard local markets. Do you have any suggestions for alternative shopping venues not too far from Chantilly Highlands?
only 1.5 miles from the Shangri La of international food emporiums. Lotte......The produce section is about 3 times the size of your basic Safeway or Giant's section and the prices are usually 1/3 to 1/2 that of other stores with nowhere near the selection. 
Fresh snow peas generally run $4/lb at the Giant...Lotte had them for $.99/lb last week. Normally they run around $1.5/lb. (I love snow peas can you tell)Bean sprouts are $.79/lb and are of awesome quality. The seafood selection cannot be matched anywhere and the guys will clean your catch at no extra charge.
Chinese and Japanese sauces and specialties and 20 different kinds of soy sauce?
Steve: Yes, and they have a sushi counter that is cheaper than you can get anywhere I have seen and the guy will make it custom if you want. There is a bakery, a food court, Asian cooking and serving implements, optometry and kitchen and bath remodeling. I am not making this up. 
1/2 the price of Giant and 40 times the selection. There are isles dedicated to the different cuisines. We got 6 full bags of stuff there last week for $27 ...unbelievable.
mushrooms in the water at the start. Cook a couple minutes then add the noodles as directed, then with one minute left to go throw in some snow peas, bean sprouts, seafood mix (or sliced meat of your choice) turn off the heat and use scissors to top it off with cut green onion tops and cilantro ($.79 for a big bunch). 
After a hard day of showing property to clients, we will make this version of Ramen and have pot stickers to go with it. Takes about 15 minutes total and is extremely non boring. Check it out yoja chingu..... it's a trip. 
good links below, but let us offer some counsel first.
On average, in this market with a small inventory of homes in great shape, our first time buyer clients generally like to look at 10-15 properties before they feel they have a sense of what they really want in a home. 
by anyone.
