Archive for the 'Military Installations' Category
It’s More Than a Matter of Inches
September 13th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
“Why aren’t there any room sizes on the listing?”
I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve been asked this question by prospective home buyers, whether calling to inquire about a property for sale, or after I’ve handed them a copy of the property listing. Buyers are consumers. And, in most cases, consumers want to know exactly what they’re spending their cold hard cash on. Predictably, they’re interested in knowing whether or not the property suits their needs.
Home ownership is not a “one size fits all” business. For those of us who’ve picked up a “super-sized” dining or bedroom room suite during one of our duty tours abroad (does Germany ring a bell?), room size is a vital consideration when looking at a possible next home. Not being able to fit furniture in a particular room is not an option.
Many property listings include the total finished living space, but far fewer mention or provide the size of each of the rooms inside the property. For many prospective buyers, this is information that is sorely needed when making the decision on whether a home might be suitable for occupancy.
Room sizes are included in a property listing to provide buyers with an accurate picture of the property. These sizes are normally not included for one of three reasons:
1) The seller has requested they not be included.
2) The agent has chosen not to include them.
3) The listing agent has not taken the time or made the effort to determine what the room sizes are.
Do any of these reasons make sense? Of course, the seller has the right to do whatever they choose. However, the listing agent has no excuse for not including room sizes in the property listing. Their duty is to act in the best interest of their client.
Providing information about a property, through words, pictures, or virtual tours, is the primary means of informing the viewing/shopping, or buying public what you is being sold. In selling a home, less is not more. On the contrary, home buyers want more information. The Stafford & Fredericksburg areas aren’t lacking when it comes to informed consumers. As far as our clientele is concerned, the more informative and specific a listing agent is in describing a property in the Multiple Listing Service(MLS), the better.
Fortunately, if room sizes are not included, there are a couple of ways to determine what the actual room sizes are.
First, the property made have been listed previously. If so, the room sizes may be included in the previous listing. Secondly, the listing agent, or seller, may actually have a blueprint or house plan indicating room sizes. Finally, when all else fails, you can always take measures (literally) into your own hands. When viewing the house, pull out the tape measure and measure the room sizes yourself. Believe it or not, most homeowners won’t mind. Remember, they want the home to sell! If you measuring rooms will help accomplish that, then they’ll be more than happy to oblige.
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When Finishing 5th Isn’t So Bad
September 6th, 2008 categories: Market Trends, Military Installations, Relocating
Today’s headlines were filled with good news. We’ve got Hannah & Ike coming to visit, and Freddie and Fannie are being marched off to their rooms for a bit of “quiet time.”
Actually, Hurrican Hannah came ashore yesterday off the coast of North Carolina. Today, in the heart of Virginia, we’re feeling her rath. Fortunately, according to the Weather Channel, it looks like her stepbrother Ike, who is in trail, will miss us. It appears he’ll be visting the Bahamas before heading off into the Gulf of Mexico. But, with the arrival of the storms clouds also came news that the nation’s two largest mortgage giants are the most recent victims of the mortgage crisis that’s devasted our real estate landscape for the past three years.
On Friday, the Federal Reserve made a call on the red phone (you do remember that 3 A.M. call, don’t you?) to inform Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae of its intention to place them under federal control. They’ll be placed into “conservatorship“. Into what, you say? According to the Fed, the good news is, the companies will continue to operate with the government backing their debt. The bad news is that their boards will be replaced, and their shareholders will be left holding the bag. Well, at least, that’s what they’re saying. But, let’s hope it isn’t the shareholders that are the only ones who’ll have to pay the price for gross mismanagement. But, enough of the bad news.
For anyone that’s travelled up and down I95 in Northern Virginia, rush hour traffic is not a pretty sight. The good news is, according to the recent Urban Mobility Study, the commute to Washngton D.C. ranked as the 5th worst commute in the nation. To be honest, I guess it’s kind of human to feel a bit better, knowing you don’t have it as bad as other folks. Besides, the actual study examinedf the 10 most wasteful cities in the country for commuters, based on fuel usage. What were the top four?
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Atlanta
- San Diego
Gridlock on our nations highways is never enjoyable. With today’s onboard GPS systems, traffic backups can, at times, be avoided. For those of us that live here, we can always find a way around I95. The “reroute” may take us a bit out of the way, but the added time may more than make up for the aggravation avoided. Besides, when the traffic gets bad, just remember, it could be worse.
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There’s Gold In Them There Hills!
September 4th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
“The strong take from the weak, but the smart take from the strong.”
from Coach Pete Carril’s book, “The Smart Take From the Strong”
In today’s digital world, these words have taken on special meaning. Those of us that have been involved in any type of physical competition can attest to the strong taking from the weak, the big beating up on the small. While bigger may not necessarily mean better, when to comes to physical prowess, it goes a long way. Who didn’t grow up with a neighborhood bully?
But, with today’s technology, what kind of online assistance exists for an effective and successful home search when shopping for your next home? Clearly, there are a number of very good online sources. Some of today’s most popular web sites with national coverage include:
These “home” sites not only provide the consumer with home listings but also are meant to be a one-stop shopping location for home buyers by providing links to lenders, insurance providers, maps, agents, and other helpful resources.
Once you’ve done a “macro” look at what’s out there, perhaps now it’s time to turn to the area expert, or local real estate agent to help narrow your search and actually do that “boots on the ground” looking. Nothing takes the place of a local real estate agent’s expertise. But, please remember, like any other profession, not all practitioners are the same. Some agents are better than others. So, please do your homework before enlisting the aid of an agent. For many of us, a referral from a trusted source is always a good place to start.
Many of our clients are inbound from overseas or deployed locations. Sometimes, the closest they’ve been to their next duty station or job is an ocean away, or, in some cases, they may be PCSing from the furthest reaches of the globe. So, reaching out to online sources may be their most effective and practical approach to home shopping before they actually move. The good thing is, much of the upfront work is best done via computer and phone, or e-mail.
While the web provides a wealth of real estate information for the purchaser, local expertise can answer questions for you that you probably won’t find anywhere online. And, if the agent doesn’t know the answer, they can certainly point you in the right direction. Remember, their duty is to you! But, more importantly, make sure your Realtor knows what you want. That may sound like the proverbial “no-brainer“, but believe it or not, sometimes that simple fact is overlooked, or more often, minimized instead of emphasized.
The bottom line is: The resources to optimize your home search are at your finger tips. Use them to educate yourself on neighborhoods, schools, cultural and recreational activites, churches, traffic patterns, and anything else that might impact your choice of a home and/or location. Equipped with those resources in hand, and a professional agent to assist you, you’ll have all the smarts necessary to find the home of your dreams.
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Moving By Air
August 16th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
One of the challenges of the military life is the moves. For most military families, moving or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), come every three to four years, and oftentimes even sooner. Combine the necessity of moving, and the traffic cogestion in Northern Virginia, and something has to give, right? Well, as you can see, it looks like someone has come up with a practical solution. Let’s move by air!
Although I doubt this is an actual move of what we call “household goods“, it certainly is a novel idea. When I saw this hot air balloon floating over the Massaponax area of Fredericksburg, it was a picture too good to pass up. But, as far as an alternative to the moving van, I doubt that Mayflower, or any other mover, is offering this as an alternative to their van fleet.
But, if you’re PCSing to the Stafford or Fredericksburg area, and you’ve had enough of those ground moves, give Mayflower a call. As they say, “you never know, unless you ask.”
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When A Village Makes Sense
August 12th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
Years ago, many of us got a bit of a laugh when we heard a prominent U.S. politican remark that “it takes a village” to raise a child. Although, little did we know at the time that the remark was hardly original. It originated as an African proverb before finding its way the US political scene. But, village life does have its advantages, especially for those living the good life in Ladysmith Village (LSV), just South of Fredericksburg.
Ladysmith Village is an ideal location for just about anyone, regardless of family size, commuting choices, or home style. There are plenty of options for almost any desire.
For commuters, Ladysmith Village is perfectly situated between Richmond and Fredericksburg, making sense for those that work in the city but would rather live apart from the hustle and bustle that normally accompanies it. “Beltway Bandits” can take advantage of many of the same commuting options common to I95; car & van pools, buses, and just north in Fredericksburg, the train. For military personnel, LSV’s central location makes it an easy option for those stationed north on I95 at Quantico, Ft. Belvoir, Ft Myer, the Pentagon, or other locations, or those who heading East towards NSWC Dahlgren.
Communtiy amenities abound. The Residents Community Center is second to none and includes:
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An eight lane pool surrounded by an expansive deck , a kiddy pool & spray fountain, and large barbecue area.
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Conference Rooms
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Fitness Center
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Media Facility
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Banquet Area
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Large Kitchen
An ideal location for wedding receptions, business meetings, or community get-togethers.
Other community attractions include the Ampitheater, Public Library, Elementary School, and walking and hiking trails. Additionally, the Village’s South River Sanctuary is the perfect get away for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Virginia countryside.
The community’s home styles range from ranchers to colonials. One plan includes an optional one bedroom apartment above the garage. You can choose from five participating builders and their various models:
1) Aaronal Homes ; 2) Atlantic Builders; 3) The Christopher Companies ; 4) Snead Custom Homes; 5) Spear Builders
The abundance of home choices makes it easy to find something suitable for just about anyone. Prices range from $180,000 – $500,000+. So, as you can see, there are plenty of options.
Ladysmith Village offers location, convenience and community. With so much at the tip of your fingers, whether it’s recreation, community get-togethers, or just relaxing, its small town charm makes this an attractive place to call home.
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Can You Read Me Now?
July 18th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating
One of North Stafford’s favorite hideaways is none other than the local library, specifically, the John Musante Porter Branch. Built in 1992, with an architectural design unlike most other community libraries, the Porter branch is conveniently situated in the center of North Stafford’s most populous area, and just down the street from three of its local schools, North Stafford High School, H.H. Poole Middle School, and Park Ridge Elementary. Additionally, within a couple of miles are North Stafford’s most popular home subdivisions:
- Park Ridge
- Hampton Oaks
- Augustine
- Amyclae
- Berkshire
- Austin Ridge
- Autumn Ridge
- Whitson’s Ridge
For those that like to stop in just to relax and still catch up on their news the old fashion way, hard copy instead of the web, there’s plenty of comfortable seating and with accompanying desk space, but also assorted seating throughout the building. For those who prefer the comfort of online information, there are a number of computer stations and free Wi-Fi for those who carry their laptop with them.
For a bit of cultural enrichment, the library’s ArtPoint program highlights the many local artists offering live entertainment, painting exhibits, story telling, and various other forms of media.
So, for those new to the North Stafford community, or those who’ve witnessed the steady stream of more and more traffic lights moving into the neighborhood the past few years, stop by your local library, whether by day or night, and enjoy the wealth it has to offer. As someone has said, “a library is an arsenal of liberty.” For most of us, its only a few blocks away and certainly worth the journey.
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