Archive for the 'Relocating' Category
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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From Where I Sit
June 23rd, 2008 categories: Relocating
My daily morning cup of coffee is normally accompanied by a review of the morning’s news. One of the places I turn first for fresh career related information is an interesting blog site, the BloodHoundBlog. The “Bloodhound” is a blog different than your routine real estate information site. As a matter of fact, some might see it more as a real estate agent boiling pot, or revolution in the making. Many of its contributors are the “underground” pioneers who are changing face of real estate marketing. Its author, Greg Swann, describes the blog’s mission this way:
“Welcome to BloodhoundBlog, the national real estate industry marketing and technology weblog written by, for and about realestate professionals. Better yet, welcome to the wired world of real estate. We are busily inventing Real Estate 2.0 — technology, marketing, service and salesmanship. Like all Bloodhounds, we are smart, frisky and fiercely independent. We are committed to an idea of excellence that will flush the bums, the con-men and the crybabies out of the real estate industry. If you yearn to have your failures excused, your moral lapses absolved or your boo-boos kissed, seek elsewhere. But if you are sick to death of mediocrity — welcome home.”
One of their more recent blog articles entitled, The world you find is the world you’re looking for… , reminded me of a tale about attitude that I heard many years ago. Like many, I, too, have a tendency to complain and whine at times. Life can get the best of us every now and then, and it’s worthwhile to be reminded that it really is how we look at things that makes all the difference in the world. That story goes something like this….
A family, the Novaks, were moving from a city in Pennsylvania to a small western town. They had packed everything in their SUV, made the cross country trip, and were pulling into the outskirts of their small town they would call home. As they got close to town, they decided to pull into what looked like an old convenience store or service station with a porch out front. As they pulled up, they noticed three older gentlemen on the porch in chairs talking to one another and seemingly enjoying each other’s company. As the Novaks headed into the store, one of the older gentleman got up to say “Hi” while at the same time asking Bob Novak if he could assist him in anyway. Bob responded to the older man by informing him that the Novaks had been transferred to a new job in this town, and that they were just arriving after driving cross country from Pennsylvania. Bob then asked the older man what they could expect in this new town, what was it like? After commenting that he hoped their cross country trip had gone well, and before directly answering Bob’s question, the older man asked Bob what the city was like that he had come from? Bob responded that the Novaks didn’t really care too much for Harrisburg. The traffic was bad, his wife didn’t find too much to get inolved with, it was difficult for their kids to ever find activities that they liked, and that it just didn’t seem to suit them very well. As he patiently listened to Bob’s words, a warm smile appeared on the older man’s face. When Bob finished speaking, the older man, placing his hand on Bob’s shoulder, looked at him, and replied that he was sorry to inform him that this new town, his new home, was alot like the town he had come from.
A week later, another family, relocating to that small western town, pulled into that same convenience store. Like the Novaks, the Parker family had travelled hundreds of miles cross country in their move to this town they would call their new home. As they had every weekday morning for the past ten years, the same three older gentlemen were gathered on the convenience store’s porch enjoying one another’s company. As the Parkers got out of their car and headed into the store, one of the older men stood up to greet Jack Parker who was heading for the store’s front door. The older man stuck out his hand to shake Jack’s hand while asking him how he could assist him. Jack Parker responded by informing the older man that his family was moving to the town and had just driven cross country, but had decided to stop at the convenience store before heading into town. Jack then asked the older man if he could tell him a little bit about the town. The man responded by saying he was glad they had taken a break and stopped before proceeding into town. But, then, before answering Jack’s question, he asked Jack what the city was like that he had come from. Smiling, Jack responded that they were sorry they had to move. They loved the city they had moved from. Jack’s wife was involved in different women’s social groups, the kids were involved in various sporting activites, not to mention Scouts, and the family was busy in a local church where they developed some lasting, enduring friendships. It was very difficult to leave a city they all enjoyed so much. As he listened, the older man couldn’t help but smile and slowly nodded his head. When Jack was finished, the older man leaned forward, placed his hand on Jack’s shoulder and said, “Jack, I think you’ll find that our town is alot like that.”
Life can be tough and unforgiving at times. And, as we’ve all heard, “No one said it was going to be easy.” Life is a season of lessons learned, so, let’s make the most of them. Or, as Hubert Humphrey said:
“Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts. It’s what you do with what you have left.”
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Living to Fight Another Day
June 9th, 2008 categories: Entertainment, Military Installations, Relocating, Spouse Stuff
Road expansion is something most of us can’t get enough of in Northern Virginia. For those travelling North or South, Interstate 95, or Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) are the only direct corridors available for vehicles heading toward a destination. While we applaud the road widening, the new development also resulted in some casualties along the way. When the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) decided to widen Route 1 in Prince William County, just north of Quantico, the Globe & Laurel restaurant found itself on the chopping block. 
In business for nearly 40 years, it now found itself out in the cold. The Globe & Laurel closed its doors on April 30th. For the second time, its owners, former Marine Major Rick Spooner & his wife Gloria, had to find a new home. Their first such venture occurred after the original Globe & Laurel, which opened in 1968, located in Quantico Town, burned down. After attempting unsuccessfully to find another location in Prince William county to begin again, the Spooner’s were able to find some help a little further South along Route 1, in Stafford County. With the assistance of Stafford’s Economic Development Authority, they were able to secure the building that formerly housed The Keep, and then Philly’s, both restaurants, similar to The Globe & Laurel. With loads of renvoations needed, Stafford’s EDA pitched in both short term and longer term contributions, the former being $50,000, the latter $33,000 per year for the next three years.
In the food business, one’s reputation is priceless. Do a google search for the The Globe & Laurel, and see what you find. What you’ll find is visitor after visitor, patron after patron, that can’t say enough about the food, the atmosphere, and the great hosts it has. It truly is a unique establishment. Beginning with the tartan carpet, you’ll find a familiar pub like interior design, a distinctive selection of wines, and the a local favorite brew, Leatherneck Lager. While the atmosphere sets it apart from the everyday eatery, Maj Spooner has never wavered from his desire to provide his patrons more than just a meal. He wants them to leave not only well fed, but also well cared for. The service is second to none with the Spooners leading by example as they greet those heading in to dine. Often , you’ll find the Major making his way around the restaurant, ensuring those already dining are enjoying themselves. 
The Globe & Laurel is a rare find. While you’ll enjoy the food & drink, you’ll take away much more after a visit. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance to chat with the Spooners, especially the old Marine who has already shown that it takes more than the government to keep him down. As Yogi likes to remind us, “It ain’t over til it’s over.” And, for Major Spooner, this new venture probably seems more like, ”deja vu all over again!”
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Your Home Inspector - More Like Fred Flintstone Than Sherlock Holmes?
June 4th, 2008 categories: Military Installations, Relocating, Repairs
Whether or not a Home Inspection is worth the expense, is an issue that usually prompts a good discussion among prospective home owners. According to some, like a recent client of mine, the inspection is an unnecessary expense that does little more than make a buyer “feel good” about their purchase. But if that’s true, if home inspections are nothing more than a false sense of security, why do some many home buyers, or home sellers, get them done? Are Home Inspections worth it?
First, in any service industry, some professionals are better than others, more competent, more thorough, more professional. Last year, I worked side by side with a home builder who never put down his tools until the job was “just right.” Calling him a “perfectionist” would be an understatement! The same goes for home inspectors. So, make sure the one you hire comes with recommendations - good ones. If you choose to go it alone in choosing an inspector, then make sure you ask some important questions. How long have they been in the business? Are they licensed and certified? If so, with whom? National Home Inspector certification through organizations like the Amercian Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), & National Assocation of Home Inspectors (NAHI), requires their members to adhere to strict standards of practice or conduct.
Second, while home inspections aren’t a perfect science, they are the primary means a buyer protects themselves from getting stuck with a “lemon” when purchasing a property. The Home Inspection Contingency in the Virginia sales contract is designed to protect the buyer. Based upon the Home Inspection, the contingency allows the buyer to:
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Request the seller make the needed repairs
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Re-negotiate the price
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Void the contract
The price re-negotiation is a direct result of the discrepancies found in the inspection. But, at the end of the day, if seller and buyer cannot resolve what needs to be done, then the purchaser can void the contract and move on to their other home choices.
Third, in today’s buyer’s market, the home inspection shouldn’t cost the buyer a thing. With the glut of homes on the market, and home inspections running $250-$350, the sellers will probably be more than happy to pay for the home inspection in order to ratify a contract.
Few things can affect the value of a home more than property discrepancies found after the fact. For many buyers, the expertise required to find these hidden problems are best left to a qualified Home Inspector. 
They have the training and detailed experience necessary to detect even small problems before they become your problems. A certified professional is worth their weight in gold when it comes to ensuring a home doesn’t have any hidden surprises. So, take your time and do the necessary research before choosing your Home Inspector, because the last thing you want is one that reminds you more of Fred Flinststone than Sherlock Holmes.
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