Guide Me Home 2 Northern Virginia - Home

Buying a New Home and Using a Realtor....

2010-09-20T14:37:00Z

In the current market, finding your dream home can be a bit of a challenge. Short sales and foreclosures are making up the majority of the inventory for sale. Damages done and the amount of work that needs to be done to make these homes livable can be a bit discouraging. Have you thought about a New Home?

New homes offer the following:

Energy Efficient - better insulation, double paned windows, appliancesBuilt according to state, county and local safety codesLatest and greatest Building techniquesUpdated Wiring- whole house wiring for cable, phone and media. Light and bright… a lot of windowsBuilt with YOUR selected optionsWarranty — each builder offers a structural warranty as well as manufacturer warranties on HVAC, appliances etc.

Why You Need a Realtor®:

A Realtor® can help interpret the contract of the builder. Builder’s contracts are written for the builder, by the builder. The Realtor® will have your best interest at hand and can help explain why and how the building process works. The Realtor® will be there to go on your pre-drywall inspection and pre-settlement inspection with you. This helps with another pair of eyes and ears. The building process is an exciting and overwhelming time in your life. It helps to have another person along for the ride.

Jodi L. Trusner offers more than a decade of new homes sales and sales and marketing management experience in the home building and real estate industry. Beginning her career in the homebuilding industry, Jodi received valuable sales training from two major national homebuilders, NVR, Inc/dba Ryan Homes of Northern Virginia and Ryland Homes of Northern Virginia. Jodi also worked in the Corporate Marketing department at Comstock Homes where she trained sales representatives and did comparative analysis in the markets of Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC as well as Northern Virginia.

Posted by: Jodi Trusner

Gas Problem?

2010-08-11T14:30:00Z

While the following article is not directly related to real estate, I thought it would give some relief to us all to a question we all have thought about and heard about – The Bermuda Triangle. This is a quote from MercoPress - South Atlantic News Agency - Wednesday, August 11th 2010.

Now we can get on to real estate questions since we no longer have to worry about the mystery of The Bermuda Triangle! Natural gas—the kind that heats ovens and boils water—specifically methane, is the culprit behind the mysterious disappearances and loss of water and air craft. The evidence for this astounding new insight into a mystery that’s be-devilled the world is laid out in a research paper published in the American Journal of Physics.”
Click here to read the full article from MercoPress.

Posted by: Caryl Dawson

Summer in Northern Virginia

2010-08-09T00:00:00Z

Northern Virgina Garden.
Hummingbird moth getting nectar from a millionbells flower.

Summer in Northern Virginia is full of opportunity for an avid gardener (novice or master). Once the bulbs have come up, which this year was very early, everything else starts peeking, budding and blooming.

As the wife of an active duty Coast Guardsmen, I face the challenge of moving a lot! With this comes not only a new state, but a new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map as well. While that may be taxing at times, it is also a wonderful opportunity for a gardener to learn how to sew and grow in a new garden under many different conditions.

Of all the places I have lived, I have found Northern Virginia to be the most fun and challenging. There are so many plants to choose from that it boggles the mind! Living on the outskirts (Bristow/Gainesville area) of the D.C. Metro area, the nurseries are everywhere and the gardeners are plenty.

Being the daughter of a master gardener and having made several friends in the area who are amazing gardeners I find myself on a constant journey of learning and experimenting. I feel blessed to have these wonderful people available to me at the touch of a button. It sure helps increase the success rate.

If you enjoy gardening, Northern Virginia won’t disappoint! Perennials, annuals, and vegetable gardens dress the beautiful countryside we call Northern Virginia.

So, if you are thinking of joining the gardeners in my area, please give me a call. I would love to help you find your next home! In the meantime, grow something! You and the environment will be better for it.

For more information on gardening in Northern Virginia, please visit the Piedmont Blueridge Horticulturalist Society at http://pbrhs.org.

Posted by: Pamela Stangler

So much to do in Northern Virginia, so little time! Part III

2010-07-17T04:00:00Z

Now that the kids are taken care of, we had the opportunity for another adult moment. We have wonderful friends who invited us to the Jiffy Lube Live concert arena. I’m showing my age here, but we were in for a night of 38 Special, Bret Michaels (post aneurism), and Lynard Skynard. I have to say it brought back some great memories. The best part was I still know how to be a kid and have a good time! Nothing like a concert under the stars in the summer. Living in Bristow, VA we were less than 15 minutes from the venue and home in under 30 minutes after the concert. Can’t wait for Buffett in the Fall!

This event covers both kids and adults. We ventured out to Ultrazone Laser Tag & Family Amusement Center in Falls Church, VA. At first I figured the kids would have a blast and I would hang out with the rest of the adults and get caught up on what’s going on. Little did I know my 7 year old decided she wouldn’t go in without Mom or Dad. So we tossed a coin and Mom lost (or won as it came to be). As I donned my vest and plastic gun I got a sense of empowerment. Once I got into the arena with my kids and our friends and their kids I realized this was going to be fun. By the time the 20 minute (or so) game was over I was sweating and winded. But boy was I ready to go back in. The kids were smiling and checking the score board to see how they did. The parents were high-fiving their kids and everyone was anticipating the next round. Needless to say a good time was had by all!

Falls Church is also centrally located in the Northern Virginia area. We feel so lucky to live in an area where activities for all ages are so abundant. The summer is only half over and we have done so much already. We haven’t even ventured into D.C. for the museums and great entertainment yet, but we will.

We’re off to Virginia Beach this weekend and who knows where after that! This is one of the great things about living here in Northern Virginia. The opportunity to enrich our lives in endless!

Stay tuned for more fun from Northern Virginia.

If you are considering moving to Northern Virginia, please consider giving me a call. I would love to help you and your family find a great place to live. Now, go out there and enjoy your summer!

Posted by: Pamela Stangler

So much to do in Northern Virginia, so little time! Part II

2010-07-15T07:00:00Z

Back from Carova, NC and home in Bristow, VA we hit the local skating rink, The Skate-N-Fun Zone. Talk about a throw back to high school. Disco lights, music and a D.J., snack bar and kids everywhere. This rink allows you to bring in your own roller blades if traditional skates aren’t your thing. My kids enjoyed watching the skate competitions. They slept well that night and haven’t stopped asking when we are going back.

Time-out for Adults. My husband and I took some time out to head to the Town Center in Reston, VA. We met a group of friends for a birthday celebration at PassionFish Restaurant. We had the most amazing food and spent some fabulous quality time with friends. There are so many restaurants and shopping opportunities at the Town Center we don’t know where to start on our next visit (which is hopefully soon). The Reston Town Center is less than 30 minutes away from most major cities in Northern Virginia!

Back to education for a moment. We headed off to the Central Community Library in Manassas, VA. One of Prince Williams’ many. The kids took their summer reading lists they got from school and picked out their favorites. Nothing like some down time on a hot summer day. My kids look forward to some time out reading (cooling off really) to get caught up on their summer reading and keep their brains in shape.

Stay tuned for more summer fun in Northern Virginia in Part III.

Posted by: Pamela Stangler

So much to do in Northern Virginia, so little time! Part I

2010-07-14T00:00:00Z

If you are considering moving to Northern Virginia you are probably spending a lot of time on the computer. Searching for where to live, quality of education, sports, concerts, historical sites, etc. It is never ending and sometimes quite exhausting.

This is a good thing! The fact that Northern Virginia is overflowing with things to do is a big factor as to why people choose to live in this area. For the first time in weeks I am able to sit, relax and reflect on the first half of this summer and all of the things my family and I have been able to enjoy - and it’s not over yet.

First things first. I am able to embark on a wonderful fun-filled summer with my family for many reasons. One of which I consider very important - a good education. My kids were very fortunate to attend Bristow Run Elementary School in Bristow, VA under the tutelage of amazing teachers and administrators. Knowing that their educational needs are being met allows me to concentrate on the second most important thing: FUN.

Of course first call of action was to hit the local pool. Almost every planned community in the area in which we live has a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) which includes pools, parks, playgrounds and tennis courts. We live in Braemar which is a very sought after area due to the many great neighborhoods, schools and activities available. So we soaked up a little sun (with a little help from SPF 30 of course), swam a few laps and caught up with friends about summer plans.

A trip was in order, so we took a drive to the Outer Banks - Carova, NC to be specific. On our way we stopped in Virginia Beach for the night, then headed down the highway to hit the beach! Living in Northern Virginia we have access to so many great places. In Carova you literally had to drive on the beach to get to the house in which we stayed. Nothing but sand, water and wild horses everywhere! Talk about a family vacation. Cooking out on the deck watching the horses graze in the front yard, driving down the dunes to watch the sunset over the Atlantic, picking up crabs in the backyard for dinner and showering under the stars in the outside shower. This was definitely a good start on getting in touch with our inner nature child.

Stay tuned for more summer fun in Northern Virginia in Part II.

Posted by: Pamela Stangler

How to Refer Your Friends and Family to a Reputable Realtor - Part II

2010-07-13T00:00:00Z

Are you planning a move across town, across the country, or across the ocean? Do you know someone who is? If so, please remember your friends and family who are Long & Foster Realtors.

As a Realtor with Long & Foster, I am a member of one of the industry’s largest broker-to-broker referral networks called Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE). LeadingRE works in cooperation with 600 quality brokerage firms to help you find, list and sell, or manage properties in virtually any community worldwide.

So next time you or someone you know is looking for superior full-service assistance no matter where your real estate needs may be, think of me! I work as a Realtor for Long & Foster in Northern Virginia, but I can connect you to these premier firms all over the world.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World: over 30 countries, 5,000 offices, and 150,000 sales associates.

One exceptional real estate network at my fingertips! ALLOW ME TO SERVE YOU! Contact me at 305-433-1036 or you can email me at .

Posted by: Pamela Stangler

What is Going on in Northern Virginia?

2010-06-28T14:43:00Z

Moving to this area or already live here but don’t know what to make of all “The Real Estate News?” Our media does the best to bring information to the public but the information does not always translate to specific areas of the country and we can’t really blanket all markets as the same. Ask some of your friends and neighbors in different parts of the country and you will get a variety of opinions on their real estate market. I recently received some information from our headquarters that I wish to share with you. As of Summer, 2010 this is what is happening.

1. Of the 15 largest US job markets, only ours (DC Metro) added jobs (5800) over the last year

2. Of the 15 largest US job markets, ours has the lowest unemployment rate (5.9%). Nationally, the unemployment rate exceeds 9.5%

3. In Northern Virginia, we’ve had 9 consecutive months of increased home prices

4. In our region, the average sales price for Long and Foster sold homes increased in excess of $60,000 over the last year

5. According to the Home Affordability Index, NOW is an extremely attractive time to purchase a home

There are a number of consumers who are waiting to purchase a home until we “hit bottom”. It looks like we actually hit bottom about 9 months ago. Regardless, waiting to purchase (for those that can purchase now) is undoubtedly a losing strategy. Why? Even if home prices were to decrease, interest rates are expected to rise steadily between now and 2015. Most forecasts I’ve seen expect 7% rates in the next 5 years. As such, any money saved by waiting to purchase will be spent through higher monthly payments. Further, the increased interest rates will result in the purchaser not being able to afford as much home.

Posted by: Caryl Dawson

How to Refer Your Friends and Family to a Reputable Realtor - Part I

2010-06-02T21:13:00Z

As a military wife and a Realtor I have found that the opportunity to help others is endless! Not only do we come in contact with thousands of people in our military careers, but we also see friends and family come and go so often that it makes our heads spin. This exposure, however, for a Realtor is a gift from the Real Estate Gods!

Growing up in the military area of Hampton Roads, VA, and stationed over the past 18 years in Key West, FL, Virginia Beach, VA, Puerto Rico, and currently in Northern Virginia in the Gainesville-Manassas area I have met so many amazing people.

In the last few weeks though I have been faced with an issue of being MIA (missing in action). I have told most everyone I know, and several that I don’t, that I am a Realtor with Long & Foster in Gainesville, VA. What I have failed to do is let them know how I can be of service to them ANYWHERE in the WORLD.

I can count at least 6 instances in the past 30 days that people I am very close to or have had great relationships with at past duty stations, and wish me well in my endeavors as a Realtor, have missed the opportunity to allow me to serve them in their real estate needs. They were truly disheartened when they found out that they could have borrowed my expertise to find a reputable realtor in their area. I blame myself for not explaining the value I can offer them and I plan on “spreading the word” in the next few weeks.

Many people know, or are related to a Realtor who they want to see succeed but don’t know they can help them become successful simply by referring them to anyone they know who is in need of a Realtor. They don’t have to even live near you or the Realtor!

Stay tuned to learn how you can help your family and/or Realtor friends succeed in their business while ensuring that your referrals are taken care of by competent, experienced Realtors.

Posted by:Pamela Stangler

The Question of Insurance

2010-06-02T21:03:00Z

Wouldn’t it be nice if the fact we have bought insurance means that our lost items came back to us as they were before the accident? That will not happen – we know that! Sometimes the word makes one feel creepy. The word seems to insinuate loss. Well, life does happen and we do need to think about this word and its purpose. Insurance helps us replace some of the items we treasure in some manner. I am not going to reinvent the wheel here but bring to this message a website that you might want to check out. We need to be reminded to do this needed inventory so please click here to read on.

Technology helps us to keep the memory alive of a cherished item and also to prove to the insurance agent that we owned it.

Posted by:Caryl Dawson

Lifelong Sponsor

2010-05-21T16:50:00Z

For over 30 years I have been listing, selling and renting real estate. I lived in Prince William County in the beginning of my career and am back here again. In the meantime I lived in Centreville, Clifton and Oakton. Sure do know lots of back roads to get places and skirt the major traffic.

This is the land of opportunity and since my first paycheck after graduating from college I decided to help those less fortunate of opportunities. I joined a group called Plan, USA. This organization helps world communities with medical, educational and housing project. I get the chance to write letters to a sponsored child and learn how their community has been helped. One of my trips involved meeting my child in Ecuador. She is beautiful and the community she lives in made my welcome memorable. I think all of them managed to squeeze into the family living room.

Needless to say I also looked at the housing situation in Ecuador and found it to be in some cases similar to our homes in the United States. Other areas were poor and without utilities. That too we have here. But, I did find people making the best they could of their situation and looking to improve their future. The school children were anxious to learn and make a better future for themselves and someday buy houses. I like to hear that.

My trip was made more memorable by being included on the website of this organization. You can see this article if you go to PlanUSA.org or if you click here.

Posted by:Caryl Dawson

1st Place to Start

2010-05-19T22:09:00Z

Let’s Begin.

To Blog or not to Blog? There is no question that this is necessary in this world. So much information to get out and so little time. Hey, the web answers questions we didn’t even know we had. Starting out - let me be the first to give you a place to find homes for sale. www.caryldawson.lnf.com is my website for such information.

Perhaps the school situation will be an influence in your choosing a county to live in. Click on the county sites and start your research. This is an important factor for homeowners moving into and around our community.

Posted by:Caryl Dawson

Northern Virginia Area Attractions

2010-05-10T19:15:00Z

Northern Virginia offers an unlimited array of dining and entertainment option for singles and families alike. Shopping venues like the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, the Tysons Corner Center and Potomac Mills draw in bargain hunters, fashionistas, window shoppers and people watchers. Historic Old Town Alexandria is a popular destination lined with small boutiques and shops, bustling bars and a unique array of small restaurants offering fine cuisine from around the world. For those on a tighter budget, local favorites El Pollo Rico (out of this world traditional Peruvian chicken) and Five Guys Hamburgers tempt the palate without emptying your wallet - just be prepared to wait in line, it’s worth it!

Not surprisingly, affluence and a highly educated adult population have led to public schools in Northern Virginia that consistently rank among the best in the nation. Families also benefit from the rich history of the area; Arlington National Cemetery, the new wing of the Air and Space Museum and numerous Civil War battlefields provide opportunities for education and family fun. A short drive can open more options such as camping in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park, riding the roller coasters at King’s Dominion or Busch Gardens, lounging on one of the state’s numerous beaches or travelling back in time to Colonial Williamsburg.

Living in Northern Virginia

2010-05-10T19:10:00Z

The area commonly referred to as Northern Virginia includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William counties in addition to independent cities like Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax. Bordering Washington, DC to the south and west, Northern Virginia is a densely populated and highly affluent region. Unemployment in the area remains far below the national average with leading employers including dozens of federal government agencies, hundreds of government contractors and a thriving technology industry. In addition, a vast network of public transportation options, including the Washington MetroRail and Virginia Railway Express (VRE), provides Northern Virginia residents with easy and reliable mobility throughout the region and into Washington, DC and Maryland.