Northern Woodbridge Deserted Shopping Center

What is happening in Northern Woodbridge?

What is happening in Northern Woodbridge?

Have you ever seen an old western where the cowboy comes sauntering into a lonely deserted ghost town. If so, then you know what the Northern Woodbridge U.S. 1 corridor started to look like. . .minus the tumbleweeds.

For the past few years, Northern Woodbridge along U.S.1 has been the epitome of the word blight. Even the ghosts were moving out. Many of the businesses have gone out of business.

However, recently, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting Frank Principi, the county supervisor for the Woodbridge Magisterial District, unveiled the improvements to come as well as those already started. One of the plans is to not only improve the transportation in the area, but, to develop mixed use neighborhoods where people can live, work and play.

Woodbridge has long been a place where people lived in order to get somewhere else; to commute to DC, the Pentagon, Ft Belvoir etc. One of the goals of mixed-use planned neighborhoods is to create local employment so that people don’t have long commutes.

One of these communities in development right now is Stonebridge at Potomac Towne Center featuring Wegman’s, Uncle Julio’s, Zoe’s Kitchen, as well as other businesses. Office buildings are being constructed across from Sentara Potomac Hospital with the goal of attracting medical offices. Already in place is a newer townhouse condo development with new units being added.

Besides Stonebridge, Marumsco Plaza is getting a facelift; as well as plans to develop a new waterfront community near Belmont Bay. Supervisor Principi has a website to outline the long range plan at www.NewWoodbridge.org.

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You never know what pleasant surprise you may run into whenever you decide to pop by Occoquan, Virginia to see what’s happening. Occoquan is a quaint and very historical community, nestled on the Occoquan river, that seems to have a surprise around every corner, nook and cranny.

Yesterday, on a whim, I decided I would swing by the farmer’s market there to see what varieties of delectable home grown organic treats awaited. To my grand surprise, I found myself smack-dab in the middle of the town of Occoquan’s annual “Riverfest” which is one of the activities held by the Occoquan River Communities. There were costumed re-enactors, a trolley ride, petting zoo, pony rides, live music throughout the town as well as sidewalk sales from the local merchants. There was even a lemonade stand with fresh squeezed lemonade owned by two little boys.

Some of the places that stood out for me were the following:

The atmosphere of the merchants in the town of Occoquan is always folksy, warm and friendly. Joanne Barney from Tastefully Yours, a wonderful gourmet shop on Mill Street, was going back and forth between watching over the petting zoo, pony rides, and managing her wonderful shop. I always have a great experience in her shop. Besides having superb gelato, and other delectable food, Joanne has put together very attractive gift baskets for me, showcasing foods made in Virginia.

Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe Kimberly Wigode, who owns this shop with her husband Emil, are very knowledgeable about Virginia wines and are readily available with samples to taste. They have excellent customer service and are also available for events.

My favorite place, however, was Quinn’s Goldsmith, Inc. Originally, I went in and inquired about re-sizing my wedding band which has gotten too small (or was it that my finger got too big! LOL!) I also mentioned that I used to be manager of a jewelry store in New York City (Christian Bernard)—many years ago. Valerie Francis, who I believe is a graduate of GIA (Gemological Institute of America), has superb customer service. She not only cleaned my diamond ring, but gave me a tour of the store. I just loved seeing all of the beautiful designs that they display. Quinn’s is definitely the place to go for not only beautiful jewelry but also jewelry repair. The staff is extremely friendly, and knowledgeable.

There are activities throughout the year in Occoquan besides the River Festival. Every Saturday morning has a farmer’s market. There’s a craft fair twice a year, a Harvest Fair and Fun Festival among others. Maybe, I will see you there. Don’t hesitate to come up and say hello!

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This house has been renovated from top to bottom! The new roof and windows (2009), completed updated bathrooms and kitchen, new carpet and paint. Single family house for the price of a townhouse. Don’t miss this. 3509 Forestdale Avenue Woodbridge, VA 22193 Virtual tour:

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Everyone who visits this property is so surprised to see this type of property on minutes from Dulles airport. Usually one has to go to Front Royal to find such a farm like location.

Here are over 7 acres of secluded heaven, with private pond, forest, Cub Run Stream-endless possibilities-no HOA convenant restrictions. This property now has a new price and new virtual tour. This is not the “upgraded granite counter tops McMansion” but a lot of house and land waiting for a large family that loves country living. Currently the owner has peacocks and emus but has owned horses in the past.

Plantation Style Living

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After my blog of “We can all breathe a sigh of relief that FHA won’t be adopting HVCC” I found out today that FHA has decided to adopt HVCC as of January 2010! As a Realtor in Northern Virginia with Exit 1st Choice Realty, we are all struggling to get the housing market into recovery mode. The biggest burden in this market is for sellers owning non distressed properties, who would like to sell their properties for various reasons-usually due to changes in their lives. The sellers have a minimum financial goal that needs to be met. If it’s unreachable in this market, they will usually wait to sell.   When we have a larger proportion of non distressed properties on the market, we will know that we have turned the corner to recovery.

This news that FHA will be adopting HVCC may not be good news for the market. Here is an article by Mary Thompson, an appraiser from Georgia: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1246425/huge-fha-news-fha-is-adopting-hvcc-as-of-january-1st-get-ready-for-change

Read my previous blog on the HVCC to see how this code can affect a “regular” sale. http://househunterforyou.com/metrorealty/?p=118

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Don’t tell me your age; you’d probably lie anyway-but the Hershey Lady will know!

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH

This is pretty neat.

DON’T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute ..
Work this out as you read .
Be sure you don’t read the bottom until you’ve worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it’s fun. Continue reading »

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In today’s market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite. Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.

1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. “It’s best to use one or two and repeat them,” Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.

2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.

3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.

4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn’t resemble an airport runway.

5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn’t just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.

6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.

Source: Michael Glassman, landscape designer, Michael Glassman and Associates, Sacramento, Calif., www.michaelglassman.com
Barbara Ballinger is a freelance writer for REALTOR® magazine.

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I hope everyone finds this to be a stimulating and informative source for all things related to Northern Virginia real estate. Have a wonderful Day!

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