Archive for the 'Military Relocation' Category
Dealing with Sticker Shock When Moving to Northern Virginia
March 14th, 2008 Categories: Military Relocation
Most people hear the term “sticker shock” and they think of cars. For military families with PCS orders to Northern Virigia the term can also explain their first reaction to housing prices in Northern Virginia. Today’s market has helped lessen that shock but it is still something to consider as you decide whether you should buy a home in the area.
One of the many benefits that the military offers is the VA loan which has made a comeback for buyers in Northern Virginia over the last year. The first thing I recommend to anyone with PCS orders to our area is to verify their BAH rate, this will help you with understanding how much of a payment you might be comfortable making. Then take a look at your VA loan eligibility status. If you are eligible then you should go ahead and request your Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) directly from the VA or most lenders will have the ability to request the certificate electronically as well.
Why have VA loans become popular again? Due to the changes in lending rules a VA loan offers the advantage of a low down payment, no pre-payment penalties, easier qualification and loans are assumable which could be an advantage when you go to sell your home in a few years. In our current market the VA funding fee which had been a sticking point for sellers a few years ago is now just part of making the deal happen, easing the way for a seller to see the benefit of accepting an offer with a VA loan.
Once you have looked at your BAH rates, spoken with a mortgage professional who understands the VA loan process (if you need a recommendation let me know), then you are ready to begin to explore many of the great neighborhoods within commuting range of the many military installations in Northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for a condo, townhouse or detached home there are some terrific choices within 30 minutes of the main gate of base.
You can start your search for a new home in Northern Virginia online to get a feel for some of the local communities. Once you narrow down your search you need an agent who is knows the area (I’m a native) and understands military moves then you may want to give me a call. I’ve walked in your shoes from the Far East to Europe and know what it is like to make a military move. I promise I’ll help you through your “sticker shock” and find a place that you will be glad to call home during your time at Fort Belvoir!
A few communities to get your search started:
Springfield Communities
Kingstowne
Belmont Bay
Aquia Harbour
| Discussion: No Comments »
Military Relocation-Aquia Harbour In Stafford County VA
January 26th, 2008 Categories: Military Relocation
Within minutes to the gates of Quantico in Stafford County VA is the gated community of Aquia Harbour. Built in the early 1970’s the neighborhood original attracted weekend boaters and those wanting a retreat from the city. Then with the widening of the major highways, the addition of the VRE as a commuting option and the growth of Northern Virginia, Aquia Harbour became a full time community.
With 2000 acres, including 400 acres of protected wetland, you have a hard time realizing that you are only 45 miles south of DC and 15 miles north of Historic Fredericksburg. The Aquia Harbour neighborhood is different from many others in the area due to the fact that the homes do not fall in the standard tract home category. With a variety of builders and styles each of the areas in the community are unique and for residents who have been there since the beginning, tell a long history about each builder who came and went.
If you are a boater then the Marina and Yacht Club are the first place you want to check out. There is a 150-slip Marina with dredged waterways offering 5 feet of depth leading to the Potomac River. Want to play golf? There is a nine whole course with alternate tees to create a “back nine” for you to play. There are two community swimming pools, nine park areas with a variety of activities and if that wasn’t enough there is a 20 stall stable with indoor and outdoor riding arenas.
Homes in Aquia Harbor range in size and price depending on location and age of the property. With over 2300 homes finding what you want shouldn’t be a problem. As of January 2008 there are 73 active listings ranging in price from $241,500 to $749,000. There are currently three properties listed as foreclosures within the community.
So if you are looking for an affordable neighborhood in Stafford County with loads of commuting options to Quantico, Pentagon, or Fort Belvoir, consider Aquia Harbour. If your orders bring you to Northern Virginia this year give me a call. I’ve been through the best and worst of military moves and know how stressful it can be.
If buying is not in your plans. Don’t worry I am happy to help youfind a place to rent in any of this or other Northern Virginia neighborhoods as well.
Read more about Military Relocation to Northern Virginia.
If you have orders to any of the local area bases give me a call. I’ve been through the best and worst of military moves and look forward to helping you with your relocation.
| Discussion: No Comments »
As with so many military bases in Northern Virginia the need to improve older base housing often means tearing down outdated housing to make way for homes that meet the needs of today’s families. At Quantico that meant getting rid of the largest collection of pre-fab Lustron homes found in the US.
Unlike a stainless steel refrigerator, owners and residents of Lustron homes could hang their children’s art work with magnets. In fact you could use magnets all over the house because the homes were entirely pre-fabricated out of porcelain enameled steel. The other unique feature of these homes was their exterior colors. Unlike typical military housing which is fairly bland (loads of brick) Lustron homes came in maize yellow, dove gray, surf blue, desert tan, flamingo pink, sea blue–green.
Over the years families who lived in the Lustron homes either loved them or hated them. They were originally thought to be the answer to the post war housing booming by creating pre-fab houses that could easily be built on a poured slab foundation. Built-ins were a big component of the houses with built-ins found in the living room, dining room and bedrooms. All of the houses had sliding pocket doors to save the room that swinging doors needs. Since the houses could be assembled in just a few months the military with a need to beef up base housing as quickly as possible after WWII purchased 58 of the Lustron homes at Quantico MCB.
In the early 1990’s while running education programs for the military I spent one day a week on Quantico. A couple of the Marines I worked with invited me over to take a look at their unusual Lustron homes. They were small but as a fan of mid-century modern and unique homes they were an interesting example of how an idea to use left over materials from WWII might have changed our entire housing industry. Unfortunately the idea failed and instead of 25,000 Lustron homes rolling off the assembly line the plant only turned out 1500 before it closed down.
Fortunately when the decision was made to build new housing at Quantico the developer realized that the Lustron homes should not just be razed to make way for the new houses. In mid-2006 applications were taken from interested parties who might want to dismantle one or more of the homes and relocate them to another site. A few of the homes were dismantled to be used for Katrina housing and at least two of the homes will remain on Quantico as part of the National Historic Register.
So with the change in housing needs of the military a little piece of history leaves Quantico but at least many of the homes will find new lives to house another generation of young families.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Military Relocation-Inside the Gates of Fort Belvoir
January 17th, 2008 Categories: Focus on Fairfax County, Military Relocation
Yesterday was the day that most military members dread, waiting at the ID office to get your updated cards for your new post and new tags for your car. Fortunately for me they Fort Belvoir ID office takes appointments and my wait to update all my information only took an hour so I didn’t have to waste the entire day. It gave me a chance to look around and see what was new on post.
One of the things that strikes most people with PCS orders to Fort Belvoir is how big the base actually is. With 8,600 acres Fort Belvoir is one of the largest installations in the Military District of Washington and houses multiple commands including other branches of the US Armed Forces. The largest and best known commands on post include the Department of Defense agencies such as the Defense Systems Management College and the Defense Mapping School.
When you drive through Tulley Gate (where you will need to register your car) one of the first things you see are the signs for the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge which has well marked trails and plenty of wildlife for the whole family to enjoy. If you aren’t in to walking outdoors the two fitness centers or two 18 hole golf courses might be more what you are looking for.
Over the last few years base housing at Fort Belvoir has been going through a significant upgrade. Newer neighborhoods have been built to replace some of the smaller outdated homes and historic neighborhoods refurbished. In fact if you didn’t know you were on post when you see the first of the new neighborhoods you would think you were in Cameron or Lorton Station just a few miles away. With small shops set around the different neighborhoods you can grab a Starbucks or a sit at an outdoor café for a bite to eat.
The historic neighborhoods built in the 1930’s feature Colonial Revival homes with slate roofs, dormer windows and tall brick chimneys. And just like the Lustron homes that graced Quantico, Fort Belvoir also had a prototype home built as well. In 1948 in conjunction with Higgins Industries a “Thermo-Con” cement home was built on base. Though only one house was built it was considered important enough historically to be placed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and is used to today for guest housing.
The next big change coming to Fort Belvoir will be the new state of the art hospital to replace DeWitt Hospital. When the announcement was made in 2005 that Walter Reed Army Medical Center would be closing it was obvious that the current facilities (where my daughter was born) would not support the almost 85,000 military and civilian patients that the area has. The new hospital will have 1.2 million square feet of space and have the facilities to support all of the new technologies needed for a leading medical facility. The new hospital will open in 2010.
So that is a quick tour inside the gates of Fort Belvoir. There is a lot to see and do when you get here both in and outside the gates. If you have orders to head to Fort Belvoir this year give me a call. I’ll be glad to help you with all of your questions about the area and show you around.
© Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Cindy Jones.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Outside the Gates of Fort Belvoir-Homes of the Rich and Famous
January 12th, 2008 Categories: Military Relocation
Just a few miles outside the gates of Fort Belvoir visitors and residents of Fairfax County can find some of Virginia’s finest historic homes and our nation’s national treasures. For their time these homes were the envy of the neighborhood and the owners most certainly among the richest families in Fairfax County.
Sitting on the best piece of property that any colonist could have imagined is Mount Vernon the home of George Washington. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to picture the prominent colonist in the 1770’s sitting on the back porch watching the large mast ships headed into the docks in Alexandria. With the distinguished white frame home, stone fences and outbuildings wandering through the grounds is a great way to get a feel for how life might have been 300 years ago.
If you happen to be in the area between on a weekend between January 12 and February 10th you can get a peek in the basement of Mount Vernon to see the cornerstone of the property. This is a special event coinciding with the movie National Treasure II which suggests that the cornerstone actually opens to a secret passageway under Mount Vernon. Sorry but that is just a bit of Hollywood magic.
Just a short hop down the road you will enter the gates to Woodlawn Plantation. Looking at this stately brick home built between 1800-1805 you have to be amazed by the construction and architecture that created a home that has stood for 200 years. Built for George Washington’s grand-daughter Nelly Custis-Lewis on a 2,000 acre site the property the home is a beautiful example of the Federal style popular with mansions at the time. Designed by the same architect, William Thornton, who created the US Capitol the home was furnished with many of the original pieces from Mount Vernon. Situated at the top of a hill known as Gray’s Hill the back porch of the home has a view of the Potomac River and was the first property owned by the National Historic Trust formed in 1951.
The last stop on this tour of Fairfax County’s rich and famous colonists is Gunston Hall home of George Mason. Built between 1755-1760 and designed by one of the indentured servants, William Buckland, the home was one of the first with elaborate woodworking details that were not typical of the colonial style. Originally situated on 5,500 acres the home had a number of unique architectural elements that were not typical for the time period. The most notable was that the upper and lower floors were not an exact duplicate of each other. There are still archeological digs on the grounds of the property trying to determine some of the placement of the original landscaping and outbuildings. Gunston Hall maintains a flock of rare Hog Island Sheep and Devon Steer.
So if you have PCS orders to Fort Belvoir this spring and are planning house hunting you might want to check out these famous Fairfax County homes while you are in town. They aren’t for sale but I would be glad to help you find one that is.
© Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved
| Discussion: 4 Comments »
As someone who has moved all around the world with the military the first few days after the PCS orders arrive the questions about housing, schools and shopping can lead to sleepless nights and the big question “where are we going to live?”
If the orders in your hand mean you are heading to the Pentagon then let me welcome you to the neighborhood! Most military personal headed to the base often choose to live in Northern Virginia close to public transportation and the famous “slug” lines. Whether you are going to buy or rent there are plenty of neighborhood options for you to choose from. The first thing you need to do is check the 2008 BAH rates for the Pentagon. Pentagon rates fall in the Washington District (DC053) and you can use zip code 22152 as an example.
If you are thinking of buying a home, the current Northern Virginia market provides you the chance to find a good value on a home closer to the the Pentagon in Alexandria and Fairfax County. Many military personal are dusting off their VA Certificate of Eligibility and checking with local lenders about the options available to use their VA loans. If buying is the plans make sure you have talked to a lender prior to making your house hunting trip. Knowing what monthly payment you are comfortable with is important for looking at homes in neighborhoods that meet your price criteria.
Once you have determined your price range you have the option to start your search on-line to get an idea of the type of homes that are within your price range. There are a number of neighborhoods in Northern Virginia that have always been popular with military families stationed at the Pentagon including Kingstowne, Lorton and Fairlington. If you have school age children starting with information on local schools through the Fairfax County or Alexandria City sites or the Great Schools website will also assist you in determining the right neighborhood for your family.
Military FlagThe best way to get to know the area is to call on a Realtor® who not only has been through the stress of numerous military moves but is a native of the area. I’ve lived through the best and worst military moves and know how to help your family learn about Northern Virginia and find a neighborhood that you will want to call home while stationed at the Pentagon.
My military relocation network is at your fingertips through my on-line resources, on the phone and in person. Don’t lose sleep over your orders. I’m here to help you with a smooth transition!
Related Posts:
Tour of Northern Virginia Neighborhoods
Should I Buy a Northern Virginia Home in 2008
| Discussion: No Comments »
Marine Barracks DC-The Oldest Post of the Marine Corps
January 6th, 2008 Categories: Military Relocation
In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson rode through Washington DC scouting for a location to house the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Ever since that day the Marine Barracks DC has stood in a prime location and protected the city during the War of 1812. Though not as well known to those outside of the military as Quantico Marine Base located 30 miles south of DC the Marines stationed at the barracks are an integral part of the security and ceremonies that happen in the Nations Capital every day.
If you have ever watched the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery, seen the silent rifle team or listened to the Marine Corp Band playing Hail to the Chief then you have seen some of the Marines stationed at the Barracks. Every Friday evening at sunset during the summer in DC the Marines from the Barracks put on a parade with all of the pomp and circumstance that you would expect and more. Thousands of people sitting on the lawn in absolute silence watching and listening and it would be hard to find a dry eye in the crowd by the end of the evening.
The Home of the Commandant’s located on base has been home to all but two of the Marine Corp Commandants since it was built in 1806. The house was not destroyed by the British when they attached DC in 1814 and it thought to be the longest continuously occupied building in DC. The home has grown from a small four room home to a 15,000 square foot Federalist style home with over thirty rooms.
The Marine Corps Barracks DC is listed as a National Historic Landmark and though it is not open to the public tours area available at 10 am on Wednesday or you can make private arrangements through the Public Affairs Office at (202) 433-4173. If you are making a trip to DC in the near future make sure you put this little know part of Marine Corps history on your itinerary.
If you are a Marine with PCS orders to the Marine Corps Barracks, Military District of Washington, Pentagon or Quantico give me a call. I’ve lived through the best and worst military moves and know how to help your family learn about the area and find a neighborhood that you will want to call home while stationed in the area.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
As someone who has moved all around the world with the military the first few days after the PCS orders arrive the questions about housing, schools and shopping can lead to sleepless nights and the big question “where are we going to live?”
If the orders in your hand mean you are heading to Fort Belvoir then let me welcome you to the neighborhood! Most military personal headed to the base often choose to live in either Fairfax or Prince William County and whether you are going to buy or rent there are plenty of neighborhood options for you to choose from. The first thing you need to do is check the 2008 BAH rates for Fort Belvoir. Fort Belvoir rates fall in the Washington District (DC053) under zip code 22206.
If you are thinking of buying a home, the current Northern Virginia market provides you the chance to find a good value on a home closer to the main gates of Fort Belvoir. Many military personal are dusting off their VA Certificate of Eligibility (remember that green certificate) and checking with local lenders about the options available to use their VA loans. If buying is the plans make sure you have talked to a lender prior to making your house hunting trip. Knowing what monthly payment you are comfortable with is important for looking at homes in neighborhoods that meet your price criteria.
Once you have determined your price range you have the option to start your search on-line to get an idea of the type of homes that are within your price range. There are a number of neighborhoods in Northern Virginia that have always been popular with military families stationed at Fort Belvoir including Kingstowne, Lorton and Westridge. If you have school age children starting with information on local schools through the Fairfax County or Prince William County sites or the Great Schools website will also assist you in determining the right neighborhood for your family.
The best way to get to know the area is to call on a Realtor® who not only has been through the stress of numerous military moves but is a native of the area. I’ve lived through the best and worst military moves and know how to help your family learn about Northern Virginia and find a neighborhood that you will want to call home while stationed at Fort Belvoir. My military relocation network is at your fingertips through my on-line resources, on the phone and in person. Don’t lose sleep over your orders. I’m here to help you with a smooth transition!
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Moments of Silence During the Holiday Season
December 16th, 2007 Categories: Military Relocation, Morning Coffee
During the holiday season it is easy to become overwhelmed. With the music, decorations, shopping, crowds and business it can make us cranky and short tempered. You can see it everywhere with pushing, shoving in stores and fighting for parking spaces.
For our family this is the time of year that we relish the moments of silence. Sometimes it is a walk; even on a rainy day and others it is taking time to honor our fallen hero’s, the members of the armed forces who have given so much to protect our country. At this time of year a walk through the memorials in DC and Arlington National Cemetery can put so many things in perspective.
For whatever reason and no matter what country the visitors are from when people begin the walk through the memorials in our area you can feel the change. Where there was a noisy and boisterous group of students there is now a quiet group studying the plaques on the wall. Where they were tourists with their cameras clicking away there is a quiet group with cameras shuttered. Where there are families who have lost loved ones kneeling by a headstone or touching a name on the wall, those walking by bow their heads to join them in a moment of silence.
It is these moments of silence that make the holiday season take on a new meaning. It is taking time from the hustle and bustle of what goes on around us to remember those who gave their lives so that we can celebrate our holidays. Not everyone has the opportunity to join the thousands who come to Washington DC to walk through the memorials or Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays but everyone who does relishes those moments of silence to put their lives in perspective.
No matter where you are this holiday season take some time to create your moment of silence for yourself. No matter what you choose to do, whether it is to take a long bath, sit in front of the fireplace or walk through the memorials in your area, don’t let the stress of the holidays make you lose sight of how lucky we are. And when you have your moment of silence please say thank-you to all of the servicemen and women who sacrifice everyday for our country.
Thanks to Margaret and Larry Woda for their beautiful post:
Santa’s Helpers Lay Christmas Wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Did you just get your PCS orders for the Northern Virginia area?
Not to worry. Once the surprise of your latest set of orders is over, it’s time to get started figuring out where you want to live in Northern Virginia. One of the nice things about this area is the variety of neighborhoods, home styles and price ranges available. There are traditional neighborhoodsthat have always been popular with military families and in the last few years plenty of new construction that has expanded the options even further.
As a native of the area and having lived all over the US and world as a military spouse, I know a lot about relocating to and from this area and what it takes to make it happen smoothly. One of the first things most families with PCS orders to Northern Virginia do is schedule the initial house hunting trip. With the internet, digital photos and virtual tours the stress of these trips has been greatly reduced.
Working with an agent familiar with the area and your needs, you can narrow down your choices before you ever leave home. Instead of spending days trapped in the car looking at homes you can focus on the houses that really interest you and spend more time learning about the other benefits of the Northern Virginia area. I’ve actually helped military families who were not able to make a house hunting trip find a home to rent “sight unseen.”
No matter whether you are headed to an assignment at the Military District of Washington, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir or Quantico finding your next home doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. If you have orders and are looking for an agent experienced with military relocation and who will go the extra mile with your move to Northern Virginia give me a call at 703-346-2213. I would be glad to send you a local information package with maps, local papers and referrals to mortgage professionals. I work with both military buyers and renters so if a purchase isn’t in your plans don’t hesitate to call!
You can read more about different neighborhoods in our area throughout my blog and on my website. If you have questions about a certain neighborhood in the area just let me know and I’ll be glad to send you more information.
Search all homes available in the Northern Virginia area.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »