In 1902 the first Automat restaurant opened in center city Philadelphia.  It quickly moved on to New York City and automat restaurants could be found in most of the northern industrial cities during the early 20′s and 30′s.  When cars became more prevalent and families could get further away from the city centers the drive-thru…

Park Fairfax was a community original started as a need for housing close to the Federal Government, Pentagon and DC in 1941. The homes were originally constructed as apartments by the same construction company that built the Empire State Building. Go figure! In 1968 the buildings were sold to a new development company (200+ acre…

As someone who took out part of the front yard of two of my previous homes and turned them into a wildflower gardens, I have been thinking about the environment and green living for awhile now. As I try and wait patiently, okay I’m actually fidgeting, for a freelance writer from the Washington Post to…

Nestled on tree lined 1/3 acre or larger lots the 530 homes that make up the South Run neighborhood in Fairfax Station are a great find in the Northern Virginia area. Conveniently located off the Fairfax County Parkway and Lee Chapel Road the homes have easy access to major commuting routes and shopping yet still…

The Washington Post and most of the other local papers continue to beat on the real estate market as if the sky has absolutely fallen. Yes the number of homes sales is down in Fairfax County.  No one is going to deny that fact.  The days on the market have increased significantly. I wonder how…

My daughter who lives in the town of Fareham in the UK has been plagued by slugs this summer.  They are feasting on her vegetable garden and even have found a way to get into the house.  Being the kind environmentalist that she is she has been looking for “natural” ways to rid herself of…

Tucked between the Occoquan River and the hills that lead into the Lake Ridge area of Prince William County is the oasis of historic Occoquan. With its one way streets quaint shops and waterfront restaurants it is an area that those in the know have enjoyed for years. Development of new homes has been rare…

Before you set out to look for a new house you need to understand a little bit about agency relationships in Virginia. In Virginia you have a choice of who you would like representing you in the purchase of your new home. There are still states where a buyer doesn’t have the option. So be…

I work with a number of first time homebuyers who wonder whether they should pay for a professional home inspection. With the cost of real estate and the expenses involved in purchasing a home the question is a good one. In Virginia when a home is listed a seller has the option to either provide…