However the model is finished and you haven’t looked below the surface to see if beauty is only skin deep.  New construction doesn’t always mean no problems.  For example in talking with owners at one Prince William County neighborhood I heard the following horror stories.

One homeowner mentioned an inspection revealed  16 cracked floor joists that had to be replaced.  Another discovered their beautiful corner soaking tub had no extra support under it meaning a likely collapse the first time it was filled with water.  And finally an owner who discovered their home was not wrapped with a water proofing vapor. As a result they had to put plastic on their windows last winter to keep out the drafts.

If you are thinking about buying new construction in Prince William or Fairfax County this year don’t let the lessons the homeowners in this development learned the hard way happened to you.  Make sure that you take your own representation with you.  Not only can a Realtor® help you get the best deal but we can advise you about the construction process and help you avoid some serious post closing headaches.

I put together a short new construction e-book to give you a few ideas of things to consider before heading out to check out model homes.

If you would like to be able to wake up and be able to take a walk along the Occoquan River front then give me a call to talk about the options available in Belmont Bay in Prince William County,  VA

Just for fun I took to the water to give you a view of how the town center looks from the Occoquan River.

If you are interested in learning more about the homes available in Belmont Bay give me a call at 703-346-2213. In the last two years I’ve sold 30 properties in the community and can show you why so many of my clients have decided to call Belmont Bay in Prince William County VA home.

-Update the combination of credit and down payment requirements for new borrowers. New borrowers seeking FHA-insured financing will be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA’s flagship 3.5 percent down payment program. New borrowers with credit scores of less than a 580 will be required to make a cash investment of at least 10 percent. Borrowers with credit scores of less than 500 will no longer qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage.

-Reduce allowable seller concessions from six to three percent. Allowing sellers to contribute up to six percent of the home’s sales price to offset a buyer’s costs exposes the FHA to excess risk by potentially driving up the cost of the home beyond its appraised value. Reducing seller concessions to three percent will bring FHA into conformity with industry standards.

Read the full press release from HUD with information about all three proposed Changes to FHA Lending Policies.

If you are considering buying a home in the Northern Virginia area later this year these changes could impact your plans. You have the next 30 days to make comments about how these changes. Speak up now!

The building located just off of 495 & Route 50 will be the home to 300 new Northrop Grumman executives relocating from Los Angeles and/or their current Arlington VA offices.  The location is just a few miles away from the Dunn Loring Metro station and will have easy access from the new I-495 Hot Lanes.   The projected transition to the new location is for Summer 2011.

For Northrop Grumman employees who find themselves moving to Northern Virginia from California we welcome you.    The traffic around I-495 will be familiar to you if you currently commute around the Los Angeles freeways.   Fortunately close by your offices you will find some local favorite places to grab lunch including Sweetwater Tavern and Grevey’s Sports Bar.  If you should strain your back unpacking boxes from your move the Inova Fairfax Hospital complex is only 2 miles away.

If you are relocating and find yourself making a house hunting trip the Fairview Park Marriott is within walking distance of your new offices.  Feel free to contact me if you need help finding a new place to call home in Northern Virginia.  Nearby neighborhoods in Falls Church, Vienna and McLean offer an eclectic mix of new and old housing.  Feel free to use our Northern Virginia New Home Search Tool to start getting a feel for the area.  As a native of Northern Virginia I can share a few back street secrets to help you navigate around the traffic.  Feel free to stop by the CJRealtyGroup website to or give me a call help you get settled in  Falls Church and the surrounding Northern Virginia neighborhoods.

With expansive views from all of the major living spaces and a covered patio you can watch the sunrise over the Occoquan River or enjoy your evening cocktail as the boats head back to the Belmont Bay Marina in the evening.

Click on the photo to take a tour of this incredible top floor unit in Harborview Condominium and then call Cindy Jones at 703-346-2213 to schedule your viewing. Priced to sell at $425,000 this is a once in a lifetime chance.

In Lorton you can check out Pirates Cove Waterpark at Pohick Bay Regional Park just a few miles down Gunston Road off Route 1. With a sand beach, a 24 foot tall climbing tower and water slides kids will be sure to have a good time. The pool is up from 10:30 am to 7 pm Monday-Friday and 11 am to 7 pm Saturday and Sundays. Pohick Bay Regional Park also offers miniature golf for when you need a break from all of the swimming.

At Lake Fairfax in Reston the Water Mine Family Swimming Hole is ready for kids of all ages. Toddlers can play with the low bubblers, elementary age children will enjoy the waterslides, water sprays and for the kid at heart you can relax in an inner tube on the Rattlesnake River. The theme of the water park is based on the old west and in the middle of the swimming hole is Pete’s Peak complete with mine shafts and two water slides.

Splash Down Waterpark in Manassas is Northern Virginia’s largest water park. Spread out over 11 acres the park features a big Kahuna Beach, two four story tall waterslides and a 770 foot lazy river ride. If you want a bit more punch with your water then check out the super fast cannon ball slides and the tropical twister waterslides sure to get your bathing suit in a bunch.

Be ready to hold your self steady when the 1000 gallon bucket drops its load every three minutes at Volcano Island Waterpark. Located at Algonquian Regional Park off of Cascades Parkway in Sterling. If you need something a little less torrential then hop over to the Mr. Frog slide. You can make a weekend out of a trip to the park by pitching a tent in the park campground.

Alexandria is home to the Great Waves waterpark. The most “urban” of the water parks in the area located just off of 495 at Eisenhower Ave in Cameron Run Park.  You can play slip and slide on the four story water slides or enjoy just a little splash in the tad pole pool.

Burke Lake Park  is located just off of Route 123 and a few miles from the City of Fairfax. With over 850 acres including a 220 acre lake there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. For the walkers, joggers and bikers the 5 mile dirt loop around the lake is a great way to take in all of the vistas. For the youngsters the miniature train ride chugging along at 10 MPH is a hoot. Want to get in a round of golf? You can do that too at the 18 hole Par 3 course.

The Frisbee golf course is a challenge for young and old, though for the life of me the fun of trying to throw a Frisbee through a hoop eludes me! For the young and young at heart stop by and give the Carousel a whirl and don’t forget to bring your stale bread to feed the ducks. Guaranteed you will be attacked without it!

For the guys who like to fish you can rent a small electric powered boat or canoe and cast your line. Make sure you have a valid fishing license. It’s the law!

One of the best things about the park is that no matter what season you go you will find the park well maintained and friendly park staff around to help.

Burke Lake Park is just one example of the benefits of living in Fairfax County. With over 25,000 acres of parkland maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority you can find a park just around the corner from almost any neighborhood in the county.

See you around the park!

Selection of Homes in Burke & Fairfax Station

Photo Credit: rla579 from Flickr

Westridge is one of the premier communities in Prince William County featuring large lots, plenty of trees, great community amenities and easy access to public transportation.

Check out this terrific home and then call me to schedule your appointment to view.