Loudoun LIving for October, 2011

OCTOBER 21, 2011

LEESBURG TODAY

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Loudoun

Living

October, 2011

An overview of activities, services, and things to do to get ready for Fall.

Fall&

Real Estate Home Improvement

apes

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L EL EO SUBDUORUGN TLOI V D IANYG

Our lawn care experts offer tips on what you need to do right now to maintain your grass. Let us remove those fallen leaves on a regular basis to avoid smothering your grass.

Also check out our beautiful fall landscapes.

Fall LAWN CARE Winterizing Beds~Bulbs~Crape Myrtle~Pruning

I

t’s hard to believe that another great season is almost over! With Fall’s cooler weather, there are few things to consider with your landscape.

First, now is an excellenIt’s hard to believe that another great season is almost over! With Fall’s cooler weather, there are few things to consider with yt time to enhance your landscape with new plantings. The cooler weather and dormancy of winter allow the plant to develop strong roots and looks excellent in spring.

Second, it’s time do Fall Clean-Ups, and remove any brush, unwanted debris, and weeds, as well as pruning and mulching to freshen up your landscape.

Lastly, don’t forget that we still have bulbs to enhance your spring landscape. Details are below.

Please give the office a call to schedule any of these services!

It’s time to Winterize your plant beds! Winterizing your beds is a process that reaps tremendous benefits for the health of your plants.

Not only will you have far fewer weeds and other pests to deal with in the spring, but the beds will be in excellent condition for spring growth.

There are a few steps to take to complete this task: • Turn the soil. You can do this by hand or with a rototiller, the main point is to break up the soil

Water Features

to at least twelve inches.

• Dig up the refuse from summer and discard of it.

• Smooth over the entire surface with a rake, which gives the bed a fresh appearance.

• Apply mulch to all beds, which prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and adds beauty.

• Lastly, don’t forget to cut back your decorative grasses and prune your evergreens! These services should be completed by the first frost.

We still have Bulbs!

It’s not too late to plant these! We have a collection of daffodils and tulips, including red, yellow, and multi-color. These can be picked up at our office for 30 cents a bulb. We’re located at 33747 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Looking forward to seeing you!

Landscape Design

Crape Myrtle Pruning It’s time to perform some general maintenance on your crape myrtles. Fall and spring, when the trees are dormant, is the ideal time to maintain the beauty that the Crape will privide in teh summer. If you’d like to reshape the tree, remove branches, encourage new growth, or maintain the perfect tree size, fall is the perfect time for this project.

Our Philosophy: “Allmake LandscapCall today to ing Should Start with a Plan.” A well defined plan thatspace is to scale your outdoor helps clarify what the client expects become reality. and what wea need to do to deliver

ould Start s to scale d what we s.

those expectations.

Hardscapes

Landscapes

Landscape Design

Water Features

Our Philosophy: “All Landscaping ShouldVA Start 33747 Snickersville Turnpike Bluemont, 20135 with a Plan”. A well defined plan that is to scale helps clarify what the client expects and what we need to do to deliver those expectations.

Call today to make I 540-554-8228 I Fax 540-554-8331 your outdoor space

sherry@eplinglandscaping.com I www.eplinglandscaping.com become a reality.

OCTOBER 21, 2011

Historically Low Rates Fueling Market Rise Margaret Morton Staff Writer

A number of Realtors interviewed on the state of the real estate market in Loudoun say that the current very low interest rates are stimulating the previously stationary market and “getting people off the fence.”

REMAX Select Realtor Tammy Belote, who works out of her home in Waterford Heights, said she is sure the historic low rates are fueling recent movement. “Otherwise it could be really stagnant,” she said in a remark echoed by others.

People who have been on the fence are now getting off, eager to lock in the low rates before they move up again. “It’s huge,” Belote said, noting this time of year things normally start slowing down. But not now, she said.

“I’m seeing houses in the upper end that were sitting, are now starting to move.”

And anyone who really wants a deal, whether it’s low end or higher end, above $700,000, better get off the fence, she advised.

Marcia Faircloth in the Hamilton office of Prudential Carruthers said while properties over $500,000 struggle and you have to offer discounts above that figure to sell, anything under $350,000 will sell quickly. But, like Belote, she sees glimmers on the horizon. With today’s interest rates, her “worst, most skeptical buyer, who’s always told her ‘not yet, not yet,’ now even he’s ready to move because he thinks it may go back up.” She also noted a lot depends on the school district where a home is located.

A lot of buyers want to be in the Woodgrove High School zone in Purcellville or Tuscarora High School in Leesburg. “They want to be in the new high school areas,” she said.

Waterford also is beginning to move.

Long considered a desirable niche market, the historic homes in the village and surrounds have languished in recent years, either not moving or selling well below previous price levels. “But that’s changing, it’s finally moving,” Belote said. And it’s not just lower end properties, say those listed at $400,000 and below, that will move quickly. Those low rates also are stimulating the higher end, she said, citing a $1.119 million house outside Waterford she has just listed. She had an open house Monday and 30 agents came through, opining the house was well priced for what it was and probably would not be long on the market.

Several Realtors, including Christi Hertel, a Waterford resident, said part of the problem is that up to now there’s been no urgency for buyers and the process is taking so long. “Prices have been struggling out here, although under $500,000 or $600,000 you do see a bit of activity.” But, the McEnearney Real Estate agent is

ever hopeful that things will begin to move.

Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties managing partner Dan Kaseman also is optimistic. This year, the company opened an office in Purcellville. “That was the first step” in moving out of the Middleburg area, Kaseman said. “Now we’re really anywhere from Leesburg to Berryville and Winchester,” he said.

He takes the current market situation philosophically. “If you work hard, you let the chips fall where they are. I’m optimistic, and there seems to be this reservation in the whole economy,” he said. There are tremendous opportunities at every price point for buyers, he advised. Also, people should be smart and look at renting versus buying—also a situation with great opportunities at every price point.

Kaseman said he was just talking with someone who was in development of apartment complexes with multi-homes. “They’re busting at the seams, which seems odd when you consider you only get bargain basement prices for single family homes.” Kaseman said he had heard that the apartments near Wegmans in Leesburg were originally supposed to be condos. But, at the 11th hour, the developer switched to rental units, which reportedly have very high occupancy rates and are “getting top dollars.”

While many in the real estate market are slowed by fear, Kaseman said he doesn’t worry about it from that perspective. Nor does he worry about the many who bought their homes a long time ago and have seen some of their equity fall.

“I feel sorry for the people who came in at $500,000 or $600,000 and their homes are now worth $300,000. And many of those people can’t afford to take a $200,000 hit,” he said. “I’m most concerned about that.”

It also used to be that different areas of the county had more value to buyers than others.

Tuesday, however, Kaseman and others said it’s nothing but price that dictates whether something sells or doesn’t. “It doesn’t matter where you are,” he said. Although the big guys in the market and economists say there’s a movement east to the big city, Kaseman said he doesn’t see that. “I know a house that’s a good deal, with five offers considerably over the asking price.

And that just goes to show those on the sidelines may miss the perfect opportunity to buy,” he said.

Another concern is that the old adage that housing shouldn’t cost more than 30 percent of your income. “We’ve got away from that, and people need to remember that,” he said noting that some people are so leveraged “they couldn’t buy a Big Mac at McDonalds.”

Recalling another rule of thumb—don’t lose a Continued On Page 45

OCTOBER 21, 2011

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How To Build A Stone Fire Pit Fall is an ideal time to take advantage of the last few weeks of cool weather and get the most out of relaxing outside before everyone heads indoors for a hopefully short winter.

Outdoor fire pits have increased in popularity over the years as more and more people try to take advantage of their outdoor space and provide an ideal entertaining environment. Below, those who consider themselves handy can find a step-by-step guide to erecting one’s own fire pit, thanks to tips from the DIY network. Check www.diynetwork.com for more information.

Step 1: Purchase Stone Determine the size, shape and location of the fire pit. Take measurements (height, width and depth) to a stone yard and select the material for the project. Palletized stone is a pallet of pre-sorted premium stone. It is more expensive but will save time because the stones are a more uniform size, shape and quality. Have the stone yard deliver the material to the project site.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Hammer a piece of rebar directly in the center of the fire pit location. Cut a piece of string to half the length of the fire pit’s diameter.

For example, if the completed fire pit is to be five feet wide, cut the string to two-anda-half feet long. Make a loop on one end of the string and slip it around the rebar. Loop the other end around a can of landscape spray paint. Mark the circumference of the circle.

Excavate the area inside the paint to a depth of six inches.

Step 3: Mark for Footing Cut a second piece of string the length of the first piece minus the thickness of the fire pit wall. For example, if the wall is going to be 12 inches wide, cut the string to a length of one-and-a-half feet. Attach the string to the rebar and spray paint and mark a second circle inside the first.

Step 4: Pour Footing Prepare premixed cement according to manufacturer’s directions. Spread the cement in the area between the outside and inside circles.

Continued On Page 54

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Overview Continued From Page 42

customer—Kaseman said “why would a bank not work with people in trouble?”

Becky Bolle, owner of Carter Braxton Preferred Properties, also sees things improving. Land values have declined, but Broker Tom Jewell just had a big land purchase, due to settle shortly on 130 acres near Hillsboro, and Bolle says she is working on another significant parcel of 130 acres in Leesburg. Many properties have gone under contract in the lower end price points, she said. “Everything we list at $500,000 or under goes within 60 days, often within 30 days.”

Purcellville Realtor Karl Fischer agreed with Hertel that residential was definitely quiet through the summer. But, he said he has been fortunate in being able to do a number of transactions through opportunities that came his way that weren’t there before.

A good case in point, he said, was a three-year lease-purchase contact he signed.

The tenant/potential buyer had a good, stable business but he didn’t have enough income to qualify at the bank. The lease Fischer brokered had enough non-refundable cash from the lessor to protect the investor, more than 10 percent down. “I put two people together, and I manage it,” he said of his role as a sort of real estate marriage broker.

The buyer has the opportunity at any time in the three-year period to take title of the property. In the interim he gets to maintain the property, but he has no ownership responsibilities, it is not a contract for deed, nor a land sale, Fischer said. The title is in the hands of the investor, who has enough protection and he can flip it if need be. The investor gets 6 percent interest and gets to depreciate the property during ownership. If the tenant buys it, the investor gets a $10,000 benefit in addition to the 6 percent interest and all the closing costs.

“There are a lot of good quality people who are getting crushed in this economy, and it’s not always their fault, just dominoes falling,” Fischer said, adding he’s proved the model can work and is fair to both sides.

Another new thing he’s seen recently is a number of commercial properties he’s listed over the past six weeks that are unusual— apartments, trailer parks, etc.—where owners have held the properties long enough to act on their equity. “They’re saying ‘we’re not going to be held hostage, we’re not going to take the property off the market and wait,’” he noted.

The downturn has been four years now, and Fischer’s noted the unwillingness to remain on the sidelines. Some people who know they can’t hang on he’s advised to go back to their primary lender and ask for the loan to be renegotiated. They’re not in default now, but they know they will default if they can’t make a better deal. “And that’s happening,” he said.

Dawn Billow, of Loudoun County Living LLC, an affiliate of Keller Williams in Leesburg, is also seeing a brighter horizon. “We’re

L EL EO SUBDUORUGN TLOI V D IANYG

actually busy for this time of the year,” she said. The office of five people is “consistently busy.” A 1750s stone and log home that was recently featured in the Washington Post real estate section generated considerable interest.

The question was what could a buyer find in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area in the $500,000 range. “We did research and found you can find a much larger house for $500,000 than before,” Billow said. Similar to her colleagues, Billow says the lower market moves quickly, in one to two months, and the very low end moves even faster, particularly for firsttime homebuyers and foreclosure investors.

For any kind of sale—foreclosures, short sales, traditional sales—price points dictate what a home will actually sell for.

One part of her job Billow finds particularly rewarding. The team in Loudoun does a lot of work for the county in its affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization programs. “We help buy and sell,” Billow said.

The county goes into areas that needs lifting up, buys homes and puts in upgrades, then offers them back for sale at no profit. “We are the agents for that.” Billow herself has just been named to the county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board to help find homes for people here in Loudoun. “It’s a big need, and the board does a lot of programs the public is unaware of, such as finding rental places for some living in homeless shelters.”

Billow echoed others in noting the lower land prices results in some significant deals. She just helped a client purchase a 10-acre parcel off Canby Road. “We got a fantastic price for the buyer. It’s a good time for anyone to buy, but not perhaps sell,” she said.

As did her colleagues, Billow attributed the recent move upward—with hopes of more to come—from the “fantastic” rates now available. “You can get a 30-year rate for 4.125 percent; a 20-year rate for 3.87 and a 15-year loan rate for 3.5 percent. That’s the lowest in 50 years,” Billow said.

As commercial stayed buoyant longer than residential, so that sector is perhaps taking longer to revive. Tom Hertel is in commercial with Commercial Group Realty in Dulles.

Leasing is a little stronger and there is a certain amount of activity, “more than there has been,” he said. It’s a strange time for commercial real estate, he said with a lot of apprehension for Realtors, in part because buyers are still hesitant to finally close the deal, even after six or seven months looking at a property. But, as in residential, commercial lending rates are very low.

Hertel says he has “solid” business clients who say they want to expand and are exceeding their business plan expectations, but they’re finding a Catch-22 situation. The banks won’t lend to them, at least not on a short-term basis because “the rates are too low for them to make money on,” he’s been told. His clients want to grow, but can’t get the financing—that’s where the choke point seems to be, he said. Leasing is stronger than it has been over the past couple of years, and “we’re busy.” n

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OCTOBER 21, 2011

The Scattered Adventures Of A New Homeowner Erika Jacobson Moore Staff Writer

What the heck did we just do?

That was my first thought when my husband Brian and I signed the last piece of paperwork that made us homeowners of a townhouse in Cascades last month.

Ohmygoodnessohmygoodness.

That was the second.

As much as I found searching for a home to be the most stressful and confusing time for someone so used to having control over her situation, nothing could prepare me for homeownership. This has been the ultimate test in just rolling with it.

For some people it’s that first job out of college that makes them finally feel like an adult. For others it is getting married, or the death of a parent. For me, it was, just shy of my 32nd birthday, seeing my name on the deed for my first home, and realizing I had

officially signed over my life, and my bank account, for the next 30 years.

I have to admit, there is something about knowing that there is a little postage stamp of land all my own (and my husband’s). A place where we will put down roots, to where hopefully our first child will come home from the hospital, and where we will create the memories that will fill the pages of our life story. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t scare me to death.

There are the things I never thought of when we were renting our condo. What do you mean I have to get an outside trashcan? And the things I never have to worry about again. Walk softly; we don’t want to disturb the downstairs neighbors. There are the new challenges. Like when I come home every night, marveling at the pretty garden planted by the previous owner, and realize suddenly I may know a spade from a trowel, but I really should have been paying more

attention when my mother had me help her winterize her garden all those years ago. And I tell myself I’ll get a book and learn—hopefully before the snow comes.

And then there are the things I have always yearned to do. Brian, my mother, my in-laws and my friends all suggested, nudged, and in the case of my husband even begged, for us to hire painters, but I refused.

Painting the walls of my house has been a dream of mine since college. Simple? Sure.

Laughable? Maybe. But to me that is one of the ways to put your mark on a home. Turn it from a place where anyone could live, to the place that you live.

But, of course, work and schedules being what they were, I had to pack it all into one day. We closed on our house on a Friday, with my husband’s Nissan Titan in the parking lot loaded with boxes. We moved a load in that afternoon and then spent the evening at Lowes picking up our

paint—let’s be honest, I’d had the samples for weeks.

And the next day, my mother came down from Maryland and my in-laws came up from Richmond and we painted. We painted the large eat-in kitchen, which had yellow paint (as did almost the entire house) and a faux-brick painted backsplash. We painted both of the full bathrooms upstairs, which had been painted a yellow-green that made me look like I was suffering from pneumonia. And we painted our bedroom—a dark grey to match my planned color scheme.

It’ll be too dark, people told me. But I didn’t listen. I had plans.

And it turned out I was right. I love it.

And what’s more important, my husband loves it. Or at least he loves me enough to lie just a little.

Nothing is perfect, of course. Every time I’ve run the dishwasher in the month since we closed I expect water to come spew-

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ing out of the pipes. We needed ceiling fans for comfort, new parts for toilets and new tile in the bathroom. There are a couple of windows that stick, and cupboards that aren’t quite the right size, and light switches that appear to go to nowhere. And Brian kept me up one night wondering if the house was titled because one of the inside doors wouldn’t close.

But here we are, living in our new home. Some walls the color we want them, others awaiting a design scheme to dictate their shade. The only rooms with enough furniture to call them filled are the guest room—where all our former bedroom furniture is as we await the discovery of the perfect dresser for me to refurbish, the exactly right nightstands and chest to put all my husband’s clothes—and the basement storage room, where all of the stuff that doesn’t have a permanent home yet has ended up. Oh, and the hall closest where my more than 15 boxes of books await a new bookshelf.

Our bedroom television—my husband’s first HD, bought one night while I was putting this paper to bed—sits on two storage cubes. We’re showering in the hall bath as we await the time and money to redo the master shower. Our silverware tray sits on the counter because it doesn’t fit in our new drawers, and we still haven’t managed to perfect our closet arrangement; my purses keep ending up all over the floor.

My husband may lament the lack of furniture in our bedroom, the fact that there are still boxes strewn about and items without a place to go, but I relish it. I relish every time I forget where to put something.

Or when I have to walk to the other room to get a pair of socks. Or when I realize that book I want is at the bottom of a stack of three boxes and I have to give up the want to read it. Or when I go to turn on the fan in our room at night only to hit the light and wake my sleeping husband. Because each moment is a small part of the building of a big adventure, one which neither my husband nor I know where it will take us or how it will end.

For now it is about picking out our first couch together—thinking about how fabric will hold up against sticky little fingers. It’s about the little arguments that it’s OK to read by flashlight at night because you haven’t had time to locate the right bedside lamp. And remembering how great it is to cook and eat dinner to music because, for now, the only living room television you own is in the basement.

And it’s about that feeling I get every time I put my key in the lock that, for the first time, I am truly coming home. n

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OCTOBER 21, 2011

Tips To Make Moving Easier

Pet Costume Contest, refreshments, tours of the hospital & kennel, rescue organizations, door prizes and more!

Samantha Bartram Staff Writer

Moving. It’s something practically everyone experiences at one time or another, whether it’s heading off to college or relocating for a new job. In this reporter’s case, it’s yet another self-imposed “downsizing” to a smaller, more manageable space. Regardless of the reason, the process of moving can be a tedious, stressful exercise without the right tools and mindset. Below, find some tips I’ve found useful in making the transition.

Do It Yourself This time I’m essentially moving around the corner, so I’ve elected to do the heavy lifting myself. Short-distance moves can be a lot less stressful, too, since you’re not worried about things being damaged or broken as they’re ferried across the country in a box truck. This is the sort of moving I’m best at, where corners can be cut and creative solutions put into practice.

• Use What You’ve Got: In most cases, there’s no reason to spend money on bubble wrap

Sunday, October 30th 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

or boxes. To pack knick-knacks and small, framed pictures, I use T-shirts as padding.

For drinking glasses, dishes and other kitchen items, I put hand towels to work in the same capacity. I’m big on recycling—I always save tissue paper and like-materials from presents or deliveries—obviously this also makes great padding when packing away various breakables. Plastic grocery bags are yet another useful option.

In terms of boxes, hit up your local grocery, liquor or big-box store. Often staff members are more than happy to unload some empty boxes free of charge. It’s good practice to call ahead to find out when deliveries are expected, that way you know you’re walking into a nice cache of boxes. One type of box that may be worth buying are the large, stand-up wardrobe boxes that can be found at most U-Haul or storage facilities. These come with a metal bar fitted across the top of the box on which clothing can be hung. If you wear a lot of suits, nice dresses or other clothing items you’d like to keep as wrinkle-free as possible, invest in a few of these babies—they

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OCTOBER 21, 2011

LLEOEUS DB OU UR NG LTIOV DI N AG Y

49

AUTUMN EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

typically go for around $8 a piece. Remember to label all your boxes to include what’s inside and which room it came from. This will make unloading and unpacking once you’re in the new space much easier.

To move the rest of your casual clothing, tall garbage bags are cheap, easy and effective. If possible, leave your dresser drawers as is—don’t even bother to pack your clothing.

I’ve simply loaded full drawers into the back of my car for short-distance moves, then replaced them into the dresser at my new location.

Small- to medium-sized throw rugs are excellent to tie around larger, framed pic-

tures. They pad the glass and keep items from scratching and bumping up against each other. I’ve been known to use blankets in a similar fashion.

• Lighten Your Load: Moving is an excellent excuse to get rid of clothing, old furniture items and other stuff you just don’t want anymore. There’s plenty of charitable organizations that are always looking for donations, and anything you get rid of equals one less thing to move and find a place for, especially if you’re setting up in a smaller house or apartment. Here are a few local places that are always accepting donations: Salvation Army, 10 Cardinal Park Dr., LeesContinued On Page 50

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Continued From Page 49

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Inova Ladies Board’s Twice is Nice Thrift Shop, 305 E. Market St., Leesburg, 703-771-0208 Treasures for Life, 161 Ft. Evans Road, Ste. 130, Leesburg, 703-779-7534 Goodwill, 22405 Enterprise St., Sterling, 703-444-5186 Good Shepherd Thrift Store, 20921 Davenport Dr., Ste. 113, Sterling, 703-444-5956 Hope’s Treasures, 20684 Ashburn Rd. Ste. 101, Ashburn, 703-724-1555 Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shop, 151 W. Main St., Purcellville, 540-751-1680 Door of Hope SACS Family Store, 21673 Beaumeade Circle, Ste. 900, Ashburn and 16 Fairfax St., Leesburg, www.doorofhopeusa.org Re-Love It, 138 N. 21st St., Purcellville, 540-751-0707 There are many others—simply do a Google or Yellow Book search for “thrift stores Loudoun County” to find even more locations willing to accept donations of gently-used items.

OCTOBER 21, 2011

• Remain Calm: This is key. There’s no reason to stress about your move—taking a few simple preliminary steps can ease the transition.

I’m big on lists. As you think of things to get rid of, improve upon or take note of in your new space, write them down. Setting a timetable as part of your list making can be a huge help, too. Establishing firm deadlines to schedule cleaners or host that yard sale can make the tasks seem more manageable. You can also make a schedule of what rooms to pack when. Start with the spaces you use least and move on until you’re down to the most essential items.

This method also forces a sort of natural organization—you’ll notice things you haven’t used that can be gotten rid of, new ways to group items together and maybe even discover something you really love that can be put to better use in your new space.

Or…Call The Pros

I’ve made exactly two long-distance moves in my life, and in both instances, I cannot sing the praises of professional movers enough. In fact, I’ve taken advantage of professional movers for a relatively short-distance move, too, and it’s truly worth it. Do some Internet research and make some phone calls to find a service near you that’s affordable and fits your needs, then sit back, relax and enjoy as someone else labors on your behalf.

It’s not a question of laziness, but one of practicality. Sometimes it’s worth the few hundred bucks you’re going to spend hiring professional movers if it’s going to save time, your back or your relationship. Often, this one acquiescence ends up preserving all three.

The last time I called in the pros I used Michigan-based Two Men and a Truck, which has branched out across the U.S. and internationally since its inception in the early 1980s.

The “two men” who came to my place were pleasant, quick and respectful of my belongings, and they got the job done in record time.

Remember to tip these hard working guys—in my experience they truly deserve it.

However you do it, remember moving is a chance for a clean slate—a new start in a new space. The getting there might be intimidating at times, but the reward of settling into a new house or apartment is well worth the effort.

OCTOBER 21, 2011

VD I NA GY LLEOEUSDBOUURNG LTI O

Host A Yard Sale Lacking transportation to bring larger furniture items to your local thrift store?

Maybe you’re sitting on some pieces that could garner a bit of profit? Consider setting up a yard sale, which is a great way to get rid of unwanted stuff and make a buck or two in the process. Here are some tips for setting up shop in your backyard: • Advertise. You may have the most awesome end table collection ever, but if nobody knows they’re for sale, it’s a moot point. Most local papers have a yard sale section where ads may be purchased for a nominal cost. Visit your local coffee shops, too—often they host a community bulletin board where you can post a notice of your yard sale free of charge. Same concept applies to local post offices and libraries. Word of mouth is always a winner, too—be sure to mention your yard sale to coworkers, friends, fellow PTA members and others. Beware of tacking signs to lampposts or sticking a few by the side of the road. Loudoun County, Leesburg and other municipalities have sign ordinances, and it’s not unheard of to have your sign go missing overnight if you don’t follow the proper rules. If you do choose to hang a sign, be a good neighbor and remember to remove it once the sale is over.

• Spruce up the yard. Be sure to cut the grass, remove any debris from trees or bushes and generally make the place look inviting. This will draw passers by into your sale and provide a comfortable shopping environment. If you have dogs or other critters, be sure to remove any landmines that could ruin someone’s shoes.

• Attach clear price labels to every item.

It’s annoying to the shopper to have to scrutinize an item to find the price, and annoying to the seller to have to constantly field pricing questions. Grab some large labels, a Sharpie and be sure to label everything as clearly as possible. It also helps to seek out a label that can be easily removed from an item. “Mass pricing” is also an easy way to be clear, as in “25 cents for all books” or “all children’s clothing $1.”

• Be flexible. Don’t be wedded to a specific price. Be willing to haggle a bit and come down a couple bucks if somebody really wants an item. It’ll be worth the loss to get the thing off your lawn. As a general rule, it’s good practice to price things at anywhere between one-third and one-quarter of the original cost. Of course, adjustments may be made for wear and tear and collectible value.

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The Market is Heating Up, Don’t Miss OUT!!!

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$1,188,500 This elegant executive home is located on 1.58 acres in a premier equestrian development, the panoramic views from your deck overlook the rolling hills of the golf course. Enter this home on a flagstone walk through a covered circular portico. The home was built by Renaissance Homes a custom Grand Monet with a special foyer trim package that adds to your ambience of entering this lovely home. Starting with hardwood floors on main floor to the wall of windows in the family room are just the beginnings of the upgrades .Gourmet kitchen with a large center island, granite counters, SS GE Monogram appliances, upgraded cabinets. A first floor study has a solid cherry wall of built ins for easy use to suite your life style, a full finished basement with a walk out to rear yard.

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16593 Ferriers Court, Raspberry Falls $899,900

43253 Overview Place $975,000

www.432530OverviewPl.com for pics and virtual tour Lansdowne West Goose Creek approx 7000 sqft on .43 ac lot with 5/6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. Gourmet kitchen, granite counters with large center island, SS appliances, 6 burner cooktop, top of line cabinetry. Finished lower level with walk out, wet bar with all the appliances. 2 dens, full bath and loads of storage.

20036 Forest Farm Ln. Belmont Country Club

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www.20036ForestFarm.com One of the largest homes in Ashburn-Henley with over 800K in upgrades/bumpouts 3.5 sides brick/over 10,500sqft. 7 BD/ 8 FB/2 .5 baths. 4 car garage-Brazilian cherry floor throughout.

Gourmet kitchen with prof range 2 dishwashers, 3 oven, 2 sunrooms +Grand Conservatory, 2 wet bars, master suite w/gym plus finished attic. LL level Theater, 2nd wet bar, 7th BR w/ full BA and addit’l Aupair suite with Bedroom+full bath+ sitting area

18211 Turnberry Dr. Stoneleigh Golf Course $849,500

www.18211turnberrydr.com Custom Built Colonial Home in the sought after Stoneleigh community. This home is surrounded by an 18-hole, Par 72 championship course and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated on a well landscaped lot, this beauty offers an opulent master retreat with luxury bath, as well as a stunning Chef Inspired kitchen and two-story family room with stone fireplace. Welcome home!!!

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Best Lot in Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club!, Premium lot cul-de-sac next to open space- backing to golf course, Slate Front Custom Home w covered porch, Beautiful 6250 sq ft home, Entertainers delight w backyard Retreat!, 5 Bedrooms and 4 full Bathrooms and 2 half Bathrooms,3 car Oversized garage, Gourmet Kitchen, Study, Sunroom,Walk out Finished Lower Level. MUST SEE!

43499 Millwright Terrace, Lansdowne $555,000

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Fabulous Van Metre Somerset Townhome in Lansdowne! Gorgeous end unit offers over 5000 sq ft. Spacious, open floor plan, an amazing gourmet kitchen w/ SS GE Profile appl, gorgeous granite, spectacular sunroom, spacious family room w/cozy gas fp. Master suite has lovely master bath including two-person soaking tub, basement boasts an enormous rec room, flagstone patio!

42995 Farmingdale, Ashburn Farm $599,000

Gorgeous brick front original NV home Richmond Model in the heart of Ashburn Farm. Fabulous 13,700 sqft corner lot. 9’ ceilings. First floor study. Soaring cathedral ceiling in family room, with skylights. Gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets. Corian Counters and tile floor and breakfast nook. Elegant Master suit with cathedral ceilings. Luxury Master bath with soaking tub. Walk-in closets. Fully finished Walkout lower level with huge rec room. Lovely Den/Gym with full bath.

Large Media room. Deck with landscaping and huge back yard.

VA I NY G L ELEOSUBDUORUGN TLOI D

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Take a VacaTion From cleaning!

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Bedrooms: Make beds & change linens Dust furniture Dust pictures & lamps Remove cobwebs Empty trash bins Clean window sills/ceiling fans All Rooms: Clean Mirrors & TV screens Clean sliding glass doors Dust & polish furniture Dust & wipe blinds Remove cobwebs Dust baseboards Vacuum carpets & rugs Clean ashtrays Call for a free estimate.

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OCTOBER 21, 2011

Housing Supply Steady, But Low Rosemary deButts Contributing Writer

units. At 465 units, sales improved .9 percent compared to July and 7 percent compared to last August; The number of active listings in Lou- So far in 2011, 65 percent of Louddoun County is a constantly fluctuating oun’s sales were located in eastern Loudoun, number as real estate agents add new list- 25 percent were in Leesburg, and 12 perings, indicate they have contracts or are cent were in western Loudoun. sold or they may expire or be withdrawn The preliminary August median sales from the market at any time. Therefore, the price was $387,210, +2 percent vs. the number of active listings reported for any August 2010 median. The year-to-date given month is a “snapshot” of activity at median is $380,000, 6 percent higher than roughly the same time every month. The the 2010 median; housing market is a highly cyclical indus- The average seller contribution jumped try but typically follows a bell curve. Sales 32 percent from July to $5,084 making the and listings are typically lowest in January 2011 average $3,859; and February with a steady increase from The average days on market was 56 March to June (or July) followed by a steady days resulting in a new 2011 average of 51 monthly decline through the remainder of days. Compare that to the 2010 average of the year. The fact that the number of listings 43 days. There is a wide discrepancy by area in 2011 has been almost unchanged since – the August average in eastern Loudoun was April is remarkable and clearly out of the 45 days and it was 47 days in Leesburg but ordinary. western Loudoun’s monthly average days on The monthly average of active listings market reached 138 days in August; in Loudoun this year is 1,423 per month. In 2011, 55 percent of sales were That is 10 percent behind the monthly aver- detached homes, 39 percent were attached age in 2010, 21 percent behind the 2009 homes and 6 percent were condominiums; average and a whopping 52 percent behind The average close price for detached the 2008 monthly average. Fewer listings homes was $529,224 in August; translates to fewer sales; 2011 sales in Lou- The average close price for attached doun are 5 percent behind 2010, 9 percent homes was $328,460; behind 2009 sales and 13 percent behind The average close price for condomini2008 sales (through August of each year). ums was $200,268; A shortage of listings creates supply Pending sales continued to decline. The constraints. number of new pending listings fell from With the exception January and March, 473 in June to 377 in July (-96 units) and the month’s supply of inventory in 2011 was again to 340 (-37 units) in August; less than the comparable month in 2010. For the fifth consecutive month, the And while the inventory increased in the average close price to original list price third quarter of 2010, it’s declining so far ratio exceeded 95 percent; and in 2011. A market is typically considered The share of distressed sales advanced to be in equilibrium in this market (there is from 20 percent in July to 22 percent enough supply to satisfy demand) when the in August. Last August the share was 28 month’s supply of inventory is four to five percent. months. With a 2011 monthly average of only 3.6 months, the market continues to [Reprinted from the October issue of be undersupplied. But that’s not the whole Loudoun Business.] story.

The market is significantly undersup- [Rosemary deButts is a Realtor associated plied in eastern Loudoun, slightly undersup- with Atoka Properties in Purcellville. plied in Leesburg but oversupplied in west- Her assessment of the real estate market is ern Loudoun. The 2011 average month’s published each month in Loudoun Business. supply of inventory in eastern Loudoun is She is certified by the National Association 2.7 months, the average in Leesburg is 3.9 of Realtors as a Short Sales and Foreclosure months and the average in western Loudoun Resource and is a Member, Institute of is eight months. Other preliminary August Residential Marketing (MIRM) from the National Association of Home Builders. Visit results include: Uncharacteristically, sales volume her website, www.housinganalyst.net, for more increased in August, albeit by only four facts and figures.]

OCTOBER 21, 2011

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ADVERTISMENT

Lennar Offers

Wide Open Spaces, Luxury Living in the Heart of Loudoun County Many people dream of a beautiful home with a large yard and plenty of fun activities for the family just minutes from their doorstep. In the bustling Washington, D.C., metropolis this combination can be difficult to find – there is certainly plenty to do, but if you want to be close to the action you end up in an area where neighbors are right on top of you, outdoor living might mean a small patio, and the home itself probably doesn’t offer all the luxury features you desire.

But now leading national homebuilder Lennar is making that dream a reality for homebuyers at its Martin’s Chase community in Ashburn, Va. Conveniently situated near the intersection of Ryan and Evergreen Mills roads, the spacious, upscale neighborhood is less than an hour from the center of Washington, D.C. Martin’s Chase gives residents a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to a wooded paradise, complete with magnificent homes, resort-style amenities and sprawling green space.

This community is no longer Loudoun’s best-kept secret, though, as it has recently become the fastestselling community in the county.

Part of the reason is the bucolic setting. Martin’s Chase is surrounded by more than 400 acres of conservation space, so residents can rest assured that the open green space they fall in love will be there to enjoy in the future. Because it has been designated a Rural Village by Loudoun County, residents can be ensured that the preserved open spaces and country vistas right outside their door will remain intact. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy being next door to the Beaverdam Reservoir, one of the area’s most popular attractions offering trails for hikers, bikers and horse riders. Visitors can witness a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat, including deer, turkey, waterfowl and even bald eagles. Fans of fishing are sure to enjoy the reservoir, which contains an abundant population of largemouth bass, black crappie, catfish and more.

In addition to enjoying the outdoors, families can take advantage of the resort-style amenities at Martin’s Chase. There is something fun to do during all seasons with a clubhouse, large pool, fitness center, walking trails, tot lot and more. The community is also adjacent to Brambleton Golf Course, one of the area’s most popular public links.

While everything the Washington, D.C., metro has to offer is less than an hour away, there are plenty of shopping and dining options much closer to Martin’s Chase. The community is less than two miles from Brambleton, which features shops, restaurants and a movie theater. Also just up the road are the Leesburg Premium Outlets, a shopaholic’s dream with more than 100 of the nation’s most popular outlet stores. And when residents of Martin’s Chase want to explore the rest of the metro area, the Dulles Greenway is just a short drive from the community.

The peaceful, convenient location of Martin’s Chase has attracted considerable attention from potential homebuyers, but it’s the homes themselves that have turned them into neighborhood residents. Lennar offers a wide variety of home plans at Martin’s Chase, all of which can be available for move-in as early as November.

The Amherst offers four spacious bedrooms and three and a half baths in just over 2,700 square feet. Generally starting in the mid-$500s, an upgraded version of the Amherst is available through Nov. 30 for just $499,990, a $50,000 savings. This particular Amherst home has 3,600 square feet of luxurious living space complete with finished lower-level rec room, charming front porch, hardwoods throughout the main level, and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

The Dennison is the largest of the plans available at Martin’s Chase, offering more than 4,100 square feet in two stories. It

features four large bedrooms with walk-in closets, three and half bathrooms and a three-car side-entry garage, with prices starting in the $640s.

The Edinburg, which is priced from the $580s, is a two-story plan that offers four bedrooms, three and a half baths and a two-car garage in just over 3,200 square feet.

Both the Georgetown and Chase plans are two-story models with a three-car side entry garage, four bedrooms and three and a half baths.

The Georgetown, priced from the $600s, has approximately 3,850 square feet of living space while the Chase, priced from the $630s, offers closer to 3,990 square feet.

Anyone interested in learning more about this luxurious, family-friendly community less than 30 miles from the center of Washington, D.C., can visit the Martin’s Chase Welcome Home Center, located at 21954 Colonial Hills Drive in Ashburn. The Welcome Home Center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. The new home consultants for Martin’s Chase can also be reached at 703-957-4726, and more information about all Lennar Virginia communities can be found at www.LennarVALA.com.

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OCTOBER 21, 2011

Firepit

fire brick and the stone with mortar and stone scraps.

Continued From Page 44

Home • Farm • Estate • Landscape architecturaL design • • Landscape Architectural Design pLanting & gardens • • •Planting & Gardens • Masonry • Masonry • • Outdoor Structures outdoor structures • • •Water Features/Pools • Horticultural Maintenance • Water Features/pooLs • • Drainage & Water Management • h• orticuLturaL Maintenance • Outdoor Lighting • Large Caliper • drainage & Water ManageMent • Tree Transplantings • Wetlands • outdoor Lighting • • Large caLiper rree transpLantings • 540.687.8850 • 703.327.4050 Landscapeassoc@aoL.com • WetLands • www.landscapeassociates.biz

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Leave the center area free of concrete to allow for drainage. Continue to add cement and level it until it reaches one-and-a-half inches below grade. Tap two-foot pieces of rebar into the wet cement until completely submerged at various points around the footer. Allow to dry.

Step 5: Lay the First Course of Fire Brick When the first course of face stones is in place, move on to the first row of fire brick.

Trowel a layer of mortar along the inside edge of the face stones and press the first fire brick into place. Apply mortar to one end of the next brick before butting it against the first and pressing it into the mortar. Check for level. Remove excess mortar as you work.

Continue working in this fashion until the first ring of fire brick has been laid.

Step 6: Complete the Fire Pit Wall Continue building the wall of the fire pit by alternating layers of face stone and fire brick until desired height is reached. Apply a bed of mortar on top of the previous layer of stone or fire brick and then set stones and bricks.

Avoid wall weakness by staggering the joints between previous and subsequent layers of stone and brick. Fill in any gaps between the

Envision

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury is a premier continuing care retirement community nestled on 65 secluded acres. We have been providing unparalleled amenities, service, dedication and commitment to residents since 1987. Our strong reputation and tradition of excellence are at the heart of everyday life. Located in historic Winchester, Virginia and not far from Washington D.C., our residents enjoy a myriad of opportunities for cultural, civic and social events. Our residents benefit from the peace of mind of knowing that their long term health and financial security is assured through our Life Care Program. We provide reowned care and offer a full continuum of services including independent living, assisted living, health care and memory support.

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury is committed to enabling residents to use their gifts fully, live their lives richly, and enjoy with dignity the years God has give them.

Step 7: Lay Capstones Apply a generous layer of mortar to the top of the fire pit wall, covering both the face stone and fire brick. Begin setting capstones into the mortar, selecting flat stones that fit neatly together. Work all the way around the top of the fire pit wall making sure that all stones are as level as possible. Fill joints between capstones with mortar, smoothing when done with a jointer. Once the mortar is almost cured, use a stiff brush to scrape off remaining bits of mortar.

Step 8: Create a Seating Area Cut a piece of string that extends from the center of the fire pit to the outside edge of the desired seating area. Attach the string to the rebar and spray paint and mark the location on the ground. Excavate the seating area to a depth of three inches. Cut landscape fabric to fit and top with crushed stone.

Step 9: Complete the Project Spray down the fire pit with water to remove any dust or dirt that might have collected on the stone. When dry, spray the interior of fire brick with black stove paint.

Our residents enjoy...

• 2.5 mile Nature Trail on our 65- acre campus • Indoor pool, Jacuzzi and Fitness Center • Enriching Programs & Trips • Formal & Casual Dining Venues • Chef Demonstrations •Distinguished Wines at Morgan’s Tavern • Live Music and Professional Entertainment • Woodworking Shop • Croquet and Lawn Bowling • On site Chapel and Chaplaincy Program • On site Nurse Practitioner and Dental Care

Come join us for a Lunch & Learn Event so you too can envision SVWC as the all-inclusive setting for your vibrantly active retirement life!

For information, visit our website www.svwc.org or call (540) 665-5914

OCTOBER 21, 2011

LLEOEUSDBOUURNG LTI OV DI N AG Y

55

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56

O SU BD UO RU GN TL OI VD IANYG L EL E

OCTOBER 21, 2011

The Loudoun Lifestyle, Perfected.

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Join us on: Hours: Mon 1-6; Tues-Sun 11-6 Prices, financing and offers subject to change without notice. See a Neighborhood Sales Manager (NSM) for more details.

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