Foundation needs Sunshine to save concert series
EntertainmentBy Eileen M. Carlton
Source: Fairfax County Times
TUESDAY, JULY 29 2008 UPDATED TUESDAY, JULY 29 2008
The Loudoun Foundation needs a little sunshine, right this very weekend, and it has just the band to provide it. KC and the Sunshine Band will go onstage at Belmont Sunday, Aug. 3. Opening for KC will be the Justin Trawick Band.
The weather has dealt the Loudoun Foundation some cruel blows this summer. According to Tracey Parent, president of the Loudoun Foundation, which sponsors the event, the outdoor concert series has been plagued by weather problems all season.
Out of 10 scheduled concerts, Parent wrote in a press release, two have been canceled due to rain and four others have played to significantly reduced, rain-soaked audiences. Parent indicated that with the losses mounting, the future of the charity event is in question.
"We've had a challenging year, that's for sure," Parent continued. "As optimistic as I try to be, this has been grueling."
Travis Tritt, scheduled to appear on July 13, was never able to take the stage. Lightening, thunder and pouring rain forced the cancellation of the concert.
"It's only the second time in five years we've had to cancel a show with an audience in the venue," Parent wrote. "People were so disappointed and I felt terrible for them.”
One week later, Parent reported, a determined but small crowd of fans stood in heavy rain and wind to listen to The Charlie Daniels Band.
"We're gonna stay here as long as you do," Charlie Daniels called out from the stage. "We came to play for you."
"The community response has been incredible," Parent wrote. "I have people calling me to say how sick they were for us when they saw the rain. Knowing how difficult it has been, our banker told me she cried when it rained on the last concert. But people are coming and I'm hearing that they want us to keep going."
KC and the Sunshine band will be the final concert of the series, and Parent hopes the popular group will bring the crowds back to the arena.
"We really need them to come to this last show,” Parent wrote. “It's like clapping so that Tinker Bell lives. We need everyone to say, 'I believe. I believe.'"
The gates open at 5 p.m. at the Belmont Country Club, 19661 Belmont Manor Lane, Ashburn. The Justin Trawick Band goes on at 6:15 p.m. and KC and the Sunshine Band at 7:15 p.m.
Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 at gate and $35 for Gold Circle seating.
Contact 703-327-9096, info@liveatbelmont.com.
Article taken from http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/news/2008/jul/29/foundation-needs-sunshine-save-concert-series/
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Senate Approved Housing Rescue Package
A possible solution to the adjustable mortgage crisis? This plan has teeth - lets see if it works!
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Paul Green School of Rock Music presents its first live concert of the season!
Presents
Can't Refuse
Can't Refuse
The first summer camp band of our inaugural season!!!
FREE LIVE MUSIC!!!
Come hear the music of Cream, Nirvana, and Aerosmith
Thursday, July 31st @ 1:30pm
Village Grill
44260 Ice Rink Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
Friday, July 25, 2008
Easily search criminal reports surrounding your nieghborhood
Check out a nieghborhood before deciding on a place to live and see any criminal reports including speeding tickets in the surrounding area! All you have to do is type in a street address!
http://www.criminalsearches.com/neighborhood/default.aspx
http://www.criminalsearches.com/neighborhood/default.aspx
Thursday, July 24, 2008
ZipSkinny.com * The new way to get the 'skinny' on a region of the US
Wanting to move but would like to review some statistics about the area first? Zip skinny might be just what you are looking for. This site allows you to effortlessly search through US census data on demographic information along with educational level, martial status, and household income averages all by simply typing in a zip code! For example, when typing in the Sterling, Virginia area code of 20165, it displays the average household income as $95,632 and over 95% of its residents have at least a high school diploma. Now that's pretty impressive! Zip skinny.com is a public website open to anyone, so go check it out for yourself!
http://zipskinny.com/
http://zipskinny.com/
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Web site shows development status in Loudoun
By Elizabeth Coe
Source: Loudoun Times-Mirror
TUESDAY, JULY 22 2008
Residents of Loudoun County now have a quick and easy way to keep track of what is going to be built in their communities.
A new Web site, www.LocalDecisions.org , gives users the ability to look up proposed, approved and denied building projects in any Loudoun ZIP Code.
"We think it's a very helpful tool for people," said Bob Lazaro, spokesman for the Piedmont Environmental Council , which launched the site July 16. "Before this, there was no one place that a person could go to find information about what's happening in their neighborhood or in the county as a whole."
Clicking on a particular property can give users more information such as its status and the project's identification number.
The Web site also allows users to post comments about a specific commercial or residential parcel and includes links to supervisors' e-mails in case of additional questions.
The site currently includes about 38,000 projects and will be updated quarterly with information purchased from the county, Lazaro said.
The Piedmont Environmental Council is a nonprofit organization based in Warrenton that works to promote and protect the region's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty.
Lazaro said the Web site started with Loudoun but will expand to include PEC's eight other counties in the northern Piedmont region of Virginia.
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com
Article taken from http://www.loudountimes.com/news/2008/jul/22/new-web-site-shows-development-status-loudoun/
Source: Loudoun Times-Mirror
TUESDAY, JULY 22 2008
Residents of Loudoun County now have a quick and easy way to keep track of what is going to be built in their communities.
A new Web site, www.LocalDecisions.org , gives users the ability to look up proposed, approved and denied building projects in any Loudoun ZIP Code.
"We think it's a very helpful tool for people," said Bob Lazaro, spokesman for the Piedmont Environmental Council , which launched the site July 16. "Before this, there was no one place that a person could go to find information about what's happening in their neighborhood or in the county as a whole."
Clicking on a particular property can give users more information such as its status and the project's identification number.
The Web site also allows users to post comments about a specific commercial or residential parcel and includes links to supervisors' e-mails in case of additional questions.
The site currently includes about 38,000 projects and will be updated quarterly with information purchased from the county, Lazaro said.
The Piedmont Environmental Council is a nonprofit organization based in Warrenton that works to promote and protect the region's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty.
Lazaro said the Web site started with Loudoun but will expand to include PEC's eight other counties in the northern Piedmont region of Virginia.
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com
Article taken from http://www.loudountimes.com/news/2008/jul/22/new-web-site-shows-development-status-loudoun/
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Riptide ~ Rivercrest's Swim Team Takes the Win
Fast and Furious
2nd-Year Rivercrest Grows in Numbers, and Wins
By Matt Brooks (Contact)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Sterling’s Rivercrest Pool blends in nicely with the suburban sprawl surrounding its rod iron fences. Nicely tucked in between large family homes and young trees in full summer bloom, it's a serene spot just beyond the bustle and traffic of Algonkian Parkway. On Saturday mornings, however, the scene is anything but.
Kids of all ages, sporting their Speedos and all forms of Sharpie-inspired body art, crowd around a pool with nary an inch to spare, screaming and cheering as two teams face off in the water. It’s just another swim meet in the Old Dominion Swim League.
Rivercrest Pool first opened in 1999, just as its surrounding neighborhood of the same name was beginning to fill in with homes. But it wasn’t until last summer that Rivercrest and its 350 homes had a swim team to call their own. What started with 60 boys and girls a year ago has nearly doubled to 110, and with a new coaching staff this season, the Riptide is tearing through the league.
"Everyone is just excited to be out here swimming and supporting the team," first-year coach Andrew Donnelly said. "We’ve got a new coaching staff, we’ve got great parents and volunteers and now we’ve got a great team, too."
After a 457-303 victory against Brambleton on Saturday, the Riptide boast a 4-1 record and sit just behind the Bettas at the top of the ODSL’s fifth division. The team’s success is due in large part to its growth and new members, including assistant coaches Justin Jenter and Maddie Bullock. Both swim for Dominion High School and had previously been members of other summer teams, but Jenter and Bullock have found a new home at Rivercrest.
"I swam with the Sterling Park Seahawks for 10 years, but when they started a team here it just made sense to join because it’s much closer to my house," Bullock said. "But I love coaching and swimming with Rivercrest. It’s so much fun to see the kids excited about swimming. It’s great to watch them improve through lessons and during meets after working with them in practice."
For Jenter, who recently left Sugarland to join the Riptide, the summer league provides a respite from the demands of the winter high school season.
"It’s a lot more relaxed," Jenter said. "The skill level is a lot different obviously. This is a developmental level, so some kids can swim and some don’t even know how to doggie paddle. There are a lot of disqualifications, but really it’s about learning how to swim and having fun."
Bullock and Jenter, both 17, are key contributors as instructors in practice and in the water during meets. In Saturday’s win, Bullock took second in the 50-meter backstroke while Jenter won his 50-meter butterfly heat and anchored the boys 15-to-18 200-meter medley relay.
"It’s a good workout," said Bullock – who also plays volleyball and tennis at Dominion. "I usually don’t do much for swimming in the summer because I play three sports during the school year. I like to stay in shape for that, but I needed something to make me work out in the summer, and our practices here are really, really tough."
As Rivercrest continues to grow, Donnelly expects his swimmers to develop and improve through competition and hopes that winning takes care of itself.
"I don’t really care how we do and if we win meets, I just care that everyone has fun and enjoys it," he said. "At this age group it’s really important that these kids enjoy swimming. They can get better later on down the road toward high school, but they’ve got to have this foundation."
Article taken from http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2008/jul/12/matts-2nd-swim-story/
2nd-Year Rivercrest Grows in Numbers, and Wins
By Matt Brooks (Contact)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Sterling’s Rivercrest Pool blends in nicely with the suburban sprawl surrounding its rod iron fences. Nicely tucked in between large family homes and young trees in full summer bloom, it's a serene spot just beyond the bustle and traffic of Algonkian Parkway. On Saturday mornings, however, the scene is anything but.
Kids of all ages, sporting their Speedos and all forms of Sharpie-inspired body art, crowd around a pool with nary an inch to spare, screaming and cheering as two teams face off in the water. It’s just another swim meet in the Old Dominion Swim League.
Rivercrest Pool first opened in 1999, just as its surrounding neighborhood of the same name was beginning to fill in with homes. But it wasn’t until last summer that Rivercrest and its 350 homes had a swim team to call their own. What started with 60 boys and girls a year ago has nearly doubled to 110, and with a new coaching staff this season, the Riptide is tearing through the league.
"Everyone is just excited to be out here swimming and supporting the team," first-year coach Andrew Donnelly said. "We’ve got a new coaching staff, we’ve got great parents and volunteers and now we’ve got a great team, too."
After a 457-303 victory against Brambleton on Saturday, the Riptide boast a 4-1 record and sit just behind the Bettas at the top of the ODSL’s fifth division. The team’s success is due in large part to its growth and new members, including assistant coaches Justin Jenter and Maddie Bullock. Both swim for Dominion High School and had previously been members of other summer teams, but Jenter and Bullock have found a new home at Rivercrest.
"I swam with the Sterling Park Seahawks for 10 years, but when they started a team here it just made sense to join because it’s much closer to my house," Bullock said. "But I love coaching and swimming with Rivercrest. It’s so much fun to see the kids excited about swimming. It’s great to watch them improve through lessons and during meets after working with them in practice."
For Jenter, who recently left Sugarland to join the Riptide, the summer league provides a respite from the demands of the winter high school season.
"It’s a lot more relaxed," Jenter said. "The skill level is a lot different obviously. This is a developmental level, so some kids can swim and some don’t even know how to doggie paddle. There are a lot of disqualifications, but really it’s about learning how to swim and having fun."
Bullock and Jenter, both 17, are key contributors as instructors in practice and in the water during meets. In Saturday’s win, Bullock took second in the 50-meter backstroke while Jenter won his 50-meter butterfly heat and anchored the boys 15-to-18 200-meter medley relay.
"It’s a good workout," said Bullock – who also plays volleyball and tennis at Dominion. "I usually don’t do much for swimming in the summer because I play three sports during the school year. I like to stay in shape for that, but I needed something to make me work out in the summer, and our practices here are really, really tough."
As Rivercrest continues to grow, Donnelly expects his swimmers to develop and improve through competition and hopes that winning takes care of itself.
"I don’t really care how we do and if we win meets, I just care that everyone has fun and enjoys it," he said. "At this age group it’s really important that these kids enjoy swimming. They can get better later on down the road toward high school, but they’ve got to have this foundation."
Article taken from http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2008/jul/12/matts-2nd-swim-story/
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sinkholes multiply in Loudoun County
Loudoun Revisits Rules as Sinkholes Multiply
By Sandhya Somashekhar (Contact)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sinkholes have been on the rise in Loudoun County, prompting county officials to call for new regulations to protect residents who live in sinkhole-prone areas and to prevent the county's water supply from becoming contaminated.
Since 2000, dozens of sinkholes have opened up in a 28.5-square-mile area stretching from Leesburg to Point of Rocks near the Maryland border. Although many of the sinkholes were less than a foot wide, at least two that formed in an area slated for a housing development were 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep, a county official said. Another in 2005 created a chasm in the middle of Route 15.
No one has been hurt, but one homeowner in Leesburg nearly pushed his lawn mower into a 10-foot-deep pit, said Alex Blackburn, the county's natural resources team leader. At another home, a sinkhole swallowed a large tree growing about 10 feet from the back door.
"They had a fence, and it was just dangling over the air," he said.
The problem, county officials said, is rapid development of land that rests on soft, porous limestone, often referred to as karst. Another danger of building in such areas is groundwater pollution, which occurs when pesticides and other contaminants rush into the water supply.
In 2003, the Board of Supervisors adopted regulations that limited development in limestone areas as part of a broad plan to slow growth in Loudoun, one of the nation's fastest-growing counties. But a year later, the Virginia Supreme Court threw out the plan on a technicality.
The supervisors who took over the board that year generally supported the growth and rejected limits on development in limestone areas. Last year, in the waning weeks of the pro-growth supervisors' term, the members reversed course and said they would support some regulations governing construction in the limestone area.
The current board, which supports a slower rate of growth, today is scheduled to consider new regulations for the county's limestone area. Under the proposed rules, builders would have to take steps to minimize the risk of sinkholes, and homeowners would have to be educated about the danger of groundwater contamination.
"It is one of our most sensitive geographic areas. We have historically seen an increase in sinkholes as development has gone on in the corridor," said Supervisor Sarah R. "Sally" Kurtz (D-Catoctin), whose district includes most of the limestone area. "It's a matter of preventing property loss — as in, your whole ... house goes down a sinkhole."
Heavy rains in recent months have caused sinkholes to open up across the region. In May, five homes in Prince George's County were deemed temporarily unsafe for habitation because of a 200-yard-long gash in the rear yards. One sinkhole snarled traffic on New York Avenue in the District, and another this spring blocked traffic for hours on Interstate 70 near Frederick.
Limestone is widespread along Virginia's western border, which is home to underwater springs and caves, including Luray Caverns.
*article taken from http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2008/jul/15/loudoun-revisits-rules-as-sinkholes-multiply/
Responses to this article are greatly encouraged and welcome!
Are you worried about sinkholes?
Have you or any family members been victims of sink holes?
Does your insurance policy cover sinkholes?
By Sandhya Somashekhar (Contact)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sinkholes have been on the rise in Loudoun County, prompting county officials to call for new regulations to protect residents who live in sinkhole-prone areas and to prevent the county's water supply from becoming contaminated.
Since 2000, dozens of sinkholes have opened up in a 28.5-square-mile area stretching from Leesburg to Point of Rocks near the Maryland border. Although many of the sinkholes were less than a foot wide, at least two that formed in an area slated for a housing development were 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep, a county official said. Another in 2005 created a chasm in the middle of Route 15.
No one has been hurt, but one homeowner in Leesburg nearly pushed his lawn mower into a 10-foot-deep pit, said Alex Blackburn, the county's natural resources team leader. At another home, a sinkhole swallowed a large tree growing about 10 feet from the back door.
"They had a fence, and it was just dangling over the air," he said.
The problem, county officials said, is rapid development of land that rests on soft, porous limestone, often referred to as karst. Another danger of building in such areas is groundwater pollution, which occurs when pesticides and other contaminants rush into the water supply.
In 2003, the Board of Supervisors adopted regulations that limited development in limestone areas as part of a broad plan to slow growth in Loudoun, one of the nation's fastest-growing counties. But a year later, the Virginia Supreme Court threw out the plan on a technicality.
The supervisors who took over the board that year generally supported the growth and rejected limits on development in limestone areas. Last year, in the waning weeks of the pro-growth supervisors' term, the members reversed course and said they would support some regulations governing construction in the limestone area.
The current board, which supports a slower rate of growth, today is scheduled to consider new regulations for the county's limestone area. Under the proposed rules, builders would have to take steps to minimize the risk of sinkholes, and homeowners would have to be educated about the danger of groundwater contamination.
"It is one of our most sensitive geographic areas. We have historically seen an increase in sinkholes as development has gone on in the corridor," said Supervisor Sarah R. "Sally" Kurtz (D-Catoctin), whose district includes most of the limestone area. "It's a matter of preventing property loss — as in, your whole ... house goes down a sinkhole."
Heavy rains in recent months have caused sinkholes to open up across the region. In May, five homes in Prince George's County were deemed temporarily unsafe for habitation because of a 200-yard-long gash in the rear yards. One sinkhole snarled traffic on New York Avenue in the District, and another this spring blocked traffic for hours on Interstate 70 near Frederick.
Limestone is widespread along Virginia's western border, which is home to underwater springs and caves, including Luray Caverns.
*article taken from http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2008/jul/15/loudoun-revisits-rules-as-sinkholes-multiply/
Responses to this article are greatly encouraged and welcome!
Are you worried about sinkholes?
Have you or any family members been victims of sink holes?
Does your insurance policy cover sinkholes?
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Attention Washington Redskins Fans..!
Preseason Schedule
- Sun, Aug 3 Indianapolis 8:00 PM Fawcett Stadiumon, NBC Tickets
- Sat, Aug 9 Buffalo 7:00 PM FedEx Field, Tickets
- Sat, Aug 16 NY Jets 7:00 PM Giants Stadium Tickets
- Sat, Aug 23 Carolina 7:30 PM Bank of America Stadium Tickets
- Thu, Aug 28 Jacksonville 7:00 PM FedEx Field,NBC Tickets
Regular Season Schedule/Results
- Thu, Sep 4 NY Giants 7:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Sep 14 New Orleans 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Sep 21 Arizona 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Sep 28 Dallas 4:15 PM Tickets
- Sun, Oct 5 Philadelphia 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Oct 12 St. Louis 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Oct 19 Cleveland 4:15 PM Tickets
- Sun, Oct 26 Detroit 1:00 PM Tickets
- Mon, Nov 3 Pittsburgh 8:30 PM on ESPN Tickets
- Sun, Nov 16 Dallas 8:15 PM Tickets
- Sun, Nov 23 Seattle 4:15 PM Tickets
- Sun, Nov 30 NY Giants 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Dec 7 Baltimore 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Dec 14 Cincinnati 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Dec 21 Philadelphia 1:00 PM Tickets
- Sun, Dec 28 San Francisco 4:15 PM Tickets
*Schedule accredited to ESPN.com ~ Check here for schedule changes & updates
Friday, July 11, 2008
Loudoun County's Government recognized as one of the most technigically advanced counties nationwide
July 10, 2008
Loudoun Tops National List of Digital County Governments
Loudoun County has been recognized as one of the most technologically advanced county governments in the United States, receiving the number one ranking in its population category in a national survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government and National Association of Counties.
The 2008 Digital Counties Survey found that Loudoun uses information technology in increasingly innovative ways to deliver service to the county’s residents. Thousands of U.S. counties were invited to participate in the survey. Officials responded to questions that included more than 100 measurements and data points about online service delivery, infrastructure, architecture and governance models. Loudoun County provides many services through its website, http://www.blogger.com/. Some of the newer services include online bidding for items from the Loudoun County Surplus Store and an online job application system, which allows job applicants to create and save a user profile that can be easily updated and reused to apply for jobs as they are posted on the website.
Other popular offerings on the website are the database of land parcels, Board of Supervisors meeting packets, maps, photos of animals available for adoption at the Animal Shelter, the online library catalog and online tax payments. The website also offers RSS feeds of headlines and news releases as well as webcasts of Board of Supervisors meetings and other programming that appears on Government Channel 23.
Another web-based service is the Alert Loudoun system, which allows residents to receive e-mails or text messages over their cellular phones or pagers. Subscribers can receive alerts in various categories, such as road closures, safety information, news releases, sports cancellations, emergency situations, and tax deadline information.
Currently, about 3 million users visit the Loudoun County website annually, viewing more than 27 million pages.
More information about the survey and the Center for Digital Government is available online at http://www.centerdigitalgov.com/.
Contact: Nancy McCormick, 703-737-8856
*article taken from http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=1491
How to make you home sell for top dollar!
Curb appeal – make sure that what a buyer sees when they first arrive at the outside of the home makes them want to see the inside. Simple tasks such as refreshing mulch and trimming back trees and bushes can make a huge difference.
Uncluttering & Neutralizing – clutter is anything that distracts the buyer from the architectural designs and fine features of your home. Any strong decorating elements, whether or not they are attractive, stops buyers so that they notice that decorating statement, and not the home itself. Creating a neutral environment that accommodates virtually everyone’s furnishings provides a firm foundation for getting the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Cleaning – The buyers will have an uncomfortable feeling if they sense that they are intruding into personal space – such as into a kitchen with dirty dishes or a bathroom that doesn’t sparkle. Take the time to give your home a thorough cleaning before going on the market, and then have a regular schedule for keeping the home clean while you are actively on the market.
Repairing – A house cannot sell for top dollar if any detail, large or small, is in less than perfect shape. Neglect repairs and you position your house as a fixer upper, which decreases both the number of potential buyers and the price they will be willing to pay. When a home is in need of repairs, buyers feel justified in making lower offers, since they will likely calculate the “worst-case” scenario for the cost of the repairs. Making repairs, whether small (a leaky faucet) or large (replacing damaged shingles), again positions you to get the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Staging – it is more than simply removing clutter and cleaning up the house. Staging makes the potential buyer comfortable in the “home” and makes them want to come back and live there. Remember that buyers are looking for a house that will meet physical as well as psychological needs. They want to feel comfortable, to enjoy a place of beauty, a haven from the busyness of daily living, and somewhere they can be proud to entertain family and friends. Staging can cost very little – it can simply be reorganizing the existing furniture in a room, creating a focal point in each room with furniture or flowers, and making that house “home”.
Uncluttering & Neutralizing – clutter is anything that distracts the buyer from the architectural designs and fine features of your home. Any strong decorating elements, whether or not they are attractive, stops buyers so that they notice that decorating statement, and not the home itself. Creating a neutral environment that accommodates virtually everyone’s furnishings provides a firm foundation for getting the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Cleaning – The buyers will have an uncomfortable feeling if they sense that they are intruding into personal space – such as into a kitchen with dirty dishes or a bathroom that doesn’t sparkle. Take the time to give your home a thorough cleaning before going on the market, and then have a regular schedule for keeping the home clean while you are actively on the market.
Repairing – A house cannot sell for top dollar if any detail, large or small, is in less than perfect shape. Neglect repairs and you position your house as a fixer upper, which decreases both the number of potential buyers and the price they will be willing to pay. When a home is in need of repairs, buyers feel justified in making lower offers, since they will likely calculate the “worst-case” scenario for the cost of the repairs. Making repairs, whether small (a leaky faucet) or large (replacing damaged shingles), again positions you to get the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Staging – it is more than simply removing clutter and cleaning up the house. Staging makes the potential buyer comfortable in the “home” and makes them want to come back and live there. Remember that buyers are looking for a house that will meet physical as well as psychological needs. They want to feel comfortable, to enjoy a place of beauty, a haven from the busyness of daily living, and somewhere they can be proud to entertain family and friends. Staging can cost very little – it can simply be reorganizing the existing furniture in a room, creating a focal point in each room with furniture or flowers, and making that house “home”.
New Construction Homes in Leesburg
Ryan Homes at
Featuring Community Pool, Clubhouse, Trails, A Central Park and MoreEasy Access to Routes 7, 15, 50 and the GreenwayMinutes from Downtown Leesburg, premium outlet mall, restaurants & stores.
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!
*Prices and incentives subject to change without prior notice. Price contingent upon the use of NVR Mortgage. Offer not valid on prior sales.
*Prices and incentives subject to change without prior notice. Price contingent upon the use of NVR Mortgage. Offer not valid on prior sales.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New this week in 20165
There are 163 active homes for sale in Potomac Falls, VA. Here are the 7 that came on the market this week.
Four of these homes are in Countryside, a planned community featuring over 2,500 homes with access to fitness trails, 3 swimming pools, tot lots and more. The other homes are in Lowes Island, Broad Run Farm and Cascades.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Discounted Washington Mystics Tickets!
The Washington Mystics have partnered with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to offer discounted tickets for Mystics games. In addition to receiving below market ticket prices, the Mystics will make a donation to NMSS for each purchase. Add to this, no ticketmaster fees - and you have a win/win.
Purchase Tickets Now
Games available:
July 13th @ 3:30pm vs. Connecticut SunFriday,
July 18th @ 7:00pm vs. Detroit ShockFriday,
August 29th @ 7:00pm vs. Chicago SkySunday,
September 14th @ 4:00pm vs. Minnesota Lynch (Fan Appreciation Day)
Location: Verizon Center
Gina Tufano with RE/MAX Select Properties, Inc. is a proud supportor of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and their ticket sales for the Washington Mystics games.
Purchase Tickets Now
Games available:
July 13th @ 3:30pm vs. Connecticut SunFriday,
July 18th @ 7:00pm vs. Detroit ShockFriday,
August 29th @ 7:00pm vs. Chicago SkySunday,
September 14th @ 4:00pm vs. Minnesota Lynch (Fan Appreciation Day)
Location: Verizon Center
Gina Tufano with RE/MAX Select Properties, Inc. is a proud supportor of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and their ticket sales for the Washington Mystics games.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Need to order HOA docs? Just how much can they cost now?
Disclosure Packets and Certificates
Packet and Certificate Fees
- Associations or their management companies shall make a schedule of fees available so that sellers will know the cost at the time the packet is requested. In no event shall the fees exceed the following limits:
$100 for the physical inspection of the unit;
$150 for two hard copies or $125 for two electronic copies of the certificate or disclosure packet;
$50 for optional expedited delivery;
$25 for additional hard copies at the seller’s option;
Actual cost for optional third-party hand or overnight delivery;
$50 post-closing fee to set up the purchaser’s association account.
- Expedited fees may only be charged if the inspection and delivery of the packet are completed in 5 business days.
- No association may charge an inspection fee unless they have architectural control over the unit.
- All costs shall be collected at settlement and no fees shall be due when the packet is requested. If settlement does not occur within 90 days of packet delivery, the fees shall be assessed against the unit owner.
- The fees may adjust every five years in relation to the U.S. Consumer Price Index.
Packet and Certificate Expiration and Updates
- If a resale certificate or packet has been issued within the past 12 months, the seller or purchaser only needs to request an update instead of ordering a new certificate or packet. Such updates must be delivered within 10 days.
- Settlement agents may request financial updates to the packets.
- The cost for such updates shall not exceed $50.
- There shall be no cost to the settlement agents for requests of written escrow instructions.
- The purchaser may request an additional inspection of the property by the association for not more than $100.
Oversight of Association Management Companies
- Virginia shall create a Common Interest Community Board, with powers similar to the Real Estate Board, to establish licensing procedures for community managers and to hear consumer complaints against licensees.
- On January 1, 2009, all entities offering professional association management services for a fee will be required to be licensed in Virginia.
- By July 1, 2011, all company employees that have the primary responsibility for association management will obtain certification from the Common Interest Community Board that the individual possesses the skills and character necessary for association management.
- Association management companies will be required to obtain surety bonds in the amount of $2 million or the amount of operating and reserve balances of the association, whichever is less.
- All association funds must be kept separate from the management company’s operating accounts.
- A Common Interest Community Ombudsman will be named to educate and assist association members.
- Annual reports on complaints and inquiries shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the Housing Commission.
- A Common Interest Community Management Recovery Fund is established to pay claims resulting from violations of the statute.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Fairfax Public Schools reach out for supporters of a 10 pt. grading scale
FAIRGRADE
www.FAIRGRADE.org
July 2, 2008
Dear FAIRGRADE Supporter,
Since early spring, FAIRGRADE has been diligently working for major revisions of the grading policies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To date, our on-line petition has received over 6000 supporters. Numerous Parent Teacher Associations have endorsed FAIRGRADE and newspaper editorials are advocating our cause.
But our work is not complete and much remains to be done to convince the School Board that FCPS needs to move to a 10 point grading scale and to increase the weighting for honors and AP/IB courses.
We'll get straight to the point - to pay for this critical effort, we need your financial help. This countywide, grassroots campaign is a massive undertaking staffed entirely by parents like you. Our expenses include website management and hosting fees, mass
E-mail blasts, reproduction of FAIRGRADE presentation materials, media materials for print and electronic press outlets, state corporation commission fees, lobbying efforts and a potential advertising campaign.
There are those within FCPS who are against revising the current 6-point grading policy – an unfair grading policy that has been in place since 1962. It's going to take a lot of continued grassroots outreach on FAIRGRADE's part to ensure that this issue remains on the front burner.
Any donation you can provide, large or small, will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Marcy Newberger and Megan McLaughlin
FAIRGRADE Co-Chairs
_______________________________________________________________________
FAIRGRADE Contribution Form
Yes, I want to help FAIRGRADE's grassroots effort to work for revision of FCPS' grading policies. Enclosed is my personal check payable to: FAIRGRADE
Mailing Address:
Diane Farmer – FAIRGRADE Treasurer
301 Maple Avenue West, Suite #320
Vienna, VA 22180-4301
FAIRGRADE has incorporated and is applying for a 501(c)4 exemption status with the IRS.
www.FAIRGRADE.org
July 2, 2008
Dear FAIRGRADE Supporter,
Since early spring, FAIRGRADE has been diligently working for major revisions of the grading policies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To date, our on-line petition has received over 6000 supporters. Numerous Parent Teacher Associations have endorsed FAIRGRADE and newspaper editorials are advocating our cause.
But our work is not complete and much remains to be done to convince the School Board that FCPS needs to move to a 10 point grading scale and to increase the weighting for honors and AP/IB courses.
We'll get straight to the point - to pay for this critical effort, we need your financial help. This countywide, grassroots campaign is a massive undertaking staffed entirely by parents like you. Our expenses include website management and hosting fees, mass
E-mail blasts, reproduction of FAIRGRADE presentation materials, media materials for print and electronic press outlets, state corporation commission fees, lobbying efforts and a potential advertising campaign.
There are those within FCPS who are against revising the current 6-point grading policy – an unfair grading policy that has been in place since 1962. It's going to take a lot of continued grassroots outreach on FAIRGRADE's part to ensure that this issue remains on the front burner.
Any donation you can provide, large or small, will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Marcy Newberger and Megan McLaughlin
FAIRGRADE Co-Chairs
_______________________________________________________________________
FAIRGRADE Contribution Form
Yes, I want to help FAIRGRADE's grassroots effort to work for revision of FCPS' grading policies. Enclosed is my personal check payable to: FAIRGRADE
Mailing Address:
Diane Farmer – FAIRGRADE Treasurer
301 Maple Avenue West, Suite #320
Vienna, VA 22180-4301
FAIRGRADE has incorporated and is applying for a 501(c)4 exemption status with the IRS.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
July 4th Activities & Fireworks across Loudoun County!
July 3rd
Lovettsville:
*5:30pm*
~Annual Community Parade starts at the Lovettsville Community Center and ends at Lovettsville Elementary School. For information about the bike decorating contest, go to http://www.loudountimes.com/ click on the 'communities' link and scroll down to 'towns and villages.'
*6pm*
~At the Lovettsvill Community Center there will be food, Carnival type-games, music with DJ Joe Allen, a rock wall, pony rides, face painting, a moon bounce, and a nine-hole mini golf.
*7:30pm*
~A performance will be put on by a local dance troupe, the Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers.
*9:15pm*
Fireworks begin!!!
*Admission*
Parking is free at the Lovettsville Community Park and admission for the activities is $4 at the door. Children 3 or younger are free.
July 4th
Claude Moore Park Historic Area:
*10:30am-3pm*
~Activities include pony & wagon rides, music, crafts, Reptiles Alive, nature exhibits and historic tours.
*Admission*
Enter on Loudoun Park Lane, a suggested donation of $5 per family to be paid at the door.
Franklin Park:
*6pm*
~Gates open and at 6:15pm there will be a performance by the Camerata Americana chamber ensemble and the Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers. Music will be played by the The Robbie Limon Band will play a mix of popular music from the '50s through today.
~There will be fireworks with live orchestral music provided by the Loudoun Symphonic Winds.
The suggested donation is just $5 per carload.
The suggested donation is just $5 per carload.
~Franklin Park is located at 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville, just west of Purcellville on business Route 7.
~Further information is available at jeff.stern@loudoun.gov.
~Further information is available at jeff.stern@loudoun.gov.
Great Meadow:
*4 pm*
Gates open
~Childrens activities include a petting farm provided by the Fauquier 4-H Club, a rock climbing wall,face painting, games, and pony rides.Other activities include model rocket launches, giant scale radio controlled planes, a blimp, rescue helicopters, and a polo match.
~Childrens activities include a petting farm provided by the Fauquier 4-H Club, a rock climbing wall,face painting, games, and pony rides.Other activities include model rocket launches, giant scale radio controlled planes, a blimp, rescue helicopters, and a polo match.
*5pm*
The Bluemont Concert Series will provide music on multiple stages all evening
The Bluemont Concert Series will provide music on multiple stages all evening
until just before the fireworks begin.
*After dark*
The highlight of the day is the special high altitude fireworks display which includes shells larger than any in the Washington region.
*Admission*
Car passes are only $20 in advance and $40 at the gate. Hospitality tents, boxes, and rail spaces are also available at price ranging from$185 for a reserved tailgate spot on the fireworks rail, to $1,395 for a rail hospitality tent. Early reservations are encouraged . Families without a tailgate spot can bring picnics and blankets..
For more information log onto http://www.greatmeadow.org/
Car passes are only $20 in advance and $40 at the gate. Hospitality tents, boxes, and rail spaces are also available at price ranging from$185 for a reserved tailgate spot on the fireworks rail, to $1,395 for a rail hospitality tent. Early reservations are encouraged . Families without a tailgate spot can bring picnics and blankets..
For more information log onto http://www.greatmeadow.org/
Leesburg:
*10am*
~Leesburg’s Independence Day celebration begins with the parade from Ida Lee Park and travels south on King St. and conclude at Fairfax Street. Civic groups, youth organizations and others are encouraged to participate in the parade. No fee is required to participate and pre-registration is encouraged, but is not mandatory.
~A new addition to this year’s parade will be the introduction of the Patriot’s Cup competition, sponsored by Leesburg Today. This new float category will be awarded to the top patriotic float, with the winning names engraved onto the Patriot Cup.
~Leesburg’s Independence Day celebration begins with the parade from Ida Lee Park and travels south on King St. and conclude at Fairfax Street. Civic groups, youth organizations and others are encouraged to participate in the parade. No fee is required to participate and pre-registration is encouraged, but is not mandatory.
~A new addition to this year’s parade will be the introduction of the Patriot’s Cup competition, sponsored by Leesburg Today. This new float category will be awarded to the top patriotic float, with the winning names engraved onto the Patriot Cup.
*6pm*
~Gates open at Ida Lee Park for the Celebration in the Park. Leesburg’s Reverend Hookems band opens and, at 7:30 p.m., the sounds of Marna and Macy will take the stage.
There will be food vendors with hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, funnel cakes. crab cakes, barbecue and stir fry.
~Gates open at Ida Lee Park for the Celebration in the Park. Leesburg’s Reverend Hookems band opens and, at 7:30 p.m., the sounds of Marna and Macy will take the stage.
There will be food vendors with hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, funnel cakes. crab cakes, barbecue and stir fry.
*9:30pm*
~Fireworks begin with the display choreographed to patriotic music,
Parking is available at the interior lots off of Ida Lee Drive, and the festival field parking off of King Street.
~Leesburg Fire and Rescue Volunteers will be on site to provide medical assistance. Coolers and large bags are permitted but will be checked at ticket gate entrances. Pets, alcohol, glass bottles and personal fireworks (including sparklers) are not permitted.
~Contact Rachael Goodwin, at Leesburg Parks and Recreation. Information is also available at the event’s Web site at http://www.idalee.org/parks/events/july4th.
~Fireworks begin with the display choreographed to patriotic music,
Parking is available at the interior lots off of Ida Lee Drive, and the festival field parking off of King Street.
~Leesburg Fire and Rescue Volunteers will be on site to provide medical assistance. Coolers and large bags are permitted but will be checked at ticket gate entrances. Pets, alcohol, glass bottles and personal fireworks (including sparklers) are not permitted.
~Contact Rachael Goodwin, at Leesburg Parks and Recreation. Information is also available at the event’s Web site at http://www.idalee.org/parks/events/july4th.
Middleburg:
*11am-6pm*
~Swimming and many other festivities going on all day at the Middleburg Community Center
*Dusk (about 9:15pm)*
~Fireworks begin!!
~Call for more details #540-687-6373
Purcellville:
*Noon*
~Parade starts at Emerick Elementary School and end at Loudoun Valley High School.
*1-6pm*
~Rides and booths will be open. Food and entertainment will be provided.
*Dusk*
~Fireworks being!
*Admissions*
~Parking will be at the IGA Plaza (Purcellville Marketplace location). Proceeds will go to Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Centennial Committee, and other local charities.
Round Hill:
*9:30am*
~Parade starting at Woodgrove Park and proceeding down Evening Star Drive to East Loudoun Street, and ending at the town park. The parade features firetrucks, decorated cars, trucks, and bicycles. Shortly after the parade ends there will be live music by contemporary folk artist Tomy Wright, accompanied by Brooke Robbins, and activities for the children such as arts and crafts and old fashioned games.
~The Round Hill Junior Women's Group will serve cold lemonade and sell baked goods, and ice cream will be available for sale from the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
Waterford:
*11am*
~4th of July Parade begins and for more information contact the president of the Waterford Citizens' Association, Tom Edmonds, at tomedmonds@aol.com.
July 5th
Hillsboro Old Stone School:
*5pm-dusk*
~Despite the recent fire at the Old Stone School the towns annual celebration will take place at the Old Stone School on Route 9.
~There will be music from “Hewn from the Mountain”, complimentary ice cream, carnival games, raffles and a bake sale with homemade treats. Proceeds from the ticket sales for games, raffles and the bake sale will go to the HCA.
~There will be barbecue chicken dinners sold by the Hillsboro Ruritans for $7 a plate Drinks are an additional $l Picnic suppers are also encouraged. Hillsboro Columnist Sue Ulland reports that it is hoped that the auditorium will be open in time for the event. A special performance by the Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers is contingent upon the auditorium’s availability. It is hoped that repairs after the fire damage will be complete in the auditorium to allow ice cream to be served there and to allow the cloggers to perform.
~Despite the recent fire at the Old Stone School the towns annual celebration will take place at the Old Stone School on Route 9.
~There will be music from “Hewn from the Mountain”, complimentary ice cream, carnival games, raffles and a bake sale with homemade treats. Proceeds from the ticket sales for games, raffles and the bake sale will go to the HCA.
~There will be barbecue chicken dinners sold by the Hillsboro Ruritans for $7 a plate Drinks are an additional $l Picnic suppers are also encouraged. Hillsboro Columnist Sue Ulland reports that it is hoped that the auditorium will be open in time for the event. A special performance by the Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers is contingent upon the auditorium’s availability. It is hoped that repairs after the fire damage will be complete in the auditorium to allow ice cream to be served there and to allow the cloggers to perform.
*Dusk*
~Fireworks begin!
~For those wishing to contribute to the fund to repair the fire damage, read Sue's column at www.louoduntimes.com. Click on the Communities link and scroll down to Towns and Villages.
Information credited to the Loudoun Times Newspaper, http://www.loudountimes.com/
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Loudoun County Fire Marshal Offers Summer Safety Tips
Summer is here and there are several important fire safety tips that the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office wants you to be aware of:
Use of grills for outdoor cooking requires extreme care, especially when used on wood decks or near the home. Fires can start from ashes from charcoal grills that spill or are dumped on or near decks. Keep a water hose close by and douse any ashes that fall on the deck, grass, or mulch nearby. All grills produce enough radiant heat to ignite nearby combustibles, so it is recommended that they be clear from all combustibles by at least 10 feet. Finally, it is illegal in Loudoun County to use grills that produce flame on balconies of apartments and condominiums. It is also illegal to store exchange type propane tanks for grills on these balconies.
Smoking on or near decks or areas where wood mulch is used should be discouraged. Over the years in Loudoun County, as well as the region, there have been fires that were caused by improper disposal of smoking materials. These materials have ignited mulch which spreads to shrubs or siding materials, or they have simply ignited decking material or other nearby combustibles. Anyone smoking on or near a deck is encouraged to place all smoking materials in metal ash trays that have a lid or are filled with a non-combustible material such as sand. Never place smoking materials in flower pots as some potting soil is combustible. Wood or similar cellulose mulch should be pulled away from the base of a house 12 to 18 inches if near combustible siding of shrubs.
Soon, the July 4th holiday will be here and with it will come the use of fireworks. All fireworks are dangerous if not used properly. They produce temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The can cause burns and start fires. Many people choose to use illegal fireworks- those that explode, rise into the air, travel laterally on the ground or shoot projectiles into the air- which are purchased in other states. Possession of illegal fireworks could result in a criminal charge, fine and/or jail sentence. It is recommended to attend the public fireworks displays that are hosted throughout Loudoun County. The dates, times and locations are listed online at www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.
If persons choose to use permissible fireworks, it is recommended to purchase only from those retail stands in Loudoun County. These locations have been inspected to ensure only those fireworks approved for consumer use are sold. These fireworks should always be used with adult supervision, and it is recommended that the area be wet down prior to and after their use. Always place the remaining products in a metal container and wet them down as well.
Questions may be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600 during normal business hours, or you may access safety information, grill recommendations, and appropriate firework purchases online at www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.
Use of grills for outdoor cooking requires extreme care, especially when used on wood decks or near the home. Fires can start from ashes from charcoal grills that spill or are dumped on or near decks. Keep a water hose close by and douse any ashes that fall on the deck, grass, or mulch nearby. All grills produce enough radiant heat to ignite nearby combustibles, so it is recommended that they be clear from all combustibles by at least 10 feet. Finally, it is illegal in Loudoun County to use grills that produce flame on balconies of apartments and condominiums. It is also illegal to store exchange type propane tanks for grills on these balconies.
Smoking on or near decks or areas where wood mulch is used should be discouraged. Over the years in Loudoun County, as well as the region, there have been fires that were caused by improper disposal of smoking materials. These materials have ignited mulch which spreads to shrubs or siding materials, or they have simply ignited decking material or other nearby combustibles. Anyone smoking on or near a deck is encouraged to place all smoking materials in metal ash trays that have a lid or are filled with a non-combustible material such as sand. Never place smoking materials in flower pots as some potting soil is combustible. Wood or similar cellulose mulch should be pulled away from the base of a house 12 to 18 inches if near combustible siding of shrubs.
Soon, the July 4th holiday will be here and with it will come the use of fireworks. All fireworks are dangerous if not used properly. They produce temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The can cause burns and start fires. Many people choose to use illegal fireworks- those that explode, rise into the air, travel laterally on the ground or shoot projectiles into the air- which are purchased in other states. Possession of illegal fireworks could result in a criminal charge, fine and/or jail sentence. It is recommended to attend the public fireworks displays that are hosted throughout Loudoun County. The dates, times and locations are listed online at www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.
If persons choose to use permissible fireworks, it is recommended to purchase only from those retail stands in Loudoun County. These locations have been inspected to ensure only those fireworks approved for consumer use are sold. These fireworks should always be used with adult supervision, and it is recommended that the area be wet down prior to and after their use. Always place the remaining products in a metal container and wet them down as well.
Questions may be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600 during normal business hours, or you may access safety information, grill recommendations, and appropriate firework purchases online at www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Five ways to help your home sell for top dollar
Five ways to help your home sell for top dollar
Curb appeal – make sure that what a buyer sees when they first arrive at the outside of the home makes them want to see the inside. Simple tasks such as refreshing mulch and trimming back trees and bushes can make a huge difference.
Uncluttering & Neutralizing – clutter is anything that distracts the buyer from the architectural designs and fine features of your home. Any strong decorating elements, whether or not they are attractive, stops buyers so that they notice that decorating statement, and not the home itself. Creating a neutral environment that accommodates virtually everyone’s furnishings provides a firm foundation for getting the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Cleaning – The buyers will have an uncomfortable feeling if they sense that they are intruding into personal space – such as into a kitchen with dirty dishes or a bathroom that doesn’t sparkle. Take the time to give your home a thorough cleaning before going on the market, and then have a regular schedule for keeping the home clean while you are actively on the market.
Repairing – A house cannot sell for top dollar if any detail, large or small, is in less than perfect shape. Neglect repairs and you position your house as a fixer upper, which decreases both the number of potential buyers and the price they will be willing to pay. When a home is in need of repairs, buyers feel justified in making lower offers, since they will likely calculate the “worst-case” scenario for the cost of the repairs. Making repairs, whether small (a leaky faucet) or large (replacing damaged shingles), again positions you to get the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Staging – it is more than simply removing clutter and cleaning up the house. Staging makes the potential buyer comfortable in the “home” and makes them want to come back and live there. Remember that buyers are looking for a house that will meet physical as well as psychological needs. They want to feel comfortable, to enjoy a place of beauty, a haven from the busyness of daily living, and somewhere they can be proud to entertain family and friends. Staging can cost very little – it can simply be reorganizing the existing furniture in a room, creating a focal point in each room with furniture or flowers, and making that house “home”.
Curb appeal – make sure that what a buyer sees when they first arrive at the outside of the home makes them want to see the inside. Simple tasks such as refreshing mulch and trimming back trees and bushes can make a huge difference.
Uncluttering & Neutralizing – clutter is anything that distracts the buyer from the architectural designs and fine features of your home. Any strong decorating elements, whether or not they are attractive, stops buyers so that they notice that decorating statement, and not the home itself. Creating a neutral environment that accommodates virtually everyone’s furnishings provides a firm foundation for getting the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Cleaning – The buyers will have an uncomfortable feeling if they sense that they are intruding into personal space – such as into a kitchen with dirty dishes or a bathroom that doesn’t sparkle. Take the time to give your home a thorough cleaning before going on the market, and then have a regular schedule for keeping the home clean while you are actively on the market.
Repairing – A house cannot sell for top dollar if any detail, large or small, is in less than perfect shape. Neglect repairs and you position your house as a fixer upper, which decreases both the number of potential buyers and the price they will be willing to pay. When a home is in need of repairs, buyers feel justified in making lower offers, since they will likely calculate the “worst-case” scenario for the cost of the repairs. Making repairs, whether small (a leaky faucet) or large (replacing damaged shingles), again positions you to get the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
Staging – it is more than simply removing clutter and cleaning up the house. Staging makes the potential buyer comfortable in the “home” and makes them want to come back and live there. Remember that buyers are looking for a house that will meet physical as well as psychological needs. They want to feel comfortable, to enjoy a place of beauty, a haven from the busyness of daily living, and somewhere they can be proud to entertain family and friends. Staging can cost very little – it can simply be reorganizing the existing furniture in a room, creating a focal point in each room with furniture or flowers, and making that house “home”.
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