Go Loudoun County!

Last April Loudoun County joined a challenge called “Cool Capital Challenge” in support of reducing carbon emissions in the Metropolitan area. Loudoun County set a goal to lower gas emissions by 3% which is about 1.37 million pounds in carbon dioxide. Not only did Loudoun County achieve this goal, it tied for 1st place in the state for the reduction in carbon dioxide. Loudoun County almost doubled the reduction in carbon dioxide by reducing emissions by 2.62 million pounds in carbon dioxide or about 6%.

How did the county do this? By just simply lowering thermostats and turning off lights and electronics when not in use. This effort has saved Loudoun County over $112,000 dollars in one year of energy bills. Want to learn more about how you can do your part in reducing your carbon footprint? Check out these two websites Go Green Virginia and Energy Efficiency & Conservation in Loudoun County.

So how are those Foreclosure Rates you ask?

The good news? Virginia is not one of the states with the top foreclosure rates in the country, nor is Maryland or the District of Columbia. Who is? In May 2009, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the states with the highest foreclosure rates were California, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. While these four states only represent about 18% of the nation’s population, they account for 46% of the nation’s total number of homes in foreclosure. Why these four states? Because they suffered the largest drop in price drops when the market fell, forcing home owners that bought in the peak and are unable to make their payments into foreclosure very quickly. Interested in more market updates? Call me today at (703) 574-3478 or contact me via email at gina@ask-gina.com.

Things are looking up again..!

According to Jeannine Aversa with The Associated Press, 90% of economists believe that the recession will end by the first quarter of 2010. The bad news? The market is projected to make a slow recovery and could take the next 5 years to have an impact on the market and unemployment rates. As of now, the national unemployment rate has hit about 9% and is expected to increase to about 10% before it falls again.

More good news!

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) has released data comparing home sales since May 2008 in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Vienna, Herndon, Clifton, as well as areas of Loudoun and Prince William counties. The statistics show an increase of 4% in home sales from May 2008 to May 2009. The number of active listings is down about 25% or down about 3,000 homes. Homes are now averaging about 76 days on the market compared to the 88 days from May 2008, a 14% drop from just a year ago. In May 2009, the number of pending home sales increased by about 500 homes from May 2008.

What does this all mean? There are less homes coming on the market and they are selling faster than homes were a year ago..! Looking to take advantage of the historically high housing affordability, low interest rates, or the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit? Call me today. I am confident that my vast array of up-to-date knowledge in the real estate market and over 10 years of experience in the industry will make me a perfect candidate to help you find your dream home today.

As the sun comes out, so do the solicitors

Solicitors from local businesses are required to be registered through the Loudoun County’s Sherriff’s Office and are required to carry a business ID (sample ID below). To receive this formal ID, a complete background check is given and solicitors are legally bided to abide by a code of conduct set forth by the Sheriff’s Office and are listed on the county website . If you encounter a violation of these codes, please call Loudoun County’s non-emergency number immediately at 703-777-1021 or 703-777-0445.

Be Green! Hazardous Waste Drop-off on June 27th

Dispose of hazardous waste properly!

Bring by your unwanted paints, stains, fuels, cleaners, and other hazardous wastes to Loudoun Valley HS tomorrow from 8:30am-2:30pm during the Household Hazardous Waste collection event.

Accepted Items:

• fluorescent bulbs
• Oil-based paint/stains/varnshes
• Paint thinners
• Metal polishes
• Rust removers
• Wood preservatives
• Old fuels: gas/oil mixes, kerosene, & diesel

NOT accepted for HHW*

• Used motor oil
• Antifreeze
• Automobile batteries
• Lead-acid batteries
• Propane tanks

*These items can be dropped off year round at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility on Evergreen Mills Road.

For more information go to www.loudoun.gov/hhw or call the Solid Waste Management Office at (703) 777-0187.

Just Move to the Area? Here's some important contact information!

Loudoun County extends a warm welcome to all its new residents! If you are new to Loudoun County, you are not alone. Loudoun is the fastest growing county in Virginia, and one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. In fact, 18 percent of Loudoun residents have lived here less than 3 years, and 56 percent have been here less than 10 years.

There are many reasons for our rapid growth: a surplus of jobs, proximity to Washington, D.C., and Dulles International Airport, excellent schools and government services, scenic beauty, a strong sense of community and a high quality of life.

There is a great deal of information available for new residents on the Loudoun County Government website, as well as many other local websites. On this page, you will find links to a wealth of information to help you find out more about Loudoun County.

If you would like to have a package of information for new residents mailed to you, please send your request, including your name and mailing address, to: pivs@loudoun.gov.

Search the county website

* By alphabetical index
* By site map
* By geographical area
* By county department

Useful links for new residents

* Frequently asked questions
* Loudoun links
* Loudoun County Public Schools
* "Ask a Librarian" e-mail reference service
* County government e-mail list
* County employment opportunities
* Directions to County Government Facilities

Utilities

* Verizon
* Comcast
* Dominion Virginia Power
* Loudoun Water
* Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)
* Washington Gas


How do I...

* Register to vote
* Register a car or truck
* Get a vehicle decal
* Pay taxes
* Get a dog license
* Get a library card
* Get cable television
* Arrange for water service
* Find out about recreation programs
* Recycle
* Arrange curbside trash pickup
* Find child care
* Contact the Board of Supervisors
* Get a building permit
* Volunteer
* Find out if I live in a historic district

See how you can use your First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit towards down payment or closing costs!

VDHA just announced that it is now offering a program for first time home buyers to receive an advance payment of the first time home buyer credit so you can use the $8,000 credit towards a down payment and closing costs! No more waiting until tax time in 2010 to claim your $8,000 First-time Home Buyer Credit!

Want to take advantage of this great offer? I can help you make sense of the first-time home-buyer tax credit regulations and advise you to a trusted loan processor to explain all of your finance options.

Gina M. Tufano
Realtor, CDPE, ASP, e-Pro
(703) 574-3478
gina@ask-gina.com
www.ask-gina.com

Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour * June 20 & 21

Come stop by the fourth annual Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour on Saturday, June 20th from 10am-5pm and Sunday, June 21st from 12-5pm. Visit the working studios and watch demonstrations from over over 45 artists! This event is completely FREE and open to the public.

For more information, check out the online auction http://www.wlast.org/ or call (540) 338-7973.

Sponsored by: Franklin Park Arts Center, Loudoun Academy of the Arts Foundation, Round Hill Arts Center, Gallery 222, Friends of Frankilin Park Arts Center, and Loudoun County, Virginia