Real Estate Agents - Need some assistance with Short Sales?

If you answered YES, I would like to bring to your attention some FREE online resources that may be of help.

The Virginia Association of Realtors has constructed a website directed towards answering and assisting you with all of your short sale needs so you can better serve your clients when they are involved in a short sale process. The website provides everything from a list of the best practices on how to handle short sales along with many other print articles to streaming video's so you can listen to the experts talk. If you would like to seek further assistance and are interested in learning one-on-one on how to successfully close short sale deals, check out the list of contact information for expert presenters who are offering agents and brokerages classes directed towards this purpose.

Click here to be directed to the site.

Two NEW Construction Home Sales you just can't miss!

Need to move soon but want the luxury of customizing the interior of your future home? Van Metre and Toll Brothers have the answer! These two high-quality home builders are not only allowing buyers to customize interior options such as appliances and cabinetry*, but they have listed their quick delivery homes at unbeatable prices!

Click on the image above to see a list of quick move-in homes by Van Metre.

Just last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Toll Brothers is planning a nationwide housing sale from now until October 4th. Toll Brothers is offering buyers deals such as half-off incentives and closing cost assistance. Hurry because these offers will not last long! Robert Toll, Chairman and CEO, stated that he is confident that the housing market has shown promising signs of stabilizing and that prices are scheduled to increase in some communities again. As for Kira McCarron, Toll Brother's CMO, agreed with findings about the housing market stabilization and stated that even though incentives have been continued to be higher since exactly a year ago, the builder will most like be planning to decrease incentive amounts soon. So act now before it is too late!

Click on the image above to see a list of quick delivery homes by Toll Brothers.

*The customization of options varies by builder and property.

Young Life holds 1st Annual Eastern Loudoun Gold Tournament

Come out and play golf on October 5th at the beautiful 1757 Golf Club in Ashburn, Virginia, in support of Eastern Loudoun Young Life. Lunch and registration will begin at 11:30am and tee off will begin at 1pm. Shortly following the event, dinner and awards will be given to the winners of the tournament.

To find out more information and to register for this event, click here.

BUYERS: Add $500 to your $8,000 tax credit, here's how!

In addition to the $8,000 first time home buyers tax credit, Prosperity Mortgage is offering buyers another $500 for all contracts closed before November 30th. You can apply this extra $500 towards the closing costs of your new home.

For more information, contact Gina M. Tufano with RE/MAX Select Properties at (703) 574-3478 or by calling Jose Burgos with Prosperity Mortgage at (571) 271-6425.

BETTER than store bought! Learn how to do this at HOME!

Quick Reminder that the Giant Foods and the Loudoun County Faith-Based Community organization will provide an Interactive Community Canning workshop tomorrow, September 26th from 10am-1pm to teach methods of how YOU can preserve your own fresh produce like the pros!

The event will be held at the Giant in Ashburn located in the Junction Plaza at the intersection of Claiborne & Ashburn Farm Pkwy.

Can't make it tomorrow? No problem! The event will be held again on the following upcoming Saturdays (same time, same place):

• October 3, 17, & 31
• November 14 & 28

The workshop costs a small fee of $10 per person to help pay for 2 glass jars, use of equipment, and an allotment of high quality produce, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Loudoun Interfaith Relief. Register online at www.GiantFood.com/Ashburn or by calling (703) 470-7790.

You CAN afford a home * Check out these incentives!

Interested in purchasing a new home in the Winchester area?? Check out the lovely town of Boyce, Virginia just outside of Winchester and within minutes of commuter roads such as Rt. 7 & Rt. 50.

Richmond America Homes in Boyce, Virginia, will be having a sale September 25th - October 4th on New Construction homes with incredible financing options as well as closing cost assistance!

Currently there are 3 Quick Move-In Homes which are available for you to move in within a couple of months with the opportunity to customize interior options to fit your personal tastes. Richmond American Homes is also able to allow first time home-buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit on the Quick Move-In ready homes before it expires November 30th!

Looking for more assistance on the seemingly comber some process of buying a house? Let me take the hassle out of the process while you focus on enjoying the exciting part of the experience in finding a place to call home.


Gina M. Tufano
Realtor, ASP, CDPE, e-Pro
RE/MAX Select Properties, Inc.
(703) 574-3478
www.ask-gina.com
gina@ask-gina.com

It all starts in the home

The United Nations estimates that there are over 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Most are without electricity, running water, or adequate sanitation and security.

Habitat for Humanity wants to recognize October 5th as National Habitat Day and build global observance that "affordable, adequate housing should be a priority everywhere - in our communities, in our towns, in our country, [and] in our world."

Click here for more information about National Habitat Day such as facts, photos, videos, success stories, and how you can help contribute to the cause.

Work in Loudoun County? Encourage GREEN operations at your work - here's how

On Thursday, October 15th, the Loudoun County Department of Construction and Waste Management will host an even to allow local businesses on how to dispose of waste in a cost-effective manner. The event will be held at the county's Solid Waste Management Facility on 21101 Evergreen Mills Road in Leesburg.




All businesses interested in participating in this event must pre-register before October 15th. For more information and to register for this event, go to www.loudoun.gov/bhwp or call the Department of Construction and Waste Management line at (703) 777-0187.

Check out the finalists & vote for your favorite!

With the temperature dropping and fall right around the corner, we all are awaiting the lovely time of year when the trees turn spectacular colors and pumpkin-everything is available.

"One Way" by Jeff Adkins of DC "Wilton Farm" by Lauren Lotinsky of Gaithersburg

Many local photographers captured this beautiful time of the year in a picture and submitted the
fall-themed photographs to The Washingtonian photo contest. Check out the top 5 finalists and vote for your favorite! Voting will end Wednesday, September 30th and the judges will evaluate the photographs, the online public vote, and pick a winner. On November 1st, the winning photo and photographer will be published in The Washingtonian.

Click here to VOTE for your favorite!

Eco-friendly St. Joseph * Be GREEN! No more burying plastic statues!

If your one to bury a St. Joseph on your property in hopes that it will sell faster, here is an eco-friendly, bio-degradable option - right down to the packaging which uses soy-based ink.



As stated in history, Joseph was a builder and carpenter himself back in the day that worked with eco-friendly materials such as wood, clay, and stone. So honor him right and don't pollute the ground with a plastic statue, buy this statue of St. Joseph made out of clay which sells for less than $15 at http://www.ecojoekits.com!

GREEN Cleaning Secrets Revealed * I bet you don't know all of these!

Household Cleaning Secrets

How to open a sealed envelope:

• Place the envelope in the freezer for a few hours away in a plastic bag (to keep it from getting wet). Then slide a knife under the flap. You can even reseal the flap if necessary!

How to remove crayon marks on walls:

• Mix baking soda and water in a small container. Dampen rag and wipe area clean. Crayon marks come off with very little effort!
  

How to clean off permanent marker on counter tops and appliances:

• Dampen a paper towel or rag with rubbing alcohol and wipe clean.

How to sharpen a pair of scissors:

• Buy a box of S.O.S. Steel Wool Soap Pads. Cut pads in pieces until sharpened.

How to keep clothes smelling fresh out of the dryer:

• Put one fabric soften sheet per drawer in your dresser and clothes will smell fresh for weeks to come! Keep linens and towels smelling fresh for guests by putting a fabric softener sheet in your linen closet.

How to clean artificial flowers:

• In a large paper bag, pour in about 3 Tablespoons of salt. Put flowers in bag and step outside. Hold bag closed at top and shake vigorously. The salt will remove dust particles and leave the flower looking new!
  

How to remove blood stains on clothes:

• Dampen part of a rag with hydrogen peroxide and wipe off clothes - works every time!

How to keep icy door steps from re-freezing:

• In large bucket, mix warm water and Dawn dish washing liquid. Pour all over steps. The soap will keep the water from re-freezing!

How to remove wax from a glass candle holder:

• Place glass candle holder in the freezer for a few hours then take the candle holder out and turn upside down. The wax will simply fall out!

How to remove burnt food on your skillet:

• Add water enough water to cover burnt food area and a drop of dish soap to pan. Place pan on stove and bring water to a boil. The combination of hot water and soap will make the food easily lift off the skillet.

Tips for cleaning windows:

• Use horizontal strokes when washing windows inside and horizontal strokes when cleaning windows outside to easily know which side has (if any) streaks. Dampen a rag with white vinegar (or put it in a spray bottle) and wipe windows down - they will shine like new!
  

Keep appliance cords organized:

• Tidy up cords and slide them into an empty toilet paper roll. Use a permanent marker to label what the cords go to.

Give a room a fresh smell every time you walk in:

• Lightly spray the inside of a lamp shade with your favorite scent. Every time you turn on the light, the lovely scent will fill the room. Avoid spraying light bulbs directly. Light bulbs get very hot after being on for long periods of time and some fragrances may be flammable.

Keep candles burning longer:

• Put the candle in the freezer at least 3 hours before burning. This will make the candle burn at a slower rate!

Use Alka Seltzer for these:

• Unclog a drain: Drop 3 tablets down the drain followed by one cup of vinegar. Wait 5 minutes and run warm water through drain.

• Clean a toilet: Drop 2 tablets in the toilet and wait 20 minutes. Blush and flush - the toilet will be instantly clean again without emitting harmful chemicals into the environment!
  

• Clean the inside of a vase: Fill vase with warm water and drop 2 tablets into the vase. Wait 10 minutes and rinse.

• Polish jewelry: Fill a glass cup with warm water and drop 2 tablets in along with jewelry. After 2 minutes remove jewelry, rinse, and pat dry with cloth. Lay out jewelry on a small towel to fully dry.

Cooking & Food Secrets

Keep celery fresh for weeks:

• Wrap celery in aluminum foil before putting it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for longer!

Bring out the natural sweetness in corn:

• When boiling corn on the cob on the stove, add a pinch of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.

What to do with all that left over wine from a party:

• Don't throw it out! Freeze it in ice cube trays to use in casseroles and sauces for the next time you entertain guests.

Health Care Tips

Get rid of a headache with no pills:

• Cut a lime in half and rub over your forehead to stop the throbbing.

Stop the itch from Mosquito bites:

• Wash the area with soap and water. The soap will give instant itch relief.

How to safely remove a splinter:

• Put those tweezers down. First grab the scotch tap and tap in line with the splinter. Then pull off opposite direction (similar to waxing), and the splinter should come right out!
  

Home Prices RISE for the 1st time in two years!

For the 13th consecutive month, the number of homes sold has risen each month compared to the number of homes sold in the same month a year ago. In fact, two of the most hardly hit counties surrounding the Washington Metropolitan area, saw a rise the price of homes for the first time in over 2 years. In August 2009, prices rose 5.9% in Loudoun County from the same time last year and it currently holds the first home price increase in the county sense 2007. The second county, Prince William County, saw prices climb 2.5% since exactly a year ago, which is the first time the county has seen a price increase since the summer of 2006.

The statistics of these two counties and many other counties around the nation on average give optimism for stabilization in the housing market. Many economists predict that this past quarter will show the first signs of stabilization in the market nationwide reflecting in the GDP numbers for the United States.


With average number of homes listed in Northern Virginia dropping 28.8% in August 2009 from August 2008, and the supply of homes listed for sale in the area has shrunk to amounts that have not been seen since January 2006; it is hopeful that buyers and sellers will be a large step closer to being on the same page when it comes to naming a price.

To read the full article from The Washington Post, click here.

Fashionable, Unique, & Creative jewelry, stationary, and much, much more!

September 24-26 First Chick's Picks of the Season ... featuring RINGS 'n Pretty Things! Take a break from buying school supplies ... get a little somethin' for yourself at the great prices CP is known for! . Remember the kids while they are at school (wink) w/ Carolyn R's hand-stamped Jewelry Fall Shadow Boxes, Wreath Stands, Coat Hooks... Also, Back-to-School, Home Organizing and Halloween Decor! My new fav book of lists, just out & available at CP... #3 Don't wear a Watch #6 Don't leave a Message #56 Learn to text with your Thumbs #59 Don't fear the Thong #87 Don't be insulted if your kid defriends you on FB #133 Don't lust after the Lifeguard ____________________________________________ all this & so much more on: Thursday, September 24, 8am-8pm Friday, September 25, 9am-7pm Saturday, September 26, 9am-noon at Hillary's Home Boutique ... Friends Welcome 20757 Parkside Circle, Sterling VA 20165 Add your Name to the Invitation List or Shop Click Here: www.ChicksPicksbyHillary.com Rings for all tastes & ages! Woodstock, Beatles and now car magnets, Dara's toggles & key chains! Peace Out!

Chicks Picks by Hillary specializes in creating, discovering and showcasing fashion & home accessories. On-line store and private boutique shows highlight original creations. Shop or Join the guest list at www.chickspicksbyhillary.com

Win 100 level Washington Capitals tickets by donating canned goods!

Our office is collecting canned & non-perishable food from now until October 2nd in support of the Loudoun Interfaith Food. Drop off all non-perishable food Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm at Gina M. Tufano's office located in the RE/MAX Select Properties office at:

20 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 201
Sterling, VA 20165
(703) 574-3478

Each participant will be entered into a drawing to win 5 lower level Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers, on October 8th at 7pm hosted at the Verizon Center. One entry per household - Thanks. The winner will be announced Saturday, October 3rd.


Seat Location: Verizon Center, Section 107, Row S, Seats 9-13

Click here to see the great location of these seats!

Help support a good cause and have a chance to win Washington Capitals tickets - it's a WIN-WIN situation!

For more information on Loudoun Interfaith Food Bank, click here.

Upcoming Loudoun County Events * Swine Flu Safety Infomation, Internet Safety for Parents, and more!

September 19th
Hazardous Waste Drop Off

Bring by your unwanted paints, stains, fuels, cleaners, and other hazardous wastes to Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling on Saturday, Sept. 19th from 8:30am-2:30pm during the Household Hazardous Waste collection event. The next collection will be held Oct. 24th in Hamilton.

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

September 23rd
Swine Flu Information Meeting

On Wednesday, September 23rd from 7pm-9pm, the Loudoun County Health Department and representatives from INOVA Loudoun Hospital will host a free H1N1 (Swine) influenza meeting addressing the latest information for preparing for both the seasonal & swine flu and the steps the county is taking to protect its residents from the swine flu. The event will be hosted at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148.

For more information go to www.loudoun.gov/flu or call Health Department's Influenza line at (703) 771-5512.

September 26th
Community Shred Event

To avoid identity theft, do not throw confidential documents such as bank statements, old checks, and pay stubs in the trash. Stop by the Community Shred Event from 9am-12pm on September 26th at the Purcellville Town Office located at 130 East Main Street. The Loudoun Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Unit and a Crime Prevention Specialist will be present to answer any questions or concerns residents have about identity theft, fraud prevention, and personal safety.

For more information about this event, go to www.loudoun.gov/sheriff

Electronics Recycling Event

Have unwanted electronics such as old computers, laptops, TV's, video players, stereos, and cell phones laying around the house? Drop them off on September 26th from 9am-12pm at the Telos Corporation Building at 19886 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, VA 20147. Some small recycling fees apply - cash and checks only for those items.

For more information, go to www.loudoun.gov/electronics, or call the Loudoun County Department of Construction and Waste Management at (703) 777-0187.

October 15th
Internet Safety for Parents

On October 15th at 7pm, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office will hold an internet safety seminar for parents on how to protect their children from coming across sex offenders, pornography sites, and other inappropriate website. The event will take place at the Dulles Safety Center Town Office, South Village Neighborhood Watch on 25216 Loudoun Parkway in Chantilly.

More information about this event will be posted at when it becomes available at www.loudou.gov/sheriff.

Celebrate Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve Day on Sunday, Sept. 20th

Photo of Entrance: by Ron Circé

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is home to over 200 species spread across a 725+ acres of a vast rolling countryside including parts of Goose Creek, local forests, fields, and multiple streams & ponds.

Open Meadow Hosting * Monarch Butterfly - Danaus plexippus * Photo by Frank Good

On Sunday, September 20th, the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will host an Open House from 11am-3pm and include many family-friendly activities and interactive demonstrations of:

• Hay rides
• Guided archaeological tours & nature walks
  
• Bird-banding & monitoring
  
• Stream monitoring
• Live amphibians & reptiles
• Native vs. Invasive plants
• Rain Gardens
• and much, much more!

For a full list of activities, click here.

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve:
21085 The Woods Road

Leesburg, VA 20177

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes caroliniana

Photo by Bruce Dale

Inexpensive Home Furnishings for Sale!

Check out the Loudoun County Surplus Store online each week for home furnishings such as office equipment, laptops, a baby grand piano, and even cars! The current auction ends this Friday, September 18th.

No registration of bidding fees. To register for the online auction, click here.

For more information about the Loudoun County Surplus Store, click here.

Happy Bidding!

Lovely end unit towhouse for RENT in Winchester, Virginia

Fabulous end unit townhouse in the peaceful neighborhood of Windstone. Attractive features such as a spacious eat-in kitchen and a fully fenced yard with deck and storage shed. No worries, there is an abundant amount of parking for residents and guests. Unbeatable Location - only seconds from shopping malls and commuter roads Rt.7 & I-81!

Sorry, no pets or smokers.

You will never throw away fresh produce again!

Learn how to can your own food like the pros! Giant Foods and the Loudoun County Faith-Based Community organization will provide an Interactive Community Canning workshop to teach methods on how you can preserve your own fresh produce!

The event will be held at the Giant in Ashburn located in the Junction Plaza at the intersection of Claiborne & Ashburn Farm Pkwy from 10am-1pm on the following Saturdays:

• September 12 & 26
• October 3, 17, & 31
• November 14 & 28

The workshop costs a small fee of $10 per person to help pay for 2 glass jars, use of equipment, and an allotment of high quality produce, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Loudoun Interfaith Relief.

Register online at www.GiantFood.com/Ashburn or by calling (703) 470-7790.

Exciting up-coming events around town!

Looking for some last-minute summer fun? Here are some nearby events going on this September - there are events for all ages to enjoy!

September 8-17:

• Billy Crystal ~ The National Theatre ~ 8pm

September 11 & 12:

• Spirit of America ~ The Patriot Center ~ 7:30pm

September 12:

• Jamie Foxx ~ Merriweather Post Pavilion ~ 7pm
• Toby Keith & Trace Adkins ~ Nissan Pavilion ~ 7:30pm
• 2009 Wine, Women, and Song with a Jazz Twist ~ Strathmore ~ 6:30pm
• Opera in the Outfield: Simulcast of National Opera's The Barber of Seville ~ Nationals Park ~ 7pm

September 12-20:

• Washington National Opera: The Barber of Seville ~ Kennedy Center ~ Show times vary

September 14:

• 2009 Metro Dance Awards ~ Kennedy Center ~ 6pm

September 19:

• Alan Jackson ~ Merriweather Post Pavilion ~ 7:30pm

September 25:

• Snow Patrol ~ Constitutional Hall ~ 8pm

September 26:

• National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball Concert ~ Kennedy Center ~ 7pm

September 28

• P!NK ~ Patriot Center ~ 9pm

Septmeber 29:

• Lady GaGa ~ Constitution Hall ~ 8pm
• U2 ~ FedEx Field ~ 7pm

September 29-30:

• Australian Chamber Orchestra ~ Kennedy Center ~ 7:30pm
  

For more information on above listed events, click here.

Get a $35 one-hour massage that benefits breast cancer!

Receive a $35 one-hour massage from Massage Envy in Sterling, Virginia on September 15th and $10 will be donated towards Susan G. Komen to support breast cancer research.

Spaces are limited, so make your appointment today!
(703) 230-3689

Help Massage Envy of Sterling reach it's goal to raise more than $15,000 and the countrywide goal to raise more than $800,000. A little can go along way, call (703) 230-3689 to make a donation.

Thanks for your support!

For more information on Susan G. Komen for the Cure, click here.