Is Your Garden Suffering from this HEAT?

As real estate agents we know just how important curb appeal is. When buyers are looking for their dream home, first impressions are everything! With temperatures being so extremely high in Loudoun County over the past few weeks we have seen beautiful green grass turn into dry tumble weeds and have watched lovely flowers wilt right before our eyes! How can you protect your investment? Don’t worry! Meadows Farms Nursery, local landscaping experts, has some tips on how to protect your plants and grass:

* Watering twice a week, but deeply, so that water seeps into the ground, is more beneficial than more frequent, shallow watering. For lawns, it is recommended to provide an inch of water each week. The simplest way to measure is to set out a coffee can, or similar container to capture water from the sprinkler. If you don't water your lawn during the summer it is likely that it will go dormant and turn brown, but it should green up with more regular rains and cooler temperatures in September. Plants are less forgiving. If showing signs of stress they could be within a day or two of dying, and must be watered immediately.

* If you are planting during the summer you should water every other day for the first couple weeks, then you should be able to back off to twice a week until temperatures cool off and soaking rains return.

* The most critical watering is the one immediately after planting, and then two days later. When planting be certain to apply two to three inches of mulch to help retain moisture. Water early in the day so that evaporation is minimized. Try to avoid watering in the evening to prevent black spot, powdery mildew, and other fungal diseases, but it's better to water in the evening than not at all.

For additional tips on how to maintain the health of your yard and garden, please visit: http://meadowsfarms.com/v.php?pg=487

Looking to sell your home for Top Dollar? Contact Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or info@ask-gina.com and let our expertise guide you in your home staging efforts!

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

I don’t know about you, but I often come across things in my garage and wonder “How in the world do I get rid of this?” Sometimes it’s a can of rust remover while other times it’s a pesticide I used in my garden. Typically I set the product back in my garage and forget about it until the next major clean sweep…and then the cycle continues! But, I have a solution for you! On Saturday, September 11th the Loudoun County Department of Construction & Waste Management will host a household hazardous waste collection from 8:30am until 2:30pm at the Harmony Middle School in Hamilton.

What is considered hazardous waste and what will they accept? Household batteries, furniture polishes, oil-based paints and stains, and fluorescent light bulbs are just a few of the items that you can dispose of. For a complete list, and for more information, please visit: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=3342

So clean out that garage or shed and dispose of your hazardous waste properly and safely!

Looking to buy or sell in Loudoun County? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson of Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com. We have the knowledge and experience to get the job done!

Tigerlily Foundation 2nd Annual Gala

The Tigerlily Foundation will hold its Second Annual Gala on September 29th, 2010 from 6PM-9PM at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington D.C. Eun Yang, News Anchor for NBC4, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies while Representative Donna Christensen and Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz will be Guests of Honor. The evening will include live entertainment, a live and silent auction, dinner, and so much more!

Come join in the Pink Masquerade theme, drink some signature cocktails, and help fight the good fight against breast cancer! For more information, please visit: http://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/

Ask Gina & Company is a proud sponsor of the Tigerlily Foundation and has donated two tickets to those who could not otherwise attend this spectacular event!

Your Donation is Needed

The Loudoun Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is in need of donations. Never heard of it? Then let us fill you in on a great resource here in Loudoun County! ReStore is a resale business which accepts donations of new or gently used building materials and home improvement items and then sells them to the public at 50%-90% below retail price. All proceeds benefit the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity mission of “providing adequate housing for all Loudoun citizens in need.”

What can you donate? Appliances, cabinets, countertops, tile, and plumbing fixtures just to name a few! For a complete list of items and for more information, please visit: http://www.loudounhabitat.org/restore-donate

So the next time you go to throw out that extra tile from your bathroom remodel or dispose of those kitchen cabinets you just took out, remember ReStore! Your donation is greatly appreciated and is tax deductable!

Ask Gina & Company is happy to support the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity and all of its endeavors!

Finished with your projects and now ready to list your home on the market? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com.

Pizza for a Cause!

MMM…PIZZA! Everyone loves it and now you can feel GREAT about eating it! Loudoun Habitat for Humanity invites you to come with an empty stomach to Chuck E. Cheese at the Dulles Town Center on Wednesday, September 1st from 3PM-9PM to help raise funds for their organization. The restaurant will donate 15% of all register sales generated from the purchases of food, merchandise, and tokens! Be sure to tell the staff you are a friend of Habitat for Humanity and pay at the designated register for your donation to count.

Bring the kids, the neighbors, and your friends to eat Chuck E. Cheese out of house and home so Habitat for Humanity can provide homes for others!

Ask Gina & Company is proud to support our local Loudoun Habitat for Humanity (and the consumption of pizza!)

Ready to find your dream home? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson at Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com. We love what we do and can’t wait to share it with you!

Have Your Eye on The Reserve at Stone Hill?

Then you better hurry! There are only 12 home sites left at this Camberley Homes community. With easy access to major highways and its close proximity to Dulles International Airport, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and Reston Town Center these sites are sure to go fast! If you are looking for a down home feel with walking trails with birdhouses and benches then you found your HOME!

Ready to take the next step? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson of Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com. We will be on your side through your new construction process!

Northrop Grumman Is Moving In!

Ready for some new neighbors who can provide more jobs and economic growth to our local area? Then say a big “WELCOME” to Northrop Grumman – the 2nd largest defense contractor in the WORLD! After much speculation and rumor, Northrup Grumman will be calling Falls Church home and is scheduled to move in next summer. Governor Bob McDonnell has commented that “Northrup’s move to Virginia will have a positive impact across our economy” and we look forward to that impact!

Secured the job and now looking for your home? Contact Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or info@ask-gina.com. We love where we live and can’t wait to share it with YOU!

Kermit says “it isn’t easy being green”…but in Loudoun County it is!

Paying your property taxes is never an enjoyable moment in life but Loudoun County has at least made it easier to do so by introducing “E-Billing.” This new system allows property owners to receive their bill electronically and is part of the Loudoun County’s Green Initiative. Not only will this new system reduce waste, but it will also ensure that the tax payers receive their bills in a timely fashion and will reduce the amount of money being spent on mailings.

To register, please visit www.loudoun.gov/ebill and complete the forms by August 15, 2010 to receive the second half of your property tax bill via email.

Just another way Loudoun County is working for you! If you would like to know more about the local real estate market here in Loudoun County, call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com

Go Ahead – Jump In!

Have you been waiting for the real estate climate to be “just right” when buying your next home? Well, jump in as the water is WARM! It has never been a better time to buy and here are some reasons why:

· Mortgage rates are at an all time low! What does this mean for you? Either a lower monthly mortgage or a bigger home for your family! With rates below 5%, it is a great time to be financing a home!

· Homes are in great condition! When the housing market was in a decline many home owners stayed put and invested in their home instead of selling for a loss. This means you shouldn’t have to tackle any pesky projects when you move into your home – they have already been done!

· Appraisal guidelines are now more in tune with the market. Fannie Mae adjusted the way they handle appraisals and adjusters now have more freedom to assess the true value of a home making the buying process more steam lined!

· Foreclosures are down and traditional sales can now flourish! With the dwindling supply of foreclosures, traditional sales can take place making the home buying process a breeze!

· Programs. There are still plenty of programs available to make homeownership within your reach!

Dipped your toe in the water and ready to take the plunge? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com for more information.

You’re So Smart Loudoun County!

Loudoun County High Schools are among the top 6% in the Nation according to the Challenge Index which was published in Newsweek! The Challenge is based on "how hard school staffs work to challenge students with advanced placement college-level courses and tests." The top 6% includes 1,623 schools…Where did YOUR school rank? See below!

Loudoun Valley #155
Broad Run #183
Dominion #198
Stone Bridge #206
Freedom #208
Briar Woods #215

Loudoun County #309

Potomac Falls #444

Heritage #605

Park View #753

We are so proud of our students and community! Way to go! For more information please visit: http://www.loudouni.com/education/2010-06-15/loudoun-high-schools-among-top-6-percent-nation

Looking to move into the Loudoun County School System? Contact Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or info@ask-gina.com. We are proud to live, work, and play in Loudoun County!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!

Loudoun County is! Last week our very own Washington Redskins kicked off their training camp at Redskins Park in Ashburn, VA. Fans lined up waiting to get a glimpse, or even an autograph, of their favorite players which now include new QB Donovan McNabb and Head Coach Mike Shanahan! Missed opening day? No worries – the ‘Skins hold approximately 15 open practices to the public and Fan Appreciation Day is slated for August 7th. Practices are free of charge and usually last from 1 ½ - 2 hours. Below is a current list of scheduled dates and times:

Aug. 2, 8:30 a.m

Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 5, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 7, 12 p.m.

Aug. 10, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 11, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 15, TBA

Aug. 16, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 18, 8:30 a.m.

Aug. 19, TBA

Come on out and show your support! Ready to tackle the real estate market? Contact Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson with Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com. We will show you how you can make your own TOUCHDOWN!