Loudoun County Spotlight: Dominion Station

Dominion Station is a quaint community comprised of 493 townhomes in Sterling, Virginia. Located north of West Church Road and bisected by Magnolia Road, this community is a prime location for commuters. Access Route 7, Route 28, and Route 267 in just minutes! Shopping is made easy with the Dulles 28 Retail Center just minutes away! The center includes Wegmans Supermarket, Target, Potbelly, and the list goes on!

Developed by Winchester Homes in 1992, this mature neighborhood also boasts some Pulte built units as well. The HOA fee is $103 monthly and includes fabulous amenities such as a pool, community center, tennis court, walking paths, and tot lots. Community events include a community yard sale, movie nights at the pool, a summer BBQ, and more! In addition, this development has a great website so one can have access to community happenings at their finger tips. Check it out – Dominion Station HOA.

Children who live in Dominion Station will attend one of these Loudoun County public schools: Sterling Elementary School, River Bend Middle School, and Potomac Falls High School. For more information on these schools, please visit: http://www.greatschools.org/

Does this community have everything on your list? Contact Ask Gina & Company today! We are the EXPERTS on Loudoun County Real Estate and can’t wait to show you why!

Water bill leaving you All Washed Up?!

Many Loudoun County residents recently got a shock when they opened their water bills and found that their amount due was much more than they had anticipated. If you don’t look carefully through the inserts in your water bill, or if you don’t attend your HOA meetings, then you probably missed the information detailing a new three-tiered billing system implemented by Loudoun Water. The first tier charges customers who use less than 25,000 gallons $1.77 per 1,000 gallons used. The second tier charges customers who use between 26,000 and 50,000 gallons $4.96 per 1000 gallons used. And the third tier charges those who use more than 50,000 gallons at the rate of $6.65 per 1000 gallons used.. The more you use, the higher the rate you will be charged. This is all part of “Water you Thinking,” Loudoun Water’s conservation program that was recently given a 2010 Public Information Award by the Virginia section of the American Water Works Association.

Looking to make some adjustments on the amount of water you use? Follow these tips on conserving water…By doing so you will be conserving your wallet as well!

Install water saving shower heads and faucet aerators - Low flow shower heads are easy to install and can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Fit all faucets with low flow aerators which is the single best conservation method and one of the cheapest things you can do to save water.

Turn the water off when brushing teeth - This is an easy one. There is no need to keep the water running while you are brushing and you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Don’t water the gutter - Make sure automatic sprinklers are well adjusted so that you are watering your lawn and not your driveway or paved areas!

Water during early morning hours - Early watering reduces loss to evaporation and is also the best defense against slugs and other garden pests.

Don’t run the hose while washing your car - Use a bucket filled with water and soap to clean the car and only use the hose to rinse it off.

Want more tips on conserving water? Check our eartheasy - a website dedicated to solutions for sustainable living.

Don’t want to take a bath in the real estate market? Contact Ask Gina & Company! We are the EXPERTS on Loudoun County Real Estate and can help you sell your home fast for top dollar!

October is Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month and it serves as an important reminder to take certain precautions to protect our families, friends, and our biggest financial investment – our homes. Below are some tips to ensure your safety and well being of those you love.

Purchase a Fire Extinguisher – For a small fire, having an extinguisher on hand may be the difference between a broken toaster and complete devastation. Extinguishers can be purchased at your local home improvement store and should be stored where you can easily access it in case of an emergency. Remember to learn how to use it BEFORE you need it!

Check your Smoke Detectors – Fire Departments suggest that you install smoke detectors in all hallways and bedrooms in your home. Make sure you replace batteries twice a year and that your equipment is in good working order. While you are at it, check your Carbon Monoxide detectors as well.

Have an Escape Plan – It is important to have a plan on how to get out of your home in the event of a fire. It is also imperative that all members of your family know this plan and can implement it. Your plan should include: having TWO ways of escape, assigning one person to help others get out, designating someone to call 911, and having a meeting destination once you have exited the home so you can make sure all are accounted for.

Once you are out, STAY OUT - Do not go back in the house for pets or valuables. Pets may often hide or escape on their own and things can be replaced. Let the firemen do the job they have been trained to do.

For additional information on fire safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Association

Have a burning desire for home ownership? Contact Ask Gina & Company today! We are the EXPERTS on Loudoun County Real Estate!

Loudoun County Spotlight: Rivercrest

Rivercrest, also known as South Bank, is one of the areas most sought after communities in Sterling, Virginia. Located just across the Fairfax County line, this is the perfect location for any commuter. Access to Route 7, 28, and Fairfax County Parkway is a cinch and the Dulles International Airport is just minutes away making traveling a breeze!

Bordered by Algonkian Park, Trump National Golf Club, Lowes Island, and Algonkian Parkway, the neighborhood is surrounded by picturesque parkland and trees and is in close proximity to the beautiful Potomac River. Built between 1998 and 2001, this community has a floor plan to suit every need! Single family homes range from 2400sqft to upwards of 4400sqft or more if you include a finished basement and are constructed by some of the area’s best builders including: Winchester Homes, MI Homes, Engle Homes, KHovnanian Homes, NVHomes, and Carr Homes. First time home buyers might prefer the 2 level townhomes in the neighborhood instead.

The HOA fee is $88 monthly and includes many amenities such as picnic areas, in-ground pool with separate wading pool for children, four tot lots, and endless walking trails. Community events include a community yard sale, Easter egg hunt, July 4th parade, Halloween haunted path, snowman contest, and more!

Children who live in this fabulous community will attend one of these Loudoun County public schools: Horizon Elementary School, Seneca Ridge Middle School, and Dominion High School. For more information on these schools, please visit: http://www.greatschools.org/

So if you are looking for a great community feel with the convenience of an easy commute consider making Rivercrest your next home!

Interested in buying or selling in this outstanding community? Contact Ask Gina & Company today! We are the EXPERTS on Rivercrest and Loudoun County Real Estate.

Loudoun County’s Middleburg Wins Award

If you have never been to Middleburg you are really missing out on one of Loudoun County’s most beautiful and historic places. Surrounded by fine dining, fabulous little shops, and 18th & 19th century architecture, this little town is big on character. And now it is official. The American Planning Association has recently named Washington Street in Middleburg as one of the Top 10 Great Streets in America! This distinction was given for Middleburg’s “historic character and sense of place, which epitomizes the local equine and hunting culture of the Virginia Piedmont Region.” Selected out of approximately 180 nominations, Washington Street really shines as a great example of what Loudoun County is all about!

Way to go Middleburg! For more information, please visit: http://www.planning.org/greatplaces/

Interested in making Loudoun County your home? Contact Loudoun County Real Estate today and let the team of Ask Gina & Company guide you to your perfect street!

A Pink Carpet Affair for Hope

On October 23rd from 7pm-10pm Hairport LTD, along with Hooked Seafood, will be hosting "A Pink Carpet Affair" cocktail party & 7th Annual Fashion Show to benefit City of Hope - a group dedicated to research and treatments of cancers that affect women. Included in the event is a live & silent auction with jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, portrait packages, and wonderful services provided by local businesses up for grabs! Fashions will be provided by Rich Hippie and Parallel Wine Bistro will be on hand to serve red & white wines with $5/glass going directly toward the cause!

Ask Gina & Company is once again proud to support this annual event and to make a donation to such a fabulous cause!

So get there early for a wonderful evening of drinks, food, fun, and best of all - HOPE for a cure!

You're a Star, Loudoun County!

Our schools really shine here in Loudoun County! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently named 24 Loudoun County public schools with the Energy Star Award. The schools that earned this award use less energy than 75% of similar buildings in the United States. Six of the 24 schools have been honored in the past and they include: Meadowland, Forest Grove, Leesburg, Hutchinson Farm, and Lovettsville Elementary along with the Douglass Support Facility.

Did your school make the list? Check out the link to find out!: http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/509759161361/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=592770&C=98620

Just another way Loudoun County is working for you and your environment!

Want to make your home more competitive on the market? Visit Loudoun County Real Estate and Ask Gina & Company! We have the knowledge and experience to help you select the right improvements for a fast sale!

Flu Shots Announced in Loudoun County

There are many things to look forward to as we head into the cooler months: watching the kids dress up to collect candy, giving Thanks with our family and friends, and all the magic that the holiday season brings. But one thing we all dread…flu season! Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to break out the tissues and stock up on the Theraflu! Hoping to curtail some of the cases of flu this year, Inova Loudoun Hospital has announced their flu shot schedule of when and where you can obtain yours if you so choose:

Inova Loudoun Medical Campus: 224 Cornwell Street, Leesburg :

October 17 from 10am-8pm, October 30 from 5pm-10pm, November 1 from 12pm-7pm, November 18 from 2pm-10pm

Inova Loudoun Lansdowne Location: 44045 Riverside Parkway, Lansdowne:

October 11 from 2pm-10pm, October 20 from 1pm-9pm, October 23 from 5pm-10pm, November 1 from 2pm-7pm, November 13 from 10am-7pm, November 29 from 5pm-9pm, December 12 from 9am-1pm, January 3 from 2pm-7pm

In Purcellville, the hospital will give flu shots at the following places, dates and times:

Oct. 3, 12pm-4pm, Purcellville Fire/Rescue Safety Center on Hirst Road.

Oct. 11, 3pm-8pm, Purcellville Town Hall.

Oct. 14, 9am-12pm, Carver Center.

Oct. 28, 9am-12pm, Carver Center.

Nov. 8, 3pm-8pm, Purcellville Town Hall.

Nov. 11, 10 am-12pm, Carver Center.

All flu shots are $25 and cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted.

Ask Gina & Company wishes you a happy and HEALTHY season!

Ready to explore your housing options in Northern Virginia? Contact Loudoun County Real Estate today and let the team of Ask Gina & Company help you find your perfect place!

Navigating Virginia!

Don't you hate it when you are new to an area and don't know where anything is? Well, Virginia Tourism officials have you covered! There is now a new iPhone/iPad application, Virginia is for Lovers, that you can download for FREE at the iTunes app store! This app will give you access to information for over 12,000 attractions, restaurants, hotels, and special events right here in Virginia! Included is a "Near Me" feature which will allow you to find all attractions within a 15 mile radius. Every listing will also feature directions and maps, customer reviews of restaurants and hotels, and even let you make reservations directly through the phone or website!

So if you are new to Virginia check out the iTunes store and see why Virginia is for Lovers!

Thinking about moving to Northern Virginia? Visit Loudoun County Real Estate today and let Ask Gina & Company be your guide to your perfect home!

Operation Inventory in Loudoun County

It's a shame when something we worked hard for is stolen from us. Whether it be a car, an IPOD, or a child's bicycle it hurts both emotionally and financially. October is National Crime Prevention Month and in honor of that Loudoun County has implemented Operation Inventory - a prevention based program to help keep track of our prized possessions!

It's simple, really. Loudoun County has provided forms for citizens to download, fill out, and keep in case of a loss. Key information includes model numbers, serial numbers, and make/model information that can aid law enforcement in returning stolen property and even help in prosecuting the offender. In addition, this information is crucial in a search of the National Crime Information Center database. This database allows any law enforcement agency to determine if an item was stolen and from which location across the country!

So take a few moments to record this vital information and keep it in a safe place. You never know when it may come in handy and you just might save yourself a lot of heartache and hard earned cash! For more information and to download this form, please visit: http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=330&fmpath=/Operation%20Inventory. For an even more comprehensive, free software program please visit: http://www.whatyouown.org/.

Ask Gina & Company thanks our local law enforcement and wishes you a safe and happy year!

Ready to sell your home with someone you can TRUST? Contact Gina Tufano at Loudoun County Real Estate. Experience Counts!

Open Your Wallet, Open Your Heart!

We are hungry around Ask Gina & Company…we are hungry all the time! We even have a designated cabinet with snacks and goodies that we can reach for when our stomachs are getting grumpy. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner you can bet we are craving all the fixings: turkey, corn bread stuffing, cranberry sauce, hot apple pie, and more! But this time of year also reminds us about the less fortunate who can only dream about a meal so plentiful that you have to unbutton your jeans. Fortunately, there is a way for us to help! From now until December 18th, Wegmans grocery store, in both Sterling and Leesburg, is accepting donations for their Care about Hunger program. Simply tell the cash register attendant how much you would like to donate and they will add it to your bill. How much you give is up to you: $1, $2, $3, $5…or any amount you would like. Just think about what would happen if every customer donated just one dollar. 100% of your donation will benefit our local food bank: Loudoun Interfaith Relief! So open your wallet, open your heart!

Ask Gina & Company wishes all of their friends and neighbors a happy, and plentiful, fall season!

Looking for a home you can fall into? Visit Loudoun County Real Estate or call Gina Tufano, Jennifer Johnson, or Cathy Laakso today at 703-574-3487 or email info@ask-gina.com. We are here to help you turn that house into a home!

Fall Festivities in NOVA!

Ahhh…autumn is in the air! The weather is a bit cooler, the leaves are changing, and coffee shops are putting out their seasonal treats like pumpkin bread and cranberry muffins. Is all of this talk putting you in the mood for some harvest fun? Then you are in luck! NOVA has plenty of festivities for all ages! Take a look:

Pumpkinville – Located at the Leesburg Animal Park this place has just about everything - rope swings, hay mazes, giant hill slides, moon bounces, and more! While you are there you can enjoy fresh cider, all you can eat apples, and pick your own pumpkins! You can even take a hayride to feed the animals! Open now until Saturday, Nov 7th. For more information please visit: http://www.pumpkinfestleesburg.com/

Great Country Farms – Located on Foggy Bottom Road in Bluemont, VA the Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival is in its 17th year of operation and welcomes friends new and old! Enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday from 12PM-4PM, hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin pie, and more! In addition, the farm is now a collection site for small (beanie baby sized) new or gently used stuffed animals which will be distributed to US deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq by Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE)! Open now until October 31st. For more details please visit: http://greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/annual-events.html

Cox Farms – Located on Braddock Road in Centreville, VA this farm boasts a fabulous fall festival featuring live entertainment, giant slides, hayrides, a cornfield adventure, animals and their babies, and more! Local apples and fresh cider are featured for your tasting pleasure and don’t forget to take your free pumpkin with you when you leave! Open now until November 7th. For more information please visit: http://www.coxfarms.com/Default.aspx?p=10

Ask Gina & Company wishes you a wonderful harvest season!

Ready to list your home on the market? Visit Loudoun County Real Estate and let Ask Gina & Company show you how to harvest your own bounty this year!