Dulles Metrorail Making Progress

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No. It’s....the Dulles Metrorail! If you have been traveling near Tyson’s Corner lately in the evening you may have been struck by some mysterious bright lights illuminating the night sky. No worries! It is just progress! Crews are working around the clock to make commuting in Northern Virginia a lot easier!

There are several phases to such a mammoth undertaking and phase one “includes three miles each of outbound and inbound aerial track in the Tyson’s Corner area.” As you head into work you will notice huge cranes being operated by Rizzani de Eccher, a general contractor based out of Italy. Soon, bridges will be erected and in no time we will all be buzzing around Northern Virginia!

Want to know more about the construction process? Check out the: Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Ready to make some progress of your own in the real estate market? Contact the Loudoun County Real Estate experts today at Ask Gina & Company. We can light the way to your dream home!

New to Loudoun County? Welcome!

Are you new to, or thinking about making the move to, Loudoun County? Then let us be the first to WELCOME you to our wonderful slice of heaven! As the fastest growing county in Virginia, you can be assured you are making a FABULOUS choice! With terrific growth in the job sector, great proximity to Washington D.C., and some of the best schools in the country, Loudoun County has it all!

To make your move a little easier, the Loudoun County government website has wonderful resources for you to take advantage of and they can be found here: Useful links for new residents. In addition, you can have a package of information mailed directly to your home by emailing your name and mailing address to: pio@loudoun.gov

As you navigate your way through Loudoun County, feel free to contact the Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company for all of your real estate needs! We have been servicing Loudoun County since 1996 and can help you carve out your piece of the pie!

Cascades Library Storytimes

Starting to get a little cabin fever this winter? Then head on out to Cascades Library for some fun! Below you will find the schedule for age appropriate readings:

Baby Story Time 0-18 months Tuesdays & Saturdays, 11:15am

Toddler Storytime 18 months-24 months Thursdays, 10:30am

Terrific Two’s Tuesdays, 10:30am

Musical Storytime 2 and up with caregiver Wednesdays, 11:15am

Family Time 2 and up with caregiver Tuesdays, 7pm, Saturdays, 10:30am, & Sundays 1:15pm

Preschool Story Time Wednesdays, 10:30am, Thursdays 11:15am

So bundle up and head on out for some fun at your local Cascades Library! Best of all – It’s FREE!

Ready to make the Cascades your home? Contact the Loudoun County Real Estate experts today at Ask Gina & Company! We call Potomac Falls home and would LOVE to have you as our neighbor!

Safety Tips for Winter Road Conditions

Baby, it’s cold outside! And when it’s cold, it often means snow! Although we may love the beautiful white stuff, we must remember to respect the power it has over our road conditions! The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe this winter season:

• Make sure you maintain a winter driving kit in your car in case of an emergency. Your kit should contain: bags of sand or salt, snow shovel, snow brush/ice scraper, flares or emergency lights, first aid kit, snack bars/water, blanket, etc.

• Keep your gas tank full. Once you reach the half way mark, fill up again.

• Carry a cell phone. Remember to keep it charged!

• If you must travel, make sure someone knows your route.

• ALWAYS wear your seat belt. It saves lives and it is the law!

• Clear all snow from your vehicle before attempting to drive. This includes your hood and roof!

• Pay special attention to bridges as they freeze first and can be hazardous.

• Do not pump your breaks. The best way to break it to “stomp and steer.”

For additional tips to keep you safe and sound on the road, please click here: Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office

Ask Gina & Company wishes you a wonderful, and SAFE, winter season!

Looking to heat things up in the real estate market? Then contact Ask Gina & Company today! We are the Loudoun County Real Estate experts and can help you get top dollar on the sale of your home!

Loudoun County Spotlight: Ashburn Farm

Ashburn Farm, located in popular Ashburn, Virginia, is a fantastic community nestled on over 1,300 acres, with 185 acres reserved for open space and recreational facilities. With 1,806 single family homes, 1,416 townhomes, and 460 condo’s, this neighborhood has something to offer everyone! Located in beautiful Loudoun County, Ashburn Farm commuters have easy access to Route 7, Route 28, and the Dulles Greenway Toll Road. Shopping is plentiful with several shopping centers including Ashburn Junction Plaza which hosts a Giant Supermarket, Domino’s Pizza, Ashburn Farm Veterinary Hospital, and Nagoya Japanese Steak & Seafood!

Developed in 1986 by Cavalier Land Development Corporation, The Farm was designed to blend in with nature, thus you will find magnificent mature trees and endless walking paths everywhere you look. In addition, abundant amenities such as 12 tennis courts, 3 outdoor swimming pools, 8 basketball courts, 2 soccer fields, 19 tot lots, 5 ponds stocked with fish, and more all add to the allure of this cozy community! HOA dues are quarterly and vary depending on what type of home you occupy. Residents also receive a quarterly newsletter and have access to an informative website which you can view here: Ashburn Farm HOA

Children who live in Ashburn Farm attend Loudoun County Public Schools including Sanders Corner Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, and Stone Bridge High School. For more information on these schools, please visit: http://www.greatschools.org/ or to examine the school boundaries for a specific address, please visit: http://inter1.loudoun.gov/lcps_label/finder.aspx

Ready to take the next step in making Ashburn Farm your home? Then contact Ask Gina & Company today and let our team show you why we are the EXPERTS in Loudoun County Real Estate!

“Ringing in Hope” this New Year’s Eve

Have big plans for New Year’s Eve but looking for something fun to do with the family during the day? Then come on out to the Brambleton Town Center plaza on December 31st for their “Ringing in Hope Walk, Run, and Fun” event benefiting several local charities including: Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Lifeline, Joshua’s Hands, Jill’s House, and La Voz of Loudoun ! Family fun festivities will begin at 1:30PM and include a silent auction, entertainment, giveaways, and more! The 10K and 3K race will begin at 3:30pm with the walk starting shortly thereafter.

Race day registration is available but you are encouraged to register early to guarantee your long sleeve t-shirt. To register or for more information on this event, please visit: Ringing in Hope.

So start your new year off with a little exercise, a little charity, and a lot of fun!

Thinking about calling Brambleton home? Then contact Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478. We are the Loudoun County Real Estate experts and can help you win the race of home ownership!

Protect Yourself with Tenants’ Renters Insurance

So you have found the rental you have been looking for: a convenient location, spacious layout, and even a fabulous fireplace to keep you cozy all winter long. In all of the excitement of finding that perfect place, you may have forgotten one important must-have: renters insurance!

The winter months are wonderful with all of the holiday traditions. But, it also brings about potential fire hazards that could destroy everything you have worked so hard for. With fireplaces, candles, and bedazzled trees, it is important to remember to protect yourself with a comprehensive, contents insurance plan in case of a disaster. You may say, “but I am very careful with candles and such,” but is your neighbor? Unless your lease specifically says it will cover your items in case of damage or destruction, it is imperative that you are covered with your own policy.

According to a recent article from RisMedia, obtaining renters insurance can cost as little as $10 to $20 a month, but is priceless when you account for how much your computer, television, furniture, appliances, and etc. cost you in the first place.

So take a few moments and make a list of all of your possessions and what they are worth. Then pick up the phone and make the smartest purchase you may ever make: renters insurance!
For more information on renters insurance, please contact Dulles Insurance.

Ready to ditch the rental and start building wealth for yourself? Then contact Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478! We are the Loudoun County Real Estate experts and can help you make a smooth transition from renter to home owner!

Loudoun County Spotlight: Cascades

Cascades is a lovely planned community on approximately 2,500 acres and offers over 6,500 homes including condos, townhomes, and single family homes. Located in beautiful Potomac Falls, Virginia, this neighborhood is situated just minutes from the Potomac River and Trump National Golf Club! Commuters will love the close proximity to Route 7, Route 28, Fairfax County Parkway, and Dulles Greenway Toll Road. Shopping is at arms length with the Great Falls Shopping Plaza offering everything from Bloom supermarket, restaurants like Carmine’s and Velocity Five, and even a quick breakfast at Dunkin Donuts!

This dynamic community has received several awards such as the “Finest for Family Living” bestowed in 1993 and 1994, and also the “Best Large Association” award obtained in 2002. With amazing amenities such as 4 community centers, 5 swimming pools, 13 tennis courts, 10 multipurpose courts, 25 tot lots, a boccie court and a soccer field, it is easy to see why this development is so sought-after! In addition, the mature trees and well maintained walking paths add to the allure and charm of this fantastic area! HOA fees vary depending on the type of home you own but range from $96.18 to $307.74 quarterly. The Cascades Community Association is responsible for the management of the HOA and has a great website for residents to access: http://cascadesva.com/

Children who live in Cascades attend Loudoun County Public Schools. For more information on these schools, please visit: http://www.greatschools.org/ or to examine the school boundaries for a specific address, please visit: http://inter1.loudoun.gov/lcps_label/finder.aspx

Is this the neighborhood for you? Then contact Ask Gina & Company today and let our team show you why we are the EXPERTS in Loudoun County Real Estate!

Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud

Tis’ the season when those convenient little pieces of plastic get used often thus opening us up to potential danger in terms of credit card fraud. But there are ways to protect ourselves and our financial health thanks to some tips from our local Loudoun County Sheriffs Office Financial Crimes Unit. Check them out:

•Make sure you sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
•Carry your credit cards separately from your wallet in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or a small pouch.
•Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
•Keep an eye on your card during a transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.
•Void incorrect receipts and destroy carbon copies.
•Save receipts to compare with billing statements.
•Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.
•Report any questionable charges immediately and in writing to the card issuer.
•Notify card companies in advance of any change of address.
•NEVER give out your credit card over the phone unless you are making the call to a company you know is reputable.
•If you have questions about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection office or the BBB.
•If you lose your card/change cards or realize that it has been lost or stolen, immediately report it to the insurer of the credit card. (By law, once you report the card lost or stolen, you have no more responsibility for unauthorized purchases except for a $50 charge.)

We encourage you to take a moment and follow these great tips in order to protect your accounts and avoid headaches and heartache this holiday season and all year long! Your credit card health is a critical part of your financial life!

Ready to invest in the perfect home? Contact Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478.We are the Loudoun County Real Estate experts!

Donations Needed this Holiday Season

The holidays are jam packed with all night long baking sessions, endless parties, and fast, furious shopping excursions. But for some, the holidays serve as a painful reminder of what once was and hardships. Thankfully, there is hope! The Loudoun County “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Community Holiday Coalition is collecting donations to help over 1,750 families in need this holiday season.

The program runs from Saturday, December 4th until Saturday, December 18th and donations can be given during this time. However, the Coalition hopes to have a substantial amount of donations by the December 4th start date so if possible, give early! Items that are desired include: new clothing for children of all ages, gifts for teens and adults, and gift cards to places such as Walmart, Target, etc. Cash donations are always welcome and will be used by the volunteers to purchase gifts that are still in demand.

A Holiday Store is set up in rented space in Sterling and volunteers help the families who are in need shop the store and allow them to make their own gift selections. The Coalition encourages you to stop by with your donations and see all the magic in action!

So when you are on your next shopping trip, think about picking up a little extra something to help one of your Loudoun County neighbors in need. In this economic time of uncertainty, you never know who may need your help!

For more information on the program or where to take your donations, please visit: www.loudoun.gov/holidaycoalition

Ask Gina & Company is proud to support our neighbors here in Loudoun County.

Loudoun County Spotlight: Cascades Park

Cascades Park is a small, quaint community located in beautiful Sterling, Virginia. With roughly 500 dwellings consisting of both single family and townhomes, this little gem of a neighborhood has something to offer every type of buyer! Located near Cascades Parkway and West Church Road, commuters have terrific options with the Dulles Toll Road just 3 miles away and Route 7 two miles away. Access to Route 28 and Route 267 is also convenient. It’s shopping galore with the Cascades Shopping Center and the Dulles Town Center minutes away! Restaurants are plentiful with The Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Famous Dave’s BBQ, and more all located within a stone’s throw!

Developed in 1998 this wonderful community boasts several different builders including Pulte Homes, Ryan Homes, Centex Homes ,and Batal Builders. Abundant amenities such as a pool, playground, tennis courts and a clubhouse make living here fun! In addition, there are fantastic community events throughout the year including the annual community yard sale! The HOA is managed by Service First Management and Consulting (SFMC) and fees are $73.50 per month for the single family homes and $81.90 per month for those who live a townhome. In addition, Cascades Park has great resources for its residents such as a website and a newsletter. Take a look: http://cascadespark.com/bridge.asp?pagenumber=52165

Children who live in this neighborhood may attend one of these Loudoun County Public Schools: Sterling Elementary School, River Bend Middle School, or Potomac Falls High School. To find a school for a specific address, please search here: http://inter1.loudoun.gov/lcps_label/finder.aspx For more information on these schools, please visit: http://www.greatschools.org/

What are you waiting for? Contact Ask Gina & Company today at 703-574-3478. We are the EXPERTS on Loudoun County Real Estate and can’t wait to help you make that house a HOME!