Monday, October 31, 2011

Your Search is Over! Spectacular Sterling Townhome Available!

Your Search is Over! Spectacular Sterling Townhome Available!


Make this the sweetest Halloween ever without the toothache! This awesome townhome located at 46513 Lynnhaven Square, Sterling is all treats and no tricks, proudly offered at $339,900.

You'll love coming home to this superb brick front garage townhome in highly sought-after Cascades!

As you enter at the mid level you will be amazed with the fantastic light and bright living room which is accentuated by a stunning 3 sided fireplace. A beautiful column separates the formal dining room with grand tray ceiling. The large kitchen is located in the rear of the home and includes a center island and access to the huge deck which is perfect for entertaining.

Upstairs you will discover the gracious owner's suite with attached bath which boasts double sinks, large soaking tub, and separate shower. Two additional spacious bedrooms and a full bath with dual sinks round out the upper floor.

On the lower level is the super-sized rec room that includes a walk-out to the patio and magnificently landscaped rear yard. Bring your green thumb!

Neighborhood Information:

Cascades, situated on over 2,500 acres in gorgeous Loudoun County, is a beautiful community comprised of over 6,500 homes bordering the Potomac River.

Amenities are endless and include: five community centers, 15 tennis courts, 25 tot lots, a soccer field, bocce court, swimming pools, and much, much more! In addition, recreation is plentiful with Algonkian Park, Claude Moore Park, and Trump National Golf Club all within minutes of Cascades.

Commuting to work is simple with easy access to Route 7, Route 28, the Fairfax County Parkway, and the Dulles Greenway all close by.

Students who live in the Cascades may attend one of these Loudoun County Public Schools:

Algonkian Elementary School
River Bend Middle School
Potomac Falls High School

For more information on these schools, please visit: Great Schools.

WELCOME HOME!

Ready for your private tour? Contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Friday, October 28, 2011

Who Is Ask Gina & Company?

Who Is Ask Gina & Company?


Today the spotlight is on Jennifer Johnson, Ask Gina & Company’s buyer agent expert and authority on all things Loudoun County! Mentored by team lead Gina Tufano, Jennifer is a seasoned agent who works passionately for her clients in finding their dream home and has a what-ever it takes attitude to get the job done, and done well!

Jennifer shares in the team philosophy of contributing to the community in which she lives and works. Regularly participating in fundraisers and activities, she is always there with a smile and ready to lend a helping hand. When not working with others, Jennifer can be found in the gym or running through the neighborhood, so be sure to wave!

Jennifer lives in Sterling with her three beautiful children and spoiled dog, and is eagerly anticipating her upcoming marriage to Mr. David Warner. Congrats to the “Duke and Duchess of Sterling!”

Ready to work with Jennifer to find your perfect home? Contact the Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What Does Your Dream Home Look Like?

What Does Your Dream Home Look Like?

We all fantasize about what our dream home would look like and what features would be ideal. Even Baby D has his own priorities when it comes to the features he desires! For some, it’s a big backyard where family and friends can gather for cook-outs and entertainment. For others, it’s a small yard with little grass and less maintenance. In a recent article by Zillow, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) forecasts that the average American home will be a smaller, more downsized house than in the past. New home builders anticipate that by 2015, the average home size will be a modest 2,150sqft vs the 2,521sqft peak of 2007.

In addition, the NAHB anticipates we will see more spacious laundry rooms, master suite walk-in closets, porches, eat-in kitchens, two-car garages, and ceiling fans in the newer, smaller homes and that amenities such as mud rooms, formal dining rooms, media/hobby rooms, skylights, and homes with more than 4 bedrooms will decrease in popularity.

No matter what the trend of the future may be, it is imperative for you to decide what is most important for YOU. Don’t know where to start? No worries, Ask Gina & Company can guide you to the perfect home to suit your needs! Contact us, your Loudoun County Real Estate experts today, and let us unlock the possibilities©!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Monday, October 24, 2011

Opportunity Knocks with This Amazing New Listing!

Opportunity Knocks with This Amazing New Listing!


Why buy a townhouse when you can own this fabulous single family home for the same price?! Welcome home to 21731 Ladbroke Grove Court, Sterling.

From the moment you pull up, you will fall in love with the mature trees and covered porch. Inside you are welcomed by gleaming hardwoods throughout the first floor and a two story foyer tastefully decorated with neutral paint. Make way into the sun filled, spacious family room which boasts a fabulous 3 sided-fireplace! Next up is the wonderful dining area with chair rail, beautiful chandelier, and sliding glass doors leading you to the large deck! Back inside is the gorgeous kitchen with fantastic cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of counter space.

Upstairs you will be delighted to find a gracious owner's suite with attached bath that includes a double sink vanity and tiled separate shower. Two additional bedrooms and full bath complete the tour on the upper level.

When it's time to relax, make way outside to your stunning flagstone patio overlooking the great yard with storage shed!

What more could you ask for? Oh, how about an unfinished basement just waiting for your inspiration?!

Neighborhood Info:

Peace Plantation is a beautiful community, otherwise known as Cascades Park, and is comprised of approximately 500 single family homes and townhouses constructed by a variety of builders including, Centex Homes, Batal Builders, and Pulte Homes.

Amenities are abundant with a community pool, club house, walking trails, and tot lots! In addition, there is a community website, newsletter, and plenty of opportunities for socializing with your neighbors including an annual end of summer party, garden club, and more!

Shopping is also convenient with the Cascades Shopping Center and the Dulles Town Center Mall just minutes away! Looking for some entertainment and recreation? No worries! Claude Moore Park, Regal Cinemas, Cascades Library, and the Potomac River are all just around the corner!

What about your commute? It's a breeze with easy access to Route 7, Route 28, the Dulles Greenway, and the Fairfax County Parkway all as options!

Students who live in Peace Plantation may attend one of these Loudoun County Public Schools:

Sterling Elementary
River Bend Middle School
Potomac Falls High School

Ready for your tour? Contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Who is Ask Gina & Company?

Who is Ask Gina & Company?

Today we would like to introduce to you one of our buyer’s agents at Ask Gina & Company, Harry Yazbek. Harry is a Realtor extraordinaire and dazzles his clients with over 28 years experience in the real estate industry. In addition, Harry speaks 6 dialects of Arabic and is fluent in French, allowing him to service a diverse group of home buyers.


When not fulfilling the American Dream for others, Harry is sharing his vast knowledge with his peers teaching pre-licensing and continuing education classes.

In his down time, Harry likes to spend time reading, traveling domestically & abroad, and enjoying quality time with his family. (And here is a little secret about Harry...he likes to sing, so make sure you ask him to do a little number!)

Want to pick Harry’s brain on the home buying process? Contact us, your Loudoun County Real Estate experts, at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Rent vs. Lease: Which is Right for You?

Rent vs. Lease: Which is Right for You?

Although mortgage rates are at an all time low and inventory is plentiful, some potential buyers find themselves faced with a situation in which purchasing a home is not practical for the time being. For example, Northern Virginia is well known for being home to many government employees who are on short-term contracts for employment or will be sent overseas for an extended period of time. Typically, if you can not foresee living in your home for more than 5 years, renting or leasing may be the best option for your housing needs.

You may be asking yourself, “well, what it the difference between renting and a lease?” Below is a description on both:

Rent: This is a short term, temporary agreement between you and a landlord. Terms are pre-determined but may be flexible. Rent-to-own situations may be worked out in which the renter is given an option to purchase the home at a set price and some of the monthly payment goes towards the purchase price of the home.

Lease: This is a long term, contract between you and a landlord. Terms are pre-determined and are not flexible, giving both the lessee and lessor stability in the agreement. Rent-to-Own is similar to Lease-to-Own, however the significant difference is the former is an OPTION whereas the latter is an obligated contract.

As you can see, both options may be a wonderful way to home ownership in situations where credit may be a factor or you anticipate extension of a short-term employment contract. Which option is best for you will depend on your plans for the future and what you desire for your path to home ownership.

Would you like guidance on your Loudoun County Real Estate housing options? Contact the experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Monday, October 17, 2011

Awesome Ashburn Brick Front Colonial!

Awesome Ashburn Brick Front Colonial!


Come experience the Ashburn way of living in this beautiful, brink front colonial located at: 20362 Flushing Meadows Court, Ashburn and proudly offered at $499,900.

Just inside you are greeted with a fabulous two-story foyer in a warm, neutral color and lovely hardwood floors. The hardwood floors continue throughout the first floor including your new formal living room with gorgeous crown molding and the separate dining room which basks in natural light. Next you will find the spacious kitchen with granite counter tops, double ovens, and a center island with cook top! Sliders open out onto the enormous deck which is perfect for entertaining and the all important grill! Back inside you will fall in love with the cozy family room and gas fireplace with marble surround.

Upstairs is the over sized owner's bedroom which boasts vaulted ceilings and an en suite with dual vanities, large soaking tub, and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms with Berber carpet and a full bath give you the space you have been waiting for!

All of this plus a two bay garage with storage & new door openers AND an unfinished basement just waiting for your own personal stamp...imagine the possibilities!

Community Information:

The Courts and Ridges at Ashburn is a beautiful community comprised of 412 single family homes and townhouses situated on over 115 acres and is located in fabulous Ashburn, Virginia. Amenities are abundant including a 25 meter swimming pool, 4 tennis courts, 2 multi-purpose courts, 5 tot lots, walking paths, clubhouse, and over 1/3 of the acres dedicated for green space and recreational purposes!

Located in sought-after Loudoun County, the Courts and Ridges at Ashburn is a commuters dream with Route 7, Route 28, and the Dulles Greenway all just minutes away. Shopping is also convenient with Giant Food, Dog Gone Natural, Finnegans Irish Pub, and more just outside your door!

Looking for some recreation or entertainment? You don’t have to go far! Explore the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, relax at the Ashburn Library, or make your way to the Dulles Town Center for a little shopping. No matter where you go, you’ll love having everything just a stones throw away!

Students who live in the Courts and Ridges at Ashburn will be part of the award winning Loudoun County Public Schools system and may attend one of these schools:

Ashburn Elementary School (Courts Only)
Cedar Lane Elementary School (Ridges Only)
Farmwell Station Middle School (Courts and Ridges)
Broad Run High School (Courts and Ridges)

For more information on these schools, please visit: Great Schools, or to examine school boundaries for a specific address, please visit: http://inter1.loudoun.gov/lcps_label/finder.aspx

Ready to take your private tour? Contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Friday, October 14, 2011

Who Is Going for the Gold?!

Who Is Going for the Gold?!


We are! Tomorrow Ask Gina & Company’s very own Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson will be attending the International Gold Cup Races taking place in Warrenton, Virginia! With a weather forecast of sunny and a high of 68, it is sure to be the perfect day for the horses and spectators alike! It’s a triple crown: fans, fun, and fierce competition!

If you see us, please be sure to say hello. We love getting involved in the community in which we serve and always appreciate meeting our neighbors!

Ask Gina & Company is proud to support local events such as the International Gold Cup!

Ready to move to where the excitement is? Then contact the real estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Even “Baby D” Can’t Break a Sentrilock Box!

Even “Baby D” Can’t Break a Sentrilock Box!



Putting your home on the market and opening it to the public can be a little nerve wracking, but there is no need to worry when you hire an agent who uses a Sentrilock lock box!

There are 2 different kinds of lockboxes currently being used in Loudoun County and Fairfax County. Below you will see the important differences between the two:

Combination: The least expensive of the two, it is available in any home improvement store and not exclusive to Realtors. This lockbox is similar to a school locker or bicycle lock. It is typically opened and secured to your home with one code. This means that every time the box is opened to retrieve the key, it is also susceptible to being removed from the door. Because it is not an electronic device, the box is able to be opened 24 hours a day without the ability to turn off at night for security or during a time when the homeowner cannot be disturbed (migraine, sleeping infant, illness, etc). When this type of access is provided to agents, it cannot be tracked to determine who was in the house and when. Access is also available to anyone with the code and is not restricted to agents only.

Sentrilock: Sentrilock is an electronic box available only through Northern Virginia Board of Realtors. Sentrilock requires agents to use a key card to gain access to the property along with their personal pin number. This key expires daily and must be updated through a card reader in order to be used. Each time the key card is used to open a box, an email is generated to the listing agent letting them know the details of entry (time, agent, property, contact information). This increases both security for the homeowner and the ability to gather feedback from showings. Access to remove the key and remove the box are NOT the same, so the lock box can only be removed by the listing agent. Another feature of this lock box is that it does not allow access at night and allows the homeowner the ability to place a 90 minute Do Not Disturb on the box if their house is not able to be shown at that time.

We at Ask Gina & Company use the Sentrilock lock box exclusively as our clients’ security and convenience is our top priority! When selecting your listing agent of choice, it is important that you ask what kind of lock box they will use. Protect yourself and your investment!

Thinking about listing your home in the Loudoun County Real Estate market? Contact the experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA

Monday, October 10, 2011

Stunning Rivercrest 5 Bedroom Beauty!

Stunning Rivercrest 5 Bedroom Beauty!

Believe the hype! Discover what Rivercrest is all about with this spacious, brick front beauty located at 20414 Cliftons Point Street, Sterling!

Upon arrival you will immediately notice the well maintained exterior of this home. As you make your way inside, you will bask in the light filled entryway and be taken with the fantastic dining room accented with lovely shadow box detailing. A formal living room with crown molding and gleaming hardwood floors ushers you into a wonderful den with a fabulous bay window. Enter into the gorgeous family room with Palladion style windows, a gas fireplace, and soaring vaulted ceiling and instantly feel at home! Open to the family room is your new large kitchen which boasts 42" cabinets, a convenient center island with cooktop, and an eat-in nook...everything you need to showcase your chef skills! Don't feel like turning on the stove? Head on out to your enormous deck and BBQ to the cows come home!

Had your fill and just want to relax? Escape to your finished, walk-out basement complete with awesome wet bar and full bath. Your only limitation with this space is your imagination!

When you are ready to turn in for the night, retreat to the upper level where you will find your gigantic owner's suite with a magnificent tray ceiling and separate sitting nook! Three other generous bedrooms and two additional full baths conclude the tour of this marvelous home!

Community Details:

Rivercrest (also known as South Bank) is a small and close-knit development in eastern Loudoun County. It borders the Potomac River to the north, Lowes Island and Trump National Golf Course to the east, Sugarland Run Creek to the west, and Algonkian Parkway to the south. Surrounded by Algonkian Regional Park, this community gives an abundant amount of opportunities for wildlife viewing, jogging, dog walking, and a multitude of outdoor activities.

Conveniently located just across the Fairfax County line, this community has easy access to Route 7, Route 28 & Fairfax County Parkway. With the Dulles Town Center Mall and many shopping plazas just a few miles away, there are plenty of places to find everything you need.

These executive homes were built between 1998-2001 by many of the region's best builders such as Winchester Homes, M/I, NV Homes, Ryan, Engle Homes, K Hovnanian, and Carr. Community amenities include a pool, community swim team, multiple tot lots, endless walking paths, and open common areas perfect for outdoor play.

Ready for your private tour? Then contact your Rivercrest & Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company and let us unlock the possibilities!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Blue Ridge Middle School Awarded Environmental Designation

Blue Ridge Middle School Awarded Environmental Designation


Blue Ridge Middle School, located in beautiful Purcellville, Virginia, has once again been named a Virginia Naturally School by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality! Only 47 schools have been selected for this honor and this is Blue Ridge Middle School’s fifth time of achievement!

Students at Blue Ridge Middle School demonstrate their environmental awareness by place-based education and service-learning projects, such as placing tiles with the “Leave No Trace” principles at Bear’s Den located along the Appalachian Trail. How cool is that?!

Ask Gina & Company would like to congratulate all those involved in this wonderful program – Way to Go!

Thinking about moving into the Loudoun County Public Schools System? Then contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

SPECTACULAR Home in Sought-After Rivercrest!

SPECTACULAR Home in Sought-After Rivercrest!


Welcome Home to 47433 Middle Bluff Place in Rivercrest!

You will fall in love from the moment you enter the elegant entry way which is adorned with lovely crown molding and gleaming hardwood floors. On your left you will discover the beauty of the formal living room which is showered in tons of natural light from the bay window. On your right, you will find the sophisticated formal dining room with more opulent crown molding. Just off the dining room is the heart of any home - the kitchen! This kitchen is a true cooks dream with lots of cabinet space, a center island, and the all important stainless steel appliances! A great morning room provides plenty of space for those less formal meals or for just enjoying a cup of coffee. Once you have had your fill, make way to your two story family room with a wonderful fireplace for those cold winter nights!

When it's time for a little shut-eye, find comfort in your new fabulous owner's suite! The bedroom is spacious and highlighted by a magnificent tray ceiling. The owner's bath is just as decadent with fine cherry cabinets, an over sized soaking tub, and large separate shower. Four additional bedrooms and two full baths provide you the luxury of SPACE!

What about entertaining? Oh, this home has you COVERED! Enjoy the big game in your finished rec room, BBQ on your HUGE deck, or just relax on the awesome patio...take your pick!

What about the neighborhood? It’s marvelous!

Rivercrest (also known as South Bank) is a small and close-knit development in eastern Loudoun County. It borders the Potomac River to the north, Lowes Island and Trump National Golf Course to the east, Sugarland Run Creek to the west, and Algonkian Parkway to the south. Surrounded by Algonkian Regional Park, this community gives an abundant amount of opportunities for wildlife viewing, jogging, dog walking, and a multitude of outdoor activities.

Conveniently located just across the Fairfax County line, this community has easy access to Route 7, Route 28 & Fairfax County Parkway. With Dulles Town Center Mall and many shopping plazas just a few miles away, there are plenty of places to find everything you need.

These executive homes were built between 1998-2001 by many of the region's best builders such as Winchester Homes, M/I, NV Homes, Ryan, Engle Homes, K Hovnanian, and Carr. Community amenities include a pool, community swim team, multiple tot lots, endless walking paths, and open common areas perfect for outdoor play.

Ready for a close up? Contact the Loudoun County Real Estate experts, and your Rivercrest neighbors,at Ask Gina & Company today for your private tour of this beautiful home!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Loudoun County Employee? There’s a Grant for That!

Loudoun County Employee? There’s a Grant for That!


Have you been dreaming about buying a home in the county for which you work? Then we have some great news for you! Loudoun County has a Public Employee Home Ownership Grant program for income-eligible workers of the Loudoun County Government and the Loudoun County Public Schools System!

Grants are offered in amounts of $5,000 for any home located within Loudoun County, $15,000 for purchasing a foreclosed, bank owned property in Loudoun County, and $25,000 for a home purchase in a designated area which is part of the county’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Low prices, great rates, and grant money...what are you waiting for? For more information on this program, please contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina Tufano with Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway, Ashburn, VA