Maryland and Virginia Real Estate and Homes Blog

LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR FALL 2010.

LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR FALL 2010.

IT’S TIME!  THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS UPON US and parents and students have many questions.   The helpful links below will help navigate the registration process. 

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL ABOUT SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS.  DISTRICTS CAN CHANGE.

• Registration Checklist for Parents, click here.

• For 2010-2011 enrollment in kindergarten, the student’s 5th birthday must be no later than September 30, 2005.  Click here for detailed explanation of Virginia state policy on kindergarten and First Grade enrollment. 

• Registration must occur in the school which serves the address of the student.  Individuals needing to know which attendance zone serves an address should contact the LCPS Planning Department at 571-252-1050, or use the Loudoun Attendance Boundary E-Listing (LABEL) feature found here.

• If you are moving from one Loudoun County school to another, simply take this Change of Address form and your new “proof of residency” (click here for accepted items) to the new school to register. The schools will coordinate transferring the student records.    

•  For Parents/Guardians Moving into Loudoun County:  A signed lease, signed deed, signed settlement papers, recent mortgage statement, or deed of trust showing occupancy prior to enrollment. If these documents do not exist to prove in-county residency, the parent/guardian may request to enroll as a tuition-paying student. For further information on tuition status, contact the Pupil Services Coordinator at 571-252-1200 or complete this form found here.

• To request special permission to attend a school outside the attendance zone, the parent/guardian must apply online or through the Department of Pupil Services at 571-272-1200.  ”Frequently Asked Questions” for special permission are available here.

FREDERICK COUNTY MARYLAND SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS AUGUST 23, 2010 - GET READY!

FREDERICK COUNTY MARYLAND SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS AUGUST 23, 2010 - GET READY! 

On Monday, August 23, Frederick County’s public schools will open their doors to more than 40,000 students.  Our best to the hard working Frederick County public school teachers and administrators who provide a highly ranked education system for students in Frederick County, MD.

To Register   To register a student, visit the office of the school your child will attend. If you are unsure which schools serve your neighborhood or childcare center, please see Attendance Areas.  FCPS Regulation 400-7 provides further information about enrolling a student, including a sample enrollment form. You may also contact the Student Services Office, 301-644-5238.

ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL GOALS
Elementary Schools in Frederick County, Grades kindergarten through Grade 5, serving children age 5 through 10. Offered in 15 schools now, all elementary schools will offer kindergarten classes by 2007-8. Instruction is the responsibility of the classroom teacher with help from specialty teachers in art, music, physical education, reading and special education.

Middle Schools are grades 6-8 and serve students age 10 through 14 years. Middle school is designed to transition children from challenging foundation to prepare them for future studies. Middle schools also provide support to help children move from more supportive classroom environments to more independent studies. The curriculum includes the foundation studies of language arts, social studies, science and math. Elective studies include foreign language, band, chorus, theatre and visual art.

High School serves students in grades 9 through 12. There are nine county high schools. Students are required to earn 25 credits to qualify for graduation as of 2004. Frederick County high schools are dedicated to providing students with an environment to grow intellectually, personally and socially. Students are prepared to enter the world of work and prepare for higher education.

LAKE MONTCLAIR OFFERS BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING AT MONTCLAIR IN DUMFRIES, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

LAKE MONTCLAIR OFFERS BOATING, FISHING, SWIMMING AT MONTCLAIR IN DUMFRIES, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

The lovely community of Montclair offers wonderful outdoor activities for community residents.  Lake Montclair below offers a variety of fishing adventures from the pier, from row boats and canoes and from the banks. 

Fish in Lake Montclair include Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, White Crappie, Catfish, other Sunfish. 

MONTCLAIR IN DUMFRIES VIRGINIA IS A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY WITH FABULOUS AMENITIES FOR HOME OWNERS including the popular Montclair Country Club and Lake Montclair.

HOMES DON’T SELL OFTEN IN MONTCLAIR.  MONCLAIR IS A VERY STABLE COMMUNITY OF LONG TIME HOME OWNERS.

Single Family Homes for sale in August, 2010.  Click the price below and enjoy the photos and details.

LETS TAKE A TOUR OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MONTCLAIR.  Homefinders.com will take you on a tour of the community and the amenities including the Country Club and Golf Course and Lake Montclair. 

Example of homes for sale in Montclair below.  Montclair is a beautiful community with mature trees that frame most homes, established landscaping.  Located conveniently off Route 243 near Route 95, the VRE and Route 1. 

GOLF COURSES IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA

There are many golf courses in Prince William County, Virginia, private, country club and public courses.  Below are just a few to help you find a course in a location that is convenient for you. 

BRISTOW, VIRGINIA 

Bristow Manor Golf Club, located at 11507 Valley View Drive in Bristow,VA, 30 minutes from the Capital beltway off Interstate 66 West and nearby historic Manassas.  Golf Shop please call 703-368-3558.

Broad Run Golf, & Practice Facility is located at: 10201 Golf Academy Drive, Bristow, VA, (just off Rt. 28, 1.5 miles South of the intersection of Rt. 28 and the Rt. 234 By-Pass.

WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA 

Old Hickory Golf Club,  Old Hickory Golf Club is located at 11921 Chanceford Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192.

Lake Ridge Golf Course,12350 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA  22192, 703-494-5564

GAINESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Robert Trent Jones Golf Club,  One Turtle Point Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155, Phone: 703.754.4050

MANASSAS, MANASSAS PARK, VIRGINIA

Manassas Hill Golf Club,   7800 Willow Pond Ct, Manassas, VA, 20111, Phone: 703-368-2028

Genarals Ridge Golf Club,  9701 Manassas Drive,  Manassas Park, VA 20111-2493,  (703) 335-0777

TRIANGLE, VIRGINIA

Forest Greens Golf Course,  4500 Poa Annua Lane  •  Triangle, VA 22172  •  703 221-0123

NOKESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Prince William Golf Course,  14631 Vint Hill Road  •  Nokesville, VA 20181  •  703 754-7111 

Courtesy, Lenn Harely, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

For a tour of homes in your location of choice in Prince William County, contact Homefinders.com.  We’ll arrange a wonderful tour and you can get to know the county, shopping, recreation, the real estate market and the hardest working Buyer’s Agents in the area. 

Homefinders.com will help you ENJOY THE HOME BUYING ADVENTURE!

Homes for sale in Prince William Countyin Catharpin, Dumfries, Haymarket, Gainesville, Manassas, Manassas Park, Bristow, Nokesville, Dale City, Woodbridge, Quantico, Triangle.  If you have questions about real estate in Prince William County, just call Lenn at 800-711-7988.  Ask about our New Home Buyers REBATE

HOME INSPECTIONS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION? WHAT IF THERE IS A DEFECT??

HOME INSPECTIONS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION ARE IMPORTANT, HOWEVER. . . . .

Jay Markanich an experienced home inspector in Northern Virginia, offers good advice for new home buyers.  Have your new home inspected by an experienced new home inspector.  Good advice, however, it is also important that new home buyers work with an experienced new home Buyers’ Agent.

NO HOME INSPECTION CONTINGENCY.  One critical matter that a buyer’s agent is likely to convey to a new home buyers is the fact that, new home contracts of sale are written by attorneys for the builder.  In that process, new home contracts are often silent on the matter of buyer’s home inspections.

It is important that the home buyer(s) understand that, unlike most resale contracts, in new construction, there is no HOME INSPECTION CONTINGENCY.   The financing bank may have code or other inspections throughout for draws of money by the builder, but the buyer, even if they have purchased and own the lot, usually has no contingency.   So, for these and other reasons, periodic inspections for the buyer are as important for new construction as well as resales. 

BUYING A NEW HOME IS NOT THE SAME AS BUYING A RESALE.  Home buyers with previous home buying experiences may have had seller corrected defects.  However, new construction is a different world since “operating condition” is not usually the basis for defects, it’s the actual construction of the property that may be defective. 

This is why I encourage new home buyers to have pre-scheduled inspections throughout the construction process.  Waiting until the home is completed could leave construction defects hidden behind drywall. 

WHOM DOES THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENT?  In my experience, after selling dozens of new homes, while building superintendents are often not overly friendly with home inspectors, the builders will take documented defects quite seriously.  Let the builder know in the contract phase that you will hire an outside inspector.  You just might get a better house.  In time and with experience, buyers’ agents learn builders in their area who are cooperative with home inspectors and those that are not.  It isn’t unusual for the builders’ representative, who represents the builder, to advise a buyer that “You don’t need to pay for a home inspection.  The county inspects the house throughout the building phase.”  While that is true, county code inspectors inspect for safety, not necessarily quality of construction.  We’ve had home inspection reports with several pages of construction deficiencies that were not noted by the county code inspectors. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.  Serving new home buyers in Loudoun County, Virginia.  Ask about the Homefinders.com new home buyers REBATE.

Of course an agent should attend and MANAGE the home inspection.  We are not mere agents for the buyer or the seller.  We represent them with a duty of fiduciary.  The home inspector is not a fiduciary.  We cannot protect our buyer or seller client in any inspection if we are not there.  An agent who does not attend the home inspection fails to manage the home inspection contingency to the CONTRACT OF SALE.

The home inspection process begins with a review of the “home inspection contingency” which is an addendum to and part of the Contract of Sale.  It’s important to review that contingency so that the buyer, seller and inspector understands the limits of the home inspection with respect to defects and maintenance.  

Items such as a gas furnace with a cracked furnace wall is a defect and should be written as a necessary repair to be done by the seller under the home inspection contingency.  However, unless a defect can be identified by the home inspector, the contingency does not cover “maintenance” and therefore, an inspector who writes “have unit serviced by licensed HVAC company” should explain to the buyer that making that note is for the buyer to perform regular maintenance on an annual basis.  Without the buyer’s agent at the inspection, buyers assume that whatever the inspector writes, must be done by the seller.  Nothing is farther from fact.  The seller doesn’t have to make any repairs.   The buyer may be able to void the contract, but there are nothing automatic about repairs pursuant to a home inspection.

If the agent for the seller or buyer does not attend the home inspection, there is no management of the contract and home inspection process.  The home inspector is not advised that the “maintenance” comment by the inspector refers to after settlement.  The buyer will think that, because the home inspector wrote it, the SELLER MUST HAVE THE UNIT SERVICED BY A LICENSED COMPANY.  

This is just one example of contract confusion that can be avoided if the agent is there to manage the inspection process. 

PROPERTY CONDITION STATEMENT.  The agent for he buyer will have the Contract of Sale of which the Property Condition Statement is a part.  If the home inspector finds a serious defect in the property, leaking roof, leaking foundation, poorly cooling air conditioning unit, etc., and the seller failed to disclose the defect in the Property Condition Statement, the agent for the buyer will be able to identify the discrepancy.  The home inspector cannot. 

The above is just one example of the importance of an agent attending, observing, and understanding the home inspection findings and how the home inspection process and contingency relates to the Contract of Sale. 

Agents do not perform home inspections but we manage the Contract of Sale of which the home inspection contingency is a pertinent part. 

That’s our job.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS GRANT FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS IN VIRGINIA

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS GRANT FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS IN VIRGINIA

ATTN:  FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.

NEED CASH TO HELP YOU BUY A HOME IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA?? 

WE CAN HELP. 

Homefinders.com works hard to locate money GRANTS and flexible mortgage loans for our Northern Virginia home buyers. 

The Income Qualification Limits below represent one of the programs that Homefinders.com Real Estate in Virginia have identified to help home buyers working with a Homefinders.com Network agent.   Homefinders.com will help you, a home buyer, maximize your ability to buy a home through the idendification of HOME BUYING LOANS and GRANTS and 100% FINANCING in many areas of Northern Virginia.

These Qualifying Loan Limits apply for First Time Home Buyers in the following counties.

Alexandria City * Arlington County * Clarke County * Fairfax County * Fairfax City * Falls Church City

Fauquier County  Fredericksburg City * Loudoun County * Manassas City * Manassas Park City

Prince William County * Spotsylvania County * Stafford County * Warren County

TO MAKE A TELEPHONE APPLICATION, CALL Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

TIME IS LIMITED.  THIS GRANT IS AWARDED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.  CALL TODAY.  We can help you determine your qualifying price range and preliminary loan and grant elegibility.

If you qualify by credit and income to buy a home in Northern Virginia, you may also qualify for a $7,500 GRANT.  Or, you many qualify for 100% financing in many areas. 

Homefinders.com works only with lenders who are skilled with all types of mortgage loans -

• VA Benefit Loans
• FHA Loans
• Conventional Loans
• USDA Loans
• VHDA Loan in Northern Virignia
• 203(k) Loans

Different loan limits apply for different loan types. 

SEARCH ACTIVE LISTINGS OF HOMES FOR SALE IN NORTHERN VIRIGNIA.  You can search for homes for sale in Northern Virginia on our buyer friendly Home Search site.  GO HERE!

Examples of Homes for Sale in Northern Virginia that are in the price range for GRANT qualification.

Contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

SUMMER CAMP IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA - YMCA DAY CAMPS and OVERNIGHT OUTDOOR CAMPS OFFER ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS DURING THE SUMMER BREAK. 

Welcomed by parents and students alike, the “Y” is there when needed to help fill the summer days with programs and activities to entertain, meet new friends in a safe and structured environment.  Sleep away camps offer outdoor activities enjoyed by shildren who love the outdoors.

VIRGINIA SUMMER DAY CAMPS
ALEXANDRIA CITY 

• YMCA Alexandria
  420 East Monroe Avenue
  Alexandria, VA  22301
  (703) 838-8085    

ARLINGTON CITY/COUNTY

• YMCA Arlington
  3422 North 13th Street
  Arlington, VA  22201
  (703) 525-5420  

FAIRFAX COUNTY

• YMCA Fairfax County Reston
  12196 Sunset Hill Road
  Reston, VA  20190
  (703) 742-8800  

LOUDOUN COUNTY

• YMCA Loudoun County
  12196 Sunset Hill Road
  Reston, VA 20190
  (703) 777-9622

SLEEP AWAY OVERNIGHT CAMPS IN VIRGINIA

Camp Cheerio Adventures

Mouth of Wilson, VA
http://www.campcheerio.org/adv/index.php
336-363-2604
Co-Ed Summer Resident Camp

Camp Kekoka

KIlmarnock, VA
http://peninsulaymca.org/kekoka.htm
804-435-0223
Co-Ed Summer Resident Camp

Camp Silver Beach

Jamesville, VA
http://www.campsilverbeach.org
877-231-2012
Co-Ed Summer Resident Camp

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

Homes for sale under $1,000,000 in Waterford, Virginia.

To tour homes in the lovely countryside of Waterford Virginia, contact Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

We can help.   We’ll help you find the best home in Loudoun County for your money.  That’s our job.  Since we don’t list properties for sale, our interest is your interes, the best house for the money.

				MLS#: LO7317262  Price: $875,000  Bedrooms: 3  Bathrooms: 3 full    Garage: Attached  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: NEAR WATERFORD  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: RE/MAX Leaders

				MLS#: LO7290578  Price: $874,900  Bedrooms: 5  Bathrooms: 4 full  1 half  Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: CARR  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Keller Williams Realty

				MLS#: LO7262401  Price: $868,900  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 4 full    Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: BISHOP  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Prudential Carruthers REALTORS

				MLS#: LO7278955  Price: $850,000  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 2 full  1 half  Garage: Attached, Detached, Front Loading Garage, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Armfield, Miller & Ripley Fine Properties LLC

				MLS#: LO7330452  Price: $735,000  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 3 full  1 half  Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD HEIGHTS  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: RE/MAX Real Estate Group

				MLS#: LO7282679  Price: $725,000  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 5 full    Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: STONEBROOK FARMS HAMLET  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: RE/MAX Select Properties

				MLS#: LO7318318  Price: $699,000  Bedrooms: 5  Bathrooms: 5 full    Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: OMALLEY  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: RE/MAX Allegiance

				MLS#: LO7322197  Price: $698,500  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 2 full  2 half  Garage: Detached  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

				MLS#: LO7119108  Price: $698,000  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 3 full  1 half  Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: CARR  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: RE/MAX Real Estate Group

				MLS#: LO7325740  Price: $695,000  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 3 full  1 half  Garage: N/A  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Armfield, Miller & Ripley Fine Properties LLC

				MLS#: LO7305929  Price: $625,000  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 3 full  1 half  Garage: Attached, Side Loading Garage  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: STONEBROOK FARMS HAMLET  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: ERA Elite Group, REALTORS

				MLS#: LO7256736  Price: $619,000  Bedrooms: 3  Bathrooms: 2 full  1 half  Garage: N/A  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Waterford Real Estate

				MLS#: LO7180356  Price: $589,000  Bedrooms: 3  Bathrooms: 1 full  1 half  Garage: N/A  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Waterford Real Estate

				MLS#: LO7320089  Price: $549,000  Bedrooms: 2  Bathrooms: 1 full    Garage: N/A  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: WATERFORD FARMS  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Devine Commercial Incorporated

				MLS#: LO7058429  Price: $479,900  Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 2 full  1 half  Garage: N/A  Zip Code: 20197  City, State: WATERFORD, VA  Community: COSTELLO & CARR TEES  Status: ACTIVE ?

		Listing Agency: Century 21 New Valley Realty