Markhams Grant Woodbridge VA Snow Pictures

Are you over the snow yet? Or are you waiting for more snow to come?

I know a lot of my teacher friends are waiting for more snow, on the other hand most parents could go without anymore snow days. How do you feel?

Here are some great snow pictures from the 2016 blizzard, in case you already forgot how beautiful it all looked. 

This home will be coming up for sale soon. It has one of the best views I have ever seen, with or without the snow. 

Imagine waking up to this view every morning having breakfast on the deck or on colder days enjoy breakfast at kitchen counter or dinning room with a view. 

2924 Stockholm Way 

Woodbridge VA 22191

 

CALL 571-446-0002 to schedule a private preview of this large 3 level townhouse with garage in Markhams Grant. 

 

Home Features:

• 3 Levels Townhouse 
• 3 Bedrooms 
• 2.Full Bathrooms 
• 2 Half Bathrooms 
• Walk-in Closet in Master Bedroom 
• All Bathrooms are fully upgraded 
• Master Bathroom is featuring a large spa shower
• Granite Counter Tops 
• Newer Appliances
• Hardwood Floors on Main and Upper Levels including Stairs
• Fully finished basement with Tile Floors 
• Large Private Brick Patio 
• Deck with the most amazing view 
• Fenced in Backyard 
• Recessed Lights 
• New Insulated steel garage door
• Storage Shelves in garage 
• Extremely well maintained home shows pride of ownership
• Great Community Amenities 
• Close to Shopping, Dining and I95
• Close to Quantico and Fort Belvoir 

 

Watch the sunrise from your new home in Markhams Grant and see all the way to the Potomac River. The home a one of a kind view and is situated to oversee Markhams Grant.

CALL 571-446-0002 to schedule a private preview of this large 3 level townhouse with garage in Markhams Grant.

 

2924 Stockholm Way 

Woodbridge VA 22191

 

Claudia S. Nelson 

Keller Williams Realty in Woodbridge VA 

 

www.ClaudiaSNelson.com

 

Woodbridge VA Things to do for Valentines Day

        Woodbridge VA Things to do for Valentines Day       

Have you already made plans for Valentines day? Well with all the snow and mostly everyone now being back to work and out and about this is a great time making plans for Valentines Day to surprise your special someone. 

There are lots of things to do in and around Woodbridge VA. Here are just a few ideas I compiled. This is not a complete list so please feel free to adding to it. 

Madigans Waterfront offers a great Valentines special. Chocolate Infused Wine Dinner with featured wines from Napa Valley. Check out the menu and how to make a reservation on their facebook page. Click here for details

Bistro L'Hermiage is always a great place to celebrate any special event. They do have a special Valentine's Menu. You can see their menu right here. I went to Bistro L'Hermitage for Christmas and it was delicious. Their food is always great. 

Movie & Dinner. There are some great romantic movies out just in time for Valentines Day. You can always take your sweetheart  to a movie at the AMC at Potomac Mills. You can go to dinner before or after the movie in any of the great restaurants at Potomac Mills. There is plenty to choose from. The Cheesecake Factory, Bahama Breeze, Matchbox, Olive Garden, Ornery, The Knife and so many more great places. 

Cook at Home You can always surprise your special someone by cooking a special Valentines Dinner at home. If cooking isn't your strong suit, you could always order. There are plenty of great restaurants that will deliver a special Valentines dinner right to your door. 

Spa Day  Enjoy a Spa Day at any of the great spas in Woodbridge VA. Get a couples massage, mani & pedicure or just get pampered. You will enjoy it You can gift is as a gift to your sweetheart or your can go there together.

Prince William Ice Center  By Valentines Day you might be over the snow and cold weather but if not then going to the ice rink to skate could be a great Valentines surprise for your special someone. 

Tim's Rivershore is always a great place to enjoy some good food and great company. With its romantic views to the Potomac this is a great Valentines venue to consider. 

Shopping Spree at Potomac Mills As if anyone would ever need a reason to go shopping. Valentines Day is a great day to taking your sweetheart on a shopping spree at Potomac Mills. Plenty of great stores which will guarantee that you find a great present for your Valentine. 

If you are looking to get a table at a restaurant for Valentines day you should check out this blog on how to reserve a table to celebrate Valentines day in Woodbridge VA. 

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day to take your sweetheart out to a nice restaurant. When looking for something special for Valentine’s Day this year, look for the convenience of no waiting and knowing you and your sweetheart have a table waiting for you.


For more tips from your Woodbridge, Virginia Real Estate Expert check out some of our other articles. Claudia S. Nelson Real Estate Team, we know Woodbridge and we know the Woodbridge Real Estate market.

Guess the Snow Amount and Photo Contest #WDBGsnow2016

GUESS THE SNOW Amount & Photo CONTEST 

Woodbridge, Virginia 2016

#WDBGsnow 2016 Guess the Snow Amount & Photo Contest

Use the hashtag #WDBGSnow2016 for snow amount and photos contest.  Post to to: https://www.facebook.com/events/770922419680054/
Person closest to the actual amount will win a $25 gift card to Madigan’s Waterfront in Occoquan, Virginia.  

Snow predictions contest winner will be determined, Sunday at 10 a.m.  You can only guess once but you are able to "edit" your guess up until 2 a.m. Sunday, January 23.

We will also be awarding 3 – $20 Madigan's gift cards for the best snow pictures. 

Photo contest winners will be determined on Monday, January 24 at Noon. There will be 3 winners.  Woodbridge VA Community will choose our favorite picture, Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant will choose a picture and a the picture submitted with the most Facebook “Likes” will be our 3 winners.

You must be a fan to Woodbridge VA Community & Madigan's Waterfront, so please make sure you "LIKE" our Facebook Fanpage. It is important for us to be able to contact the winner. With the new rules for Facebook messaging if you are not a Fan of the fanpage, you may not be able to see we are trying to contact you.

Good Luck!  

Make sure your submit your snow amounts and photo to:https://www.facebook.com/events/770922419680054/

Please "SHARE" this event with our Woodbridge VA Community

For complete list of rules or ways to win:  Click Here

WDBGSnow2016 Guess the Snow & Picture Contest Woodbridge VA

WDBGSnow2016 
Guess the Snow & Picture Contest

Brought to you by Claudia S. Nelson Real Estate Team 571-446-0002

in partnership with Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant

Make Sure You Use the Hashtag #WDBGSnow2016

Woodbridge, Virginia BLIZZARD WATCH remains in effect from Friday, January 22, 2016 through late Saturday night. Claudia S. Nelson Real Estate Team has partnered with Madigan's Waterfront to create a GUESS THE SNOW & Picture CONTEST for Woodbridge, Virginia.  Do you think you know how much snow Woodbridge will get this weekend?  Use the hashtag #WDBGSnow2016 and the person closest to the actual amount will win a $25 gift card to Madigan's Waterfront in Occoquan, Virginia.  We will also be awarding 3 - $20 gift cards for the best snow pictures. Once the snow starts falling be sure to post your pictures using the #WDBGSnow2016.  On Monday, January 25 Woodbridge VA Community will choose our favorite picture, Madigan's Waterfront will choose a picture and a the picture submitted with the most Facebook "Likes" will be our 3 winners.

How To Win # WDBGSnow2016:

WDBGSNOW2016 Guess The Snow 

$25 Gift Card to Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant

Closest Guess to Snow Accumulation for Woodbridge VA 

Best WDBGSnow2016 Picture

3 winners will receive a $20  Gift Card

Ways To Win

• One chosen by Woodbridge VA Community

• Once chosen by Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant

• Picture submitted with MOST Facebook "LIKES"

Contest Rules # WDBGSnow2016:

# WDBGSnow2016 Guess the Snow Contest Rules

• Submit your guess on the Woodbridge VA Community events page, 

• Along with your guess, make sure you include the hashtag (# WDBGSnow2016) so both Madigan's and Woodbridge VA Community can see all entries.

• All measurements must include inches and centimeters

• Guesses will be accepted up until Sunday, January 24 at 2 a.m.

• We will run a Google search of hashtag #WDBGSnow2016 to make sure we see all entries before the official measurement

• Winner will be announced Sunday, January 24 at 10 a.m. immediately following measurements

• Claudia S. Nelson will measure the snow on her deck of her Woodbridge VA home at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 24.

• Pictures will be posted on Wooodbridge VA Community

• Winner will be notified via Facebook messenger and posted on Facebook

• In the event there are multiple guesses of the exact measurement or closest, a drawing will be held.

• You must be a fan to Woodbridge VA Community & Madigan's Waterfront

• It is important for us to be able to contact the winner.  With the new rules for Facebook messaging if you are not a Fan of the fanpage, you may not be able to see we are trying to contact you.

# WDBGSnow2016 Picture Contest Rules

• Submit your snow pictures on the Woodbridge VA Community events page, 

• All pictures must include hashtag (# WDBGSnow2016) so both Woodbridge VA community and Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant can see all entries.

• Pictures must be in good taste

• We are looking for the best snow pictures.  Show us what the 2016 #WinterAwakens means to you, how you spent it, scenery, etc.

• 3- WINNERS will be chosen on Monday, January 25 at Noon

• We will run a Google search of hashtag #WDBGSnow2016 to make sure we see all entries before the official measurement

• One winner will be chosen by Woodbridge VA Community, Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant and the picture with the MOST FACEBOOK LIKE

• Winner will be notified via Facebook messenger and posted on Facebook

• You must be a fan to Woodbridge VA Community & Madigan's Waterfront

• It is important for us to be able to contact the winner.  With the new rules for Facebook messaging if you are not a Fan of the fanpage, you may not be able to see we are trying to contact you.

Special thanks to Cathy Madigan for her generous donation of the $20 gift cards.  When we approached her about the idea about the guess the snow accumulation idea, she found a way to make it even more fun!! 

Woodbridge VA - Baby it is cold outside!

Woodbridge VA - Baby it is cold outside!

I am dreaming of a vacation 

At the Beach!  

This morning I woke up with the urgent need to going back to a warmer place. Last month I went to the Dominican Republic for some much needed relaxation and sun. Today I am desperately looking to escape the dreaded 2016 blizzard and going to a warmer place. 

Don't get me wrong I love snow, I grew up in Switzerland and I loved going skiing. Having said that snow in and around Woodbridge VA and the greater Washington DC area is never fun. Traffic comes to a standstill and being on the road feels like a adventure in in itself. 

It is somewhat exhiting to wait for the snow and I somewhat look forward to shoveling snow, but I also know that I will be over it quickly! 

Several years back when I first moved to the Woodbridge VA area I was completly suprised to see how much panic a little bit of snow can cause and I didn't really understand why schools and goverments close for an inche of snow. Now having lived in this area for quite some time I get it. Don't put yourself at risk, stay home and be save. 

Here are some more pictures from my vacation. Hope you all are staying warm and can escape from this cold weather soon. I know one of my friends is enjoying drinks at a Caribian Tikki bar as we speak. I wish I could switch places with her. 

Scary fire in my Dale City Neighborhood

Scary fire in my Dale City Neighborhood

Yesterday night, I was already laying in bed about to fall asleep, I heard some strange noises. At first I thought my pets are running around in the house they pumped into something. When I heard it a third time I got up to check on my pets. When I got up I realized there is a lot of light outside. At fist I figured it must be the police or ambulance, once I put on my glasses I saw the above. A house in my neighborhood was engulfed in flames and was about to collapse. I saw a car from the fire department that blocked the street but I didn't see any actual fire truck, but they might have been hidden behind a house. Until I saw water actually flowing the home was almost burnt to the ground. Scary. 

I have to confess things like this easily freak me out. But imagine how scary it is it only took a couple of minutes for the house to burn to the ground. I saw the fire department run to different hydrants to get water. They had a ladder and at one point sprayed water from the top to contain the fire, to avoid having is spread to the neighbors. Both neighbors homes were a little impacted on the side. 

This morning this is what I woke up to:

The fire department and the Fire Marshals were on the scene all night long and this morning when I took my dog for a walk they were still there investigating the fire. I asked the Fire Marshal if everyone got out okay and he did say there were no fatalities only property damage. Thanks god. 

I truly feel for this family, they went to bed in their own house and this morning there is nothing left of their home. Very scary. 

When I saw how fast the fire destroyed this house my first thought of course was for the people that live in the home and my second thought was how can I make sure something like this doesn't happen to my house. 

I couldn't sleep most of the night and did some research on fire safety. 

The first thing I looked into are smoke detectors. Smoke detectors safe lives. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your house. I contacted my security company last night for a free consultation to see if they can  recommend improvements to smoke detectors in my house. 

I also read up on sprinkle systems inside my  home. Some newer homes are now built with sprinkler systems, which can avoid a disaster like you see in the above pictures. My house was built before builders added sprinkler systems and I am seriously considering adding a sprinkler system. Especially in the utility room as from my research it is not very expensive to adding a sprinkler in the utility room, not yet sure about the rest of the house, but trust me I will investigate. Based on some of my research sprinkler systems can be very effective of saving property and more important saving lives. 

Valentine's Day Restaurants in Woodbridge VA

Brought To You By Woodbridge Realtor,

Claudia S. Nelson Real Estate Team  571-446-0002

Valentine's Day is traditionally a day to take your sweetheart out to a nice restaurant. When looking for something special for Valentine's Day this year, look for the convenience of no waiting and knowing you and your sweetheart will have a table waiting for you.  

Claudia S. Nelson, your Woodbridge VA expert has found a way to take the stress out of finding the best Valentine's Day Restaurants in Woodbridge VA with the help of OpenTable.com.

OpenTable.com will help you find some of the Best Valentine's Day Restaurants in Woodbridge VA and nearby in Prince William County Virginia.  The best part is OpenTable.com also allows us to make reservations online! 

Make your reservations now, Valentine's Day is on a Sunday.
February 14, 2016

OpenTable.com is an online and downloadable app.  You can easily make reservations for Valentine's Day Restaurants in Woodbridge VA in less than 5 minutes!  They offer reservations to some of the best restaurants in Woodbridge and throughout Prince William County like:

• AKT Nourish 

• Bahama Breeze

• Birch Kitchen & Bar

• Bistro L'hermitage

• Blu 1681 Waterfront

• Carmello's

• The Knife

• Malone's of Manassas

• Not Your Average Joe's

• Uncle Julio's

 

In addition to OpenTable.com, several Woodbridge VA restaurants allow you to make reservations on their website.  Check out these great restaurants for for Valentine's Day 2016:

• Bonefish Grill  
• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
• Osprey's Landing Belmont Bay
• PF Changs Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center

 

Valentine's Day is traditionally a day to take your sweetheart out to a nice restaurant.  When looking for something special for Valentine's Day this year, look for the convenience of no waiting and knowing you and your sweetheart have a table waiting for you.   

 

For more tips from your Woodbridge, Virginia Real Estate Expert check out some of our other articles.  

 

Claudia S. Nelson Real Estate Team, we know Woodbridge and we know the Woodbridge Real Estate market.

 

 

 

 

 

                                               

5 Rules for Home Buying Success, by Claudia S. Nelson

There are very few purchases in life that carry the financial and psychological weight of buying a home.  Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing your home and your life after the kids have gone, it is important to understand the rules for success in the world of buying a home.

Making the wrong decision in buying a home can have devastating and long-lasting effects, while making a wise decision in home buying can greatly enhance the overall value of the investment.  It is necessary to learn all you can about the world of home buying and mortgages before setting out to purchase the home of your dreams. Get great information from Claudia S. Nelson local Woodbridge VA Real Estate Agent. Click here to have instant access to helpful information for home buyers.  

While there are plenty of websites designed to help first-time homeowners learn all they can, most financial experts say that there is no substitute for the good old one-on-one learning. Fortunately, most mortgage lenders, home inspectors and real estate agents will be able to provide this kind of one-on-one learning. Claudia S. Nelson offers a first time home buyer seminar coming up February 27 and one on one home buyer consultations with anyone looking to purchase a home. Call Claudia S. Nelson today at 571-446-0002 or sign up to receiving great informational emails for home buyers. 

When buying a home one of your most important first steps is choosing a Real Estate Agent but equally important is to getting pre-qualified by a lender.Most Real Estate Agents will be able to provide you with excellent referrals for a lender. I recommend Carol O'Connell. She is excellent and can help you with all your financing options. To apply go to her website. The application process is quick and easy. 

Buying a home can be an emotional process, nevertheless it is imperative to keep your emotions under control and not let them cloud your judgment.

There are five basic ground rules when it comes to buying a home and shopping smart, and they are:

Get your financing before you get your home

There are few things in life as disappointing as losing out on the home of your dreams due to not being able to secure funding.  While the desire to get out there are search for that great home is understandable, it is vital to line up the financing you will need before you start shopping for a home.

Getting the financing ahead of time has a number of important advantages, including knowing how much you can buy. Sellers will never accept an offer without a pre-qualification and in some cases they will not allow showings to buyers that are not pre-qualified. By knowing how much home you can afford before you shop you will avoid wasting your time looking at unaffordable properties. 

It is also important to take a good look at the various types of mortgage on the market before getting started in the home buying process.  These days, mortgages come in far more choices than the typical 15 or 30 year. You can get loans with Zero down payment and there are so many more options. For that reason, potential home buyers need to understand how each type of mortgage works, and to gauge which mortgage is the best choice for their needs.

Look at the community, not just the home

It is a good idea to look at the entire community, instead of focusing on a single home. This can be a particularly important thing to consider for those moving to a new metropolitan area, as these buyers will be unfamiliar with the local climate and lifestyle.  It is crucial to determine the areas of town that are most desirable, and to consider things like distance from work and local shopping opportunities. Check out my community information on my website. 

We have all heard that location is the key consideration when it comes to real estate, and that is certainly the case.  Buying a house in the wrong area can be a big mistake, and it is important to choose the location as well as the home.  Potential buyers can learn a great deal about the nature of the various neighborhoods simply by driving around town, as well as by talking to other residents.

Be fair with your first offer

Trying to lowball a seller on the first offer can backfire, especially if you really like the home and there is lots of competition, but also never pay too much. It is important to carefully evaluate the local market, and to compare the asking price of the home with what similar houses in the neighborhood have sold for. Your Real Estate Agent can always help you with this. 

Comparing the sales of comparable homes, what are known as "comps" in the industry, is one of the best ways to determine what is fair, and to make sure that you neither overpay or underbid on the property.

Always get a home inspection

Always investigate the home for any possible defects before making an offer.  Compared to the cost of the average home, the price of a quality home inspection is virtually negligible. Hence, get a good home inspection done before you buy. Once you are under contract we need to get a home inspector out within the time frame agreed upon in the contract. 

To find the best home inspector, it is a good idea to seek out word of mouth referrals as many of the best home inspectors rely on word of mouth advertising. I work with several great home inspectors and would be happy to refer you to these home inspectors. 

Do not alienate the sellers of the home

Many real estate deals have fallen apart due to the personal animosity of the buyer and the seller.  It is important to avoid alienating the seller of the home during the process, and to avoid nitpicking every little detail during the sale. 

Keeping the good will of the seller will help the transaction go smoothly, and it will provide the best environment for seller and buyer alike.

I tell all my buyers and sellers it is best to not communicate with the other party during the transaction. Despite my warnings not all buyers and sellers are listening to this. Having said that one of my sellers recently told me, we should have listened to you and not engaged with the buyers as it turned out to be nothing but a headache! In this case, it was just a headache in some cases it can seriously derail the deal.  

14255 Forge Court Woodbridge VA 22193 - Dale City Coming Soon

           14255 Forge Court Woodbridge VA 22193                

                                   Coming Soon                                       

           14255 Forge Court Woodbridge VA 22193                

                                   Coming Soon                                       

                      in Dale City Woodbridge VA                            

Featuring: 

• 3 Level Single Family Home 
• Quiet & Private Cul-de-Sac Location 
• Completely Remodeled 
• Updated Kitchen
• Granite Counter Tops 
• Backsplash 
• Tile Floors
• New Stainless Steel Appliances 
• Fireplace
• Updated Bathrooms 
• New Flooring 
• Newer Windows 
• Large Deck
• New Washer & Dryer 
• Concrete Drive Way
• Large Shed in Backyard 
• Large Fenced in Backyard
• Close to Shopping & Dining 
• And so much more

               CALL CLAUDIA S. NELSON           

                        571-446-0002                           

              www.ClaudiaSNelson.com              

Cardinal Grove Woodbridge VA, Cardinal Grove Community in Woodbridge VA,...

Cardinal Grove Woodbridge VA - Cardinal Grove Homes for Sale

                      Cardinal Grove Woodbridge VA                      

                          Cardinal Grove Homes for Sale                  

Model Home in Cardinal Grove Woodbridge VA

Cardinal  Grove Woodbridge VA is conveniently located off Cardinal Road, where Benita Fitzgerald Road intersects with Cardinal Road. Cardinal Grove is adjacent to Eagles Pointe and the two communities share a Club House and Pools.

Cardinal Grove is also within close proximity of Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center and Potomac Mills, close to I95 and multiple commuter options.

Cardinal Grove currenly has two home builders how are offering great floorplans and even better incentives. 

If you are looking for a brand new single family home in and around Woodbridge you defnitely have to check out Cardinal Grove in Woodbridge VA. 

    Homes for Sale in Cardinal Grove in Woodbridge VA    

Click the above link to find all homes for sale in Cardinal Grove in Woodbridge VA. Prices starting in the mid 400's, depening on floorplans and any upgrades you are choosing. With new construction you can customize a home to your liking and add all the features you would want to have in the home.

Call me today to set up a time to go house shopping.

Call me at 571-446-0002

I specialize in Homes for sale in and around Woodbridge VA. If you are looking for a brand new home or a resale home I can assist you. No matter what your Real Estate needs are make sure you consult with a Real Estate agent that is familiar with the area and can help you realize all your Real Estate Dreams.

Interest rates are still very low making this a great time consider purchasing your first home, your move up home or downsized home. Call me today at 571-446-0002 to set up a free consultation. 

If you are thinking about purchasing a home you can also sign up on my free information for home buyers. Simply sign up here

Woodbridge VA Condos – Should You Consider Purchasing One?

Woodbridge VA Condos and Woodbridge Condo Market

Condominiums tend fall into the love them or hate them category for local Woodbridge VA Home Buyers. There are many pros and cons for condos and and around Woodbridge VA. 

Woodbridge VA Condos 

Condos are all about communal living, which can be good or bad depending upon your personal views. This type of communal living doesn’t refer to the failed experiments of the sixties wherein hippies packed into a structure and shared everything. Instead, the modern Woodbridge VA condo communities are is all about sharing common spaces as well as rules, rules and more rules. 

Condominiums come in all shapes and forms. Condos can be found in a single high rise building or in an apartment complex type of layout in a planned community. There are many condo style townhouses in Woodbridge VA and also many of the stacked unit condos. 

Woodbridge VA Condos offer a maintainance free living and also there are Condo Communites in Woodbridge VA that offer a gated community. One of the few gated communities is Potomac Club in Woodbridge VA, accross the street from Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. There are many more great condo communities, there are also brand new condos being built in Woodbridge VA right now. 

Unlike a stand alone home, the property lines on a condominium are the walls of the structure. Essentially, you own everything inside the condominium as your individual property. Everything outside the condominium is owned jointly with the people who own the other units. These areas are known as common areas and are subject to group rules. Having said that because you esentially only own the inside everything on the outside will be taken care off by the association, hence your maintenance free living. Additionally your home owners insurance will be relatively low, as part of your condo fees will go towards master insurance policy. 

Most Woodbridge VA condos offer great amenities which are paid for by the condo fees. Also, with most condos some utilities are included in the condo fees. Most of the time water, sewer and of course trash pick up will be included in the condo fees.

When deciding whether a condominium is a good option for your next purchase, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of a condo purchase. Woodbridge VA has many great condo communities one of the most popular condo community in Woodbridge VA is Potomac Club accross the street from Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center. Purchasing a condo or going with a regular townhouse or single family home is a very personal decision. Some people absolutely want to buy a condo as they love the live style and other are against purchasing a condo. 

Also when considering a condo, you have to realize that condo financing is a bit different from financing a single family home or a townhouse. Check with a lender to see if you qualify to purchase a particular condo.