Art Kruschka - Fairfax Prince William Stafford County VA Real Estate Service

The chart below demonstrates clearly that October 2008 versus October 2007 price reduction percentages were greater in Prince William County than they were in Fairfax County.

Are there speculations as to why this occurred? Yes, and that is exactly what they are - speculations. However, we believe there is one indisputable reason.

• Home prices are normally lower in Prince William County than in Fairfax County
• So a huge number of sub-prime loans were made in Prince William County
• Home foreclosures, therefore, are higher in Prince William County
• Lenders have a greater number of homes to sell in Prince William County causing asking prices to be lower than areas with fewer foreclosures such as Fairfax County

As a result, many people in Prince William County who do not have to sell their home are not putting them on the market - the market of homes for sale is weighted towards foreclosed homes.

There are price reductions in both counties, but the opportunity to make a "good deal" may be greater in Prince William County at this point in time. That opportunity is viable only if living in Prince William County is practical for you. Are there attractive oppoortunities to purchase a home in Fairfax County? Yes and we have considerable experience finding them as well as we do in Prince William County

Additionally, the availability of VA and FHA financing makes Prince William an even greater opportunity for the military or civilian purchaser.

If you are planning a home purchase in either county and are concerned about the current market contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

My wife Karen and I have been proud residents of Lake Ridge for 26 years. Many of our Active Rain posts make reference to our involvement in our community.

In my case I have served the community in two important ways

YOUTH For 11 years I was involved with the Boy Scouts of America in Lake Ridge as our son worked his way from Cub Scout to Eagle Scout in 1992.

• He and I were with Troop 857 that meets on
• Monday evenings (7:15) at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Valleywood Drive.
• I served that troop as both Committee Chairman and Scoutmaster

COMMUNITY As a member of the Lake Ridge Rotary Club I supported such projects as

• Habitat For Humanity
• Potomac Hospital
• Prince William Youth Orchestra
• Didlake
• Woodbridge High School
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation

If you are planning a Lake Ridge home purchase we welcome the opportunity to meet and chat with you. Lake Ridge has all the attributes of an "American Hometown" as well as faciliting travel to both military and civilian work centers throughout the National Capital Area. In the meantime please use our

NO REGISTRATION HOME FINDER

and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Lorton Station is a 300 acre subdivision of 950 newer homes just South of Fort Belvoir. Detached homes and town homes are available and, yes,

• It is within 15 minutes of the entrance to Fort Belvoir.
• Additionally, it is only 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.
• The Lorton entrance to and exit from I-95 is just outside the community on Lorton Road.
• On those occasions when you need to go to the Pentagon the VRE Lorton Station is in the community. Take a Northbound train, change to the Metro Blue Line at King Street and go to the Pentagon Station.
• Commuters to DC will also want to use the VRE at Lorton

Kids attend Lorton Station Elementary and, depending on where you live, they will attend either South County Secondary or Hayfield Secondary.

Three shopping centers, Lorton Station Marketplace,Lorton Station Town Center and Gunston Plaza provide a full range of retail services and numerous excellent restaurants.

• Swimming? There are 2 community pools.
• The 100 acre Joseph Plaskett Park with both hiking and biking trails runs through Lorton Station.
• Lorton is also home to the Pohick Bay Regional Park with both boat launches, boat storage, camping, cabins and picnic grounds.
• Pohick Bay Public Course is within 15 minutes if you are not eligible to play Fort Belvoir
• Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Park are part of a 6,000 acre wetlands management area and is a major bird and wildlife sanctuary - hiking and biking areas are easily accessed.

Also see WAYNEWOOD, a large subdivision, 15 minutes to the north of Fort Belvoir with excellent amenities. Or go 15 minutes west to SARATOGA,

North South or West, there are excellent subdivisions within 15 minutes of Fort Belvoir.If you are planning a Northern Virginia please use our

NO REGISTRATION HOME FINDER

and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Lorton Station is a 300 acre subdivision of 950 newer homes just South of Fort Belvoir. Detached homes and town homes are available and, yes,

• It is within 15 minutes of the entrance to Fort Belvoir.
• Additionally, it is only 15 miles south of Washington, D.C.
• The Lorton entrance to and exit from I-95 is just outside the community on Lorton Road.
• On those occasions when you need to go to the Pentagon the VRE Lorton Station is in the community. Take a Northbound train, change to the Metro Blue Line at King Street and go to the Pentagon Station.
• Commuters to DC will also want to use the VRE at Lorton

Kids attend Lorton Station Elementary and, depending on where you live, they will attend either South County Secondary or Hayfield Secondary.

Three shopping centers, Lorton Station Marketplace,Lorton Station Town Center and Gunston Plaza provide a full range of retail services and numerous excellent restaurants.

• Swimming? There are 2 community pools.
• The 100 acre Joseph Plaskett Park with both hiking and biking trails runs through Lorton Station.
• Lorton is also home to the Pohick Bay Regional Park with both boat launches, boat storage, camping, cabins and picnic grounds.
• Pohick Bay Public Course is within 15 minutes if you are not eligible to play Fort Belvoir
• Mason Neck State Park and Mason Neck National Wildlife Park are part of a 6,000 acre wetlands management area and is a major bird and wildlife sanctuary - hiking and biking areas are easily accessed.

Also see WAYNEWOOD, a large subdivision, 15 minutes to the north of Fort Belvoir with excellent amenities. Or go 15 minutes west to SARATOGA,

North South or West, there are excellent subdivisions within 15 minutes of Fort Belvoir.If you are planning a Northern Virginia please use our

NO REGISTRATION HOME FINDER

and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

The Patriot, a section of our local Prince William County (Northern Virginia) newspaper had an article today advising that federal law has been changed to allow a military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem. This will apply to

• Active duty military personnel not in uniform
• Veterans

"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. James B; Peake said.

The same law allows veterans and active duty military personnel not in uniform to render a military-style salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.

We attended a Veteran's Day event last weekend and I noticed some older men in civilian clothes saluting during the national anthem - now I know why.

That means if a vet attends a military burial ceremony, they'll have the right to salute the folded flag as it is passed to the surviving spouse.