Some Virginia commuter towns are worth the train ride, say Realtors, especially when you move a little further away to take advantage of land values.

Dale City

"If you are looking for a home with a little land, Dale City may be right for you," says Realtor Phil Brown. "Dale City is located south of Washington off Route 95. Most of these houses are a little older but still have a good resale value. A great many Dale City homes are not in a homeowners association. Dale City is very close to Potomac Mills mall, Potomac Hospital, and Route 95. Prices have started to level out in many areas of Northern VA. With children going back to school soon many of the buyers have left the market until next summer.

Brown advises, "Presentation and price are very important when there are fewer buyers. Don't price your home high feeling you can lower it later. Later you may not get any offers at all."

Agrees Realtor Diane Varni, "Prices are dropping - not much but this is slowing the market and allowing buyers more choices. Older homes are seeing the longer time on market - this is also true for the higher price ranges. Laid out alphabetically, Dale City starts with Ashdale near I-95 with single family homes and townhomes around 30 years old. At the other end Queensdale is an upscale development with homes over $260,000. As there is no homeowners association, condition has more to do with pricing than normal. Few homes are under $150,000. Princedale and Ridgedale are $170,00 -250,000. For many years Hylton, the predominant builder, used the same floor plans so many homes are shown and priced according to model and age."

North Stafford

"North Stafford is growing quickly," says Brown. "North Stafford is convenient to Quantico Marine base and Washington D.C. via the Virginia Railway Express. Not quite as close in as some folks would like, but an excellent value. Areas further out from the I-95 corridor are slowing considerably. Homes convenient to I-95 and rapid transit are still a good investment. There is still a lot of disagreement in the Stafford market. Many sellers are going "For sale by owner," rather than listen to agents. Generally the FSBOs are asking more without an agent than the general market."

Lake Ridge

"Lake Ridge is beautiful residential area south of Washington," says Brown. "Lake Ridge is a small community south of Washington where prices are still reasonable. Lake Ridge is convenient to shopping, transportation, and entertainment. Generally speaking most of the homes in Lake Ridge are a little more luxurious. Homes with a water view are a little expensive. Although the market is starting to slow, there is no indication that this will last long. There are still too few homes available.

Cautions Brown, "A well-priced property will still sell quickly. Overpricing your property now can be a very expensive mistake, you may drive the best buyers away."

Fairfax Station

Realtor Fairfax Station, "Expansive homes and lots are still in demand in the Fairfax Station area of Fairfax County. It is still a sellers market, although things have slowed down from last years feverish pace, due mainly to more inventory on the market. However, the good ones are still going fast, with many homes selling within two weeks."

"Fairfax Station offers estate homes on one or more acres," explains Brown. "Fairfax Station is close to many scenic areas for those that love nature. In Faifax Station, it is possible to find areas comparable to Vienna and Mclean but at a much better value. Prices are starting to level out as buyers are getting priced out of the market. Exceptional properties can still demand top dollar. Patience and cooperation are necessary with the slower market. Open houses are becoming much more common."

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Published: October 9, 2002

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