FIRST AMERICAN REAL ESTATE Introduction to Northern Virginia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Virginia is a region steeped in American history. Virginia leads the way with its cutting edge industries, technology and progressive educational systems. As you look across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., your first stop is Arlington County. This is the home of such diverse attractions as the Pentagon, the Washington National Airport, and the Arlington National Cemetery (the former home of General Robert E. Lee prior to the Civil War and the resting place of such notables as President John F. Kennedy). The city of Alexandria, settled in the early days of our nation, is extremely rich in history. George Washington helped lay out the town lots; it was the boyhood home of General Robert E. Lee; and there are historic sites by the dozen. Bounded by the Potomac River, Alexandria was a port until the late 1880's. TRANSPORTATION Though 71 percent of those driving to work drive alone, the remaining 29 percent find simple access to public transportation and organized van/car pools. The Metro Rail system travels deep through Alexandria (Blue and Yellow Lines), Arlington, and Fairfax (Orange Line), with its outermost point at the Vienna Metro stop. In addition, Metro Bus access from numerous areas further west ease your commute with climate controlled buses taking you from your door step to the office. The most recent addition to this sophisticated transportation system is the new Commuter Rail with stops throughout south Fairfax and Alexandria, taking commuters straight into Union Station in Downtown Washington, D.C. And when it s time to travel domestically or abroad, Northern Virginia provides Fairfax County's Dulles International Airport and Arlington's National Airport. In addition, the National Airport is accessible by Metro Rail on the Blue or Yellow lines. Flights bound for Europe leave Dulles Airport on a daily basis, including British Airway's Supersonic Concord. EDUCATION Possibly the premiere amenity offered in Northern Virginia is its educational system. Whether your choice is public, private, or parochial; grade school, preparatory, or higher education, Northern Virginia fills your needs with programs from pre-school to doctoral. The colleges and universities located in our region include satellite campuses of major state facilities such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech.). Schools with full academic programs include George Mason University in Fairfax, Marymount University in Arlington, and the Northern Virginia Community College with five campuses throughout the area. LIFESTYLES So what to keeps Northern Virginia growing? It s not just all the things mentioned above - the way Northern Virginians learn and work - but also the way they play. Once the day ends, a wide array of leisure activities await you throughout Northern Virginia's 400-plus square miles. Cultural attractions include America's only national park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap National Park. George Mason University's Center for the Performing Arts also attracts popular musical and theatrical troupes. In addition, Northern Virginians are just a few minutes drive from the popular cultural nests in the nation's capital: The Kennedy Center, Ford's Theater and the Lincoln Museum, the Smithsonian Institution's 13 museums (including historical, natural, and cultural exhibits), the National Zoo and much, much more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For all your residential & Commercial Needs We do help you get financing. First Steps for First-Time Buyers Preliminary Footwork -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pages in this story: Preliminary Footwork Figuring Out What You Want What Can You Afford? Starting the House Hunt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In his 1990 book Washington Homes, author and real estate broker Jim Stacey claims that there are three stages for the first-time home buyer: contemplation, comparison, and commitment. He urges prospective buyers to get through the first stage on their own, with the help of friends and family members. The road between contemplation and being ready to commit to buying a house is arduous and emotional, and Stacey has learned that the best use of a broker's time and skills is to enter the fray after buyers have done some preliminary footwork. Tools for Renters Find an apartment fast Get renter's insurance Rent or buy calculator Part of this background work is figuring out whether you're ready to be a homeowner—financially, psychologically, and emotionally. First, make sure your credit record will appeal to a lender. If you have doubts, get a copy of your credit report in advance. (You can do this online for free at ConsumerInfo.com and other Web sites). If your credit history is less than shiny, you're probably better off renting while you buy down your debts and polish up your record. Next you'll need to decide on what you're looking for, what you'll settle for, and what you can afford in your area's market. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------