This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Working with Reston Association’s Design Review Board can be intimidating to new home owners, but the process is really very easy — and everyone at RA willing to help you through it. I shared the basic process of working with the DRB in January. This month, I’ll take you through submitting your design review application. All of the forms can be found on the RA website.

You are responsible for having your project reviewed and approved. RA’s staff and the DRB are more than willing to work with you and your contractor. In fact, many contractors that work in Reston are fantastic resources for navigating the design review process — and for designing improvements that the DRB will approve. Ultimately, though, you are responsible for ensuring your property complies with the Design Covenants and Guidelines.

One of the biggest reason an application gets rejected is because the homeowner hasn’t provided all of the required information. It may take a while to pull this information together, but it will save time in the long run. If you are confused about any of it, your RA Covenants Advisor is a great resource. Call RA (703-435-6530) to connect with your advisor.

What the application must include

As a reminder, if you are a member of Reston Association, you need to submit an application to the DRB if you want to make a change to the exterior of your home. If you’re renovating your kitchens or bathroom, you don’t need to go through this process. However, if it’s happening on the outside of your home, here is what the DRB wants to see (taken from the RA website):

1. A detailed written description of the proposed exterior modification or addition
2. Scale drawings
3. A site plan showing size and location of project
4. Photographs of the existing condition
5. A brochure, detail sheet, or catalog photo of materials
6. Estimated project completion date(s) (projects must be started within six (6) months of the date of approval and completed within eighteen (18) months of the date of approval)
7. The signatures of at least three different property owners adjacent to or within view of the applicant’s alteration or improvement.
8. In addition, if your property is located within a Cluster Association at least one of the signatures must be that of a Cluster Officer.  Please note, the neighbors’ acknowledgment is neither an approval nor disapproval of your application.
9. At the discretion of the DRB, applications that the DRB determines to have a wider impact on the community may be required to provide additional notice beyond the signatory requirements of this provision.

When you’re done collecting all of this information, you can drop your application off in person, fax it to 703-673-2040, email it to your Covenants Advisor as an attachment, or mail it to: Reston Association, Covenants Administration, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, VA 20191-3404

After RA receives your application, staff and/or members of the DRB may visit your property, and possibly photograph it, for reference.

That’s it for the application. To learn more about the entire application process, visit the RA website.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

When Andrea Abrams moved to Reston several years ago, she wanted a spacious condominium close to her work where she could become part of a vibrant community. She found the perfect spot in Chestnut Grove Condominiums, located off Wiehle Avenue.

“I love the fact that there are people here that have lived in the neighborhood since the beginning — that says a lot about our little enclave,” said Abrams.

She also loves the fact that it’s quiet and serene, and that it’s hidden in the trees (when they have leaves). But her absolute favorite thing about Chestnut Grove is that she’s steps away from the W&OD Trail — making running and biking easy.

Completed in 1972, Chestnut Grove Condominiums has  226 units ranging from one to four bedroom (although the majority have two bedrooms). Although it is a large complex, it does feel private being nestled in the woods. In fact, the complex backs up to Lake Fairfax Park.

Other features include designated parking, an on-site pool, and playground. It is about a half-mile from the future Wiehle-Reston East Metro stop, which will make commuting via Metro a breeze. It’s also close to Reston Town Center, Lake Anne Plaza, and all of the recreation facilities Reston has to offer.

If you are looking for a large, comfortable condo in a welcoming community, Chestnut Grove is worth a look.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

 Yes, I know it’s April Fools Day, but really this is no joke — spring is finally coming to Reston.

After the snowstorm we had last Tuesday, though, I was beginning to wonder. But the weather people say winter is over, and I choose to believe them. I feel so confident, that today I’m going to tell you all about the walking trails of Reston.

Reston Association maintains 55 miles of foot paths that cover every neighborhood in Reston, and they are wonderful. (And, just in case Mother Nature decides to grace us with more snow, RA does a fantastic job of plowing the paths so you can still use them.)

Fairfax County has an interactive map of all the paths so that you can plan your route before you head out. Wandering the RA paths is one of the best ways to get to know both North and South Reston. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite walks about town — but don’t stop with these.

• Town Center to Lake Anne, North Reston. This walk is just shy of 1.5 miles and winds through a few of North Reston’s original neighborhoods–Coleson Cluster and Hickory Cluster. It’s fun to have brunch at Town Center than wander down to Lake Anne to shop at the Farmers Market (starting in early May and going through November).
• Lake Thoreau Loop, South Reston. This loop is just over 2 miles and circles around charming Lake Thoreau (where I guarantee you’ll decide you want to live) and past the Reston Regional Golf Course. Begin and end your loop at South Lakes Village with a coffee or delicious lunch.
• Walker Nature Education Center and Glade, South Reston. There are many options for a walk from here. From the Center, follow the trailhead and see where it takes you! There is a short loop (probably a half- mile), or you can venture off on the RA path that follows Glade. Whatever you choose, you will feel like you are miles from civilization. It’s a wonderful place to recharge.
• North Point Loop, North Reston. This is a four-mile loop for those who want a little more exercise. This trail is great because it really gives you a sense of the North Point community. I recommend starting at Lake Newport pool. These trails take you through several charming neighborhoods, and you’ll notice an abundance of RA pools and tennis courts (in fact, if you do this in the summer, pop into one of the pools for a refreshing dip). After your brisk walk, cross the street over to North Point Village for coffee, ice cream, or a hearty lunch!
• Tall Oaks to Lake Fairfax Park, North Reston. I’m not entirely sure how long this walk is, but the park loop takes about a half hour — longer if you’re with a dog who needs to investigate all the great smells. Park at Tall Oaks Village Center, cross under the underpass and head toward the wooden bridge. When you hit a dirt trailhead, take a left and follow the trail into Lake Fairfax Park. You’ll cross a little creek and then the path opens to what is a large loop. Go left or right and just follow it around. It’s a gorgeous walk in the woods! Just be careful–mountain bikers train here. They’re very courteous, but they’re also usually going pretty fast!

The trails of Reston are, in my opinion, one of the greatest features of our community. You really can get anywhere you need or want to go on foot, and it’s always fun to discover a new trail and see where it takes you. I’m most often on the trails around Lake Anne — wave if you see me!

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Chatham Colony Cluster is the kind of neighborhood where neighbors get together to watch ball games and children wander freely in and out of each other homes. If you wanted one word to describe this townhouse community in the Lake Anne area of Reston it would be “friendly.”

This is a small cluster of about 45 homes, each of which has a wooded backyard. These colonial style townhomes have brick exteriors, shuttered windows, and two designated parking spaces. With three bedrooms and full basements, each home offers plenty of space for growing families and empty-nesters alike. And like most Reston homes built in the 1970s, each has beautiful hardwood floors and large windows.

This quiet neighborhood sits right of Moorings and North Shore Drive, just a five-minute walk to Lake Anne and a five-minute drive to the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. Although not on Lake Anne, the cluster offers easy access to the Reston Association pathway that circles Lake Anne, making walks around the picturesque lake easy.

Children attend Forest Edge Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School. The North Shore Pool is an easy walk across Lake Anne Plaza, and the sprinkler park is practically in the neighborhood’s backyard.

Click here to find listings in Chatham Colony Cluster and the Lake Anne area of Reston.

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

The Spring market has arrived in Reston with 125 active listings and 25 new listing in the past 7 days. The market continues to be very active with agents reporting strong Open House activity and multiple contracts for properties that have been well prepared and priced for the market.

It’s interesting to note that for as fast as the market has been moving there is none of the frenzied buying at any cost– the activity is all related to constrained inventory.

Here are a few of the new listings for this week.

2161 Cabots Point Lane– 3BR 3 Bath $660,000.00

11459 Washington Plaza W 4BR 2.5 Bath $579,000

1449 Newport Spring Court 3BR 2 Bath $460,000

1959 Belmont Ridge Court 2BR 2 Bath $335,000

Want to see more listings? Visit the Reston Real Estate website and see homes in Reston and all over Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Many of my clients are curious about the whole Reston Association Design Review Process. It is something they really want to understand before buying a home in Reston.

In a previous post, I talked about working with Reston Association’s Design Review Board. Today, the topic is appealing a DRB decision. And yes, you can do it.

How to Appeal a DRB Decision

To appeal a DRB decision, you must be either the applicant or a registered Affected Party. And the DRB will hear only one appeal of a decision.

To get your appeal heard, you must submit it to the DRB Secretary within 15 days after the notice of a decision has been mailed. If you’re filing the appeal as an Affected Party, it must submit it within seven days after notice of a decision has been mailed. All requests for appeals must be submitted in writing.

After that, the process is that the Secretary will schedule the appeal to the next available full Design Review Board. DRB decisions may be overturned on appeal for either or both of two reasons:

• If the original reviewer(s) misapplied specific guidelines or DRB-approved cluster standards.
• If there is new and/or additional design information that was not available to the original reviewer(s).

Typically, the appeal decision becomes the final decision.

For more information on the Design Review process, visit the Reston Association website.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Links Pond Cluster in South Reston feels like a little touch of country in the heart of Reston.

The 67-home neighborhood borders Reston National Golf Course, and features the pond for which the cluster is named. It’s a common sight in the summer to see people spending lazy days fishing in the pond. This cozy neighborhood feels remote, but is actually in the heart of all Reston has to offer.

Developed in 1974, the Links Pond community features three-level, four-bedroom brick-and-siding townhouses. Each home has one assigned parking space, with plenty of additional parking on South Lakes Drive.

This is a great community for young families. The schools — Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes, and South Lakes High School – are all close. With easy access to the Reston Association paths, it’s easy to get out for a run or walk. Links Pond is close to both South Lakes Village Center and Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center.

Residents also have easy access to the Toll Road and the Wiehle Metro station. As with every cluster that is part of Reston Association, Links Pond residents have access to the RA pools and tennis courts—nearby Glade pool with its waterslide is a favorite for kids!

Find listings for Links Pond and South Reston on my website.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Bet that title made you think of green buildings, green living, green space –or really any way you can live a more environmentally sustainable life in Reston. But it’s not. After all, it’s March! So I’m wondering how green you get on March 17.

Everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick’s day. Donning shamrocks and eating corned beef is fun! Reston provides plenty of opportunities for you to show the world just how green you are. And since March 17 is a Monday this year, there will be plenty of celebrating happening all weekend. Here is my run down of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s day in Reston, with a little something for everyone.

Lunasa at CenterStage

Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 P.M.
The CenterStage at Reston Community Center
$20-$40
Phone: 703-476-4500

What better way to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day than listening to one of the finest traditional Irish instrumental bands touring today? Lunasa is a funny, talented, and delightful group of Irishmen that has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Restonians for more than 20 years. If you’ve never seen or heard them, don’t miss this opportunity. These concerts usually sell out, so get your tickets now!

Clyde’s of Reston 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party
Saturday, March 15, 2014, 9:00 AM to 11:00 P.M.
Reston Town Center at 11905 Market Street
Phone: (703) 787-6601

Clyde’s will kick off St. Paddy’s day with delicious Irish fare beginning at 9—is anything better than Irish breakfast? You can also have a Guinness, listen to Irish music and enjoy Irish folk dancing. This is a family event, so there will plenty of children’s activities, including a moon bounce and face painting, all day long.

Potomac River Running’s Lucky Leprechaun 5K

Saturday, March 15, 2014 – 8:30 a.m.
Reston Town Center, 11911 Democracy Dr.

Before you hit the Clyde’s party, put on  your best Leprechaun gear and chase the rainbow in this fun 5k race that ends at Clyde’s. You may not catch the pot of gold, but you’ll certainly deserve the treats that await you at the end of the run.

Senior Social: St. Patrick’s Day Style

Thursday, March 13
Noon-2:30 p.m. Free.
Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road
Join the quarterly Reston Community Center and Reston Association social event to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—as if Reston seniors need a reason for a party. Spend the afternoon with friends while enjoying traditional Irish fare and beautiful Irish music and entertainment. Registration required. Contact [email protected] or call 703-435-6577 to register.

Washington, DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2014
March 16, Noon to 3:00 p.m.

Okay, so heading into DC for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade does mean leaving Reston. Trust me, it’s worth it. This parade is always fun and entertaining. Until our own metro station opens, you still need to head to Vienna or Falls Church, but this will be the last year for that! The parade goes along Constitution Avenue — 7th to 17th Streets NW. This two-and-a-half hour special event includes floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military, police, and fire departments. Look for fun stuff happening at the various Irish pubs in the neighborhood tool. This is a fun family day for those who didn’t get enough at Clyde’s.

Whatever you choose to do, have fun and be responsible! Happy St. Patrick’s day!

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

It seems the Spring market has arrived- new listings jumped last week as 30 new properties hit the market. Supply however is still tight as well priced properties are quickly going under contract. Current inventory is 107 properties for sale with a typical Reston price spread of $3,499,000 to $139,900.

Here are few of the new listings:

1378 CAMERON HEATH DR 5BR 4.5 Bath $1,189,000

12025 NEW DOMINION PKWY 2BR 2 Bath $995,700

2012 SWANS NECK WAY 4BR 3.5 Bath $639,900

11611 HUNTERS GREEN CT 4BR 2.5 Bath $510,000

2226 HUNTERS RUN DR #2226 2BR 2 Bath $285,000

1558 MOORINGS DR #2A 1BR 1 Bath $215,000 

For more listings, visit Reston Real Estate.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

The real estate market has been moving at a fast clip since the end of the holiday season. All indications are for a strong spring market and a solid 2014.

All good news — except where there’s money being made there are people out trying to make a quick buck at your expense. Given how much it cost to get into a property it’s easy to get fooled into spending a little extra cash.

Here’s how the scam works. When you go to settlement on a home purchase one of the things you’ll be told – one of among many is that you’ll receive a copy of your deed in the mail in the next four to eight weeks following settlement; and that’s exactly how it works. About eight weeks after you move into your new home you’ll receive a copy of your deed in the mail.

See the Scammer letter here

What the scammers are doing is mailing you a very official looking document that’s called a DEED PROCESSING NOTICE that asks you to pay $83  in order to get a copy of your deed. If you read the document carefully it does contain disclaimers stating that they’re not affiliated with Fairfax County but  Wow- take a look at this document and tell me if it doesn’t look like this is the way you get your official deed? It contains all the correct property tax information, the land values, it has an official looking bar code. I’m sure it fools many, many people.

Thousands of pieces of property traded hands in Fairfax County last year, at $83 you could make a lot of money selling people something they’re going to receive for free.

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

Sixteen new properties have hit the market in the last 7 days. Inventory is still low at just 95 active listings but the market is very active, if the trend continues it should be a very strong Spring market.

1599 STOWE RD 4 BR 3 Bath $829,900

1205 WILD HAWTHORN WAY 3 BR 2 Full 2 Half Bath $535,000

1244 VINTAGE PL 2 BR 3.5 Bath $475,000

12000 MARKET ST #282 2 BR 2 Bath $449,500

2196 GOLF COURSE DR 3 BR 3.5 Bath $430,000

1613 HARVEST GREEN CT 2 BR 1.5 Bath $349,900

For complete real estate information, visit Reston Now’s Real Estate section.

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

With its large green space-to-house ratio (Five acres to 26 homes), Brookshire Cluster is a magnet for young families. Being a cul-de-sac inherently makes for a warm and cozy community that is safe for children to run and play.

Built in 1964 and 65, Brookshire Cluster is one Reston’s original clusters. These two- and three-bedroom homes feature an average of 1,500 square feet of living space. As an all-electric cluster association, Brookshire was one of the first clusters to add underground wiring for all utilities (stable through the worst storms) and FIOS for broadband and cable options.

This small townhome community is surrounded by lush green foliage, magnificent old oak trees, interconnecting paths and recreational areas. It borders tennis courts, a volleyball court and sprinkler park on one side and Lake Anne Village Center on the other.

Brookshire is also designated a Natural Wildlife Habitat Status. Residents take pride in this community, and bi-annual cluster cleanups where all members help maintain the landscape and beauty of the neighborhood are well attended—the fact that this is one of the friendliest neighborhoods in Reston probably adds to that!

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

As a real estate agent, I frequently have conversations with clients and friends about their home renovation plans. I’m always amazed at the interesting ideas people have for improving their homes. However, almost always the conversation turns to how much they dread going through the Reston Association design review process.

This is not something you need to dread! I promise — the DRB application procedures are very easy to follow. And, if you do need help, it’s there for you. The Covenants Advisors are one of Reston homeowners’ greatest resources that many don’t know about.  They are here to help make the design review process the easiest part of your renovation project.

DRB application procedures

The Reston Association website has all the phone numbers and forms you need. Here is a recap of the DRB application procedures.

1. Contact RA to find out who your Covenants Advisor is. They’ll meet with you and advise you on your project and everything you’ll need for your application.

2. Submit your application. The application can be found on the RA website. The application includes the following:

• A detailed written description of the proposed exterior modification or addition
• Scale drawings
• A site plan showing the size and location of project
• Photographs of the existing condition
• A brochure, detail sheet or catalog photo of materials
• Estimated project completion date
• Signatures of at least three different property owners adjacent to or within view of your alteration or improvement. If your property is located within a Cluster Association, at least one of the signatures must be that of a Cluster Officer.

3. Bring in or mail your application to the Reston Association.

4. Property Visit — RA staff and/or members of the DRB may visit and possibly photograph your property for reference.

5. Attend the DRB review panel meeting —  While not all projects go in front of the DRB review panel, if your project does require it, you should plan on attending the meeting. Your Covenants Advisor can you let you know when it’s on the agenda.

Those are the basic steps. If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. Or you can revise the plans to meet RA Design Covenants and Guidelines and resubmit your application.

However, if you work with your Covenants Advisor and follow the RA guidelines, your project should be approved and you are on your way!