Frying Pan Park & Temple Hall Farm

In rural Leesburg, VA located in Loudoun County you'll find Temple Hall Farm. Temple Hall is a 286-acre working farm. It's a great place to the bring the family to see the animals and see all the sites of a working farm. It has plenty of picnic tables to bring a lunch and includes a small playground for the littler children. Every year from September to the beginning of November Temple Hall has a giant Corn Maze and pumpkin patch. You can also check out the Babbling Brook Trail which takes you over a creek and through the woods.

More pics to come when the weather gets nicer!

Geothermal, Is Green the way to be?

Geothermal - of or pertaining to the internal heat of the earth.

 /ˌdʒioʊˈθɜrməl/ Show Spelled

 A few years ago when we purchased our first single family home we discussed installing a Geothermal System to heat the house and save a few dollars a month. At the time we figured it was too expensive to install and kind of crazy so we never researched the system. Instead we replaced the 25-year old wood windows and re-insulated the attic. Most homes spend most of their energy bills during the summer months. Our home is surrounded by 30-year old Oak and Poplar trees. When the leaves are on the trees during the summer months we are shaded and cool. During the winter months we see our energy bills double. My husband is always worried that our heat pump is not working efficiently and may quit on us due to the age.

Good friends of ours both engineers did a ton of research and decided to take the plunge and install a closed loop geothermal system. The loops contain water/anti-freeze fluid and as the fluid moves through the pipes it draws heat from the ground. Once the fluid passes through the heat pump, the heat pump uses electricity to extract the heat. The heat is then used to warm the house. If the system is run in the opposite direction the cooled fluid can be used to cool the house. The electricity used is minimal compared to the electricity used solely to heat a home. It is also a lot cheaper than using oil due to the ever flux in oil prices.

Overall they spent between 25K and 35K and in three to five years they will have recouped everything they spent to install and purchase the system. According to the EPA, homeowners will save approximately 30-70% on heating costs and 25-50% on cooling costs. Our friends will also get a 30% Tax Credit for installing an energy efficient system. This Tax Credit is available through 2016 and is different than the home efficiency tax credit.

Even if you're not into the Green Movement it's hard to pass up on the savings per year. The hardest thing to swallow would be the up front cost to install and purchase the system. But if you're looking to sell your home the reduction of energy costs would be an attractive selling point.

Geo-caching?

What's Geo-caching? About a year ago we were introduced to Geo-caching through my sister and a friend. I had heard others talk about it but I never inquired as to what it was. Once we got started we were hooked and the kids had a blast.

Geo-caching is a high tech treasure hunt using a GPS unit. Just like searching for hidden treasure, you use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called geo-caches. These containers can be any shape and size located outdoors. Once you find the hidden container you can inspect the contents and leave a little something behind to mark your find. Most containers also contain a log book that you can sign and comment. When you're finished you replace the container where it was found. If you're not into the hunt you could also be an owner of your very own geo-cache and place it in your favorite hiking spot or even in your neighborhood common areas.

To get started go to the official geo-caching website, Geocaching. Here it shows you how to get started and once you find a geo-cache you can return to the website and log in your find. The website also gives out helpful hints provided by the owners of each geo-cache just in case you get stumped. Geo-caching is for all ages and sizes and these hidden treasures can be found all over the world. If you love to hike or just being outside to get some exercise, geo-caching is a fun activity.

The local regional park, Algonkian is filled with great hiking trails and many places for geo-caches to be hidden. It is located at the end of Cascades Parkway in Sterling, VA. Part of the Potomac Heritage Trail is also easily accessed through Algonkian park and filled with hidden geo-caches.

Last Fall we drove out to Chantilly, VA to check out Ellanor C. Lawrence Regional Park. It is a great park filled with lots of trails and chances to see wildlife.

In our Countryside neighborhood in Potomac Falls, VA, we have found many geo-caches and we aren't even close to finding them all. My kids love to help Mommy and Daddy find the hidden containers. This is a great activity to share with the family and get out into the fresh air.

Is it Spring Yet?

True North Realty

Hello All!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I joined  True North Realty, LLC.  As a Realtor, I'll be serving the D.C. Metro Area. If your needs include guidance in purchasing and selling of properties I'm your woman. I can also assist you in the location of Investment and Rental Properties. As a homeowner I understand the important decisions you are about to face.

In our business referrals are very important. If you know anyone who may be considering selling or buying please pass my information along. Please Contact me at kamber.a.petty@gmail.com with any questions you may have. Find me on Facebook.

Great Falls Grange Park

The past few days have been awesome! The weather gave us a nice break from the wicked winter temperatures. My boys couldn't wait to get out and go to the local parks. One park that never lets us down is located just inside Great Falls Village,  Great Falls Grange Park.

The park has a large piece of equipment for older kids along with a smaller set for the little ones. THe park also has a merry-go-round, regular and toddler swings. This park has plenty of shade and benches to bring a picnic lunch. It also has a baseball field and plenty of room for soccer. During the weekends, the historic Grange building can be rented out for wedding receptions and banquets. If you're a history buff check out this link to their site, Great Falls Grange.

About Me

As a Mom and a Realtor I find that I'm always looking for the next best thing. It may be a new playground for the kids to meet new friends or finding someone their first home. Let's face it being a mom and purchasing a new home have their similarities. These are two of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. 

The Northern Virginia area is a melting pot. People relocate to the area from all over the world. As a transplant myself I understand how hard it can be to meet new people and find your way around the area. Follow me while I explore what this area has to offer. Hopefully the information I share on this blog will help you find the next best thing....