#11 Little Rocky Run Clifton VA

The 11th most clicked community profile is Little Rocky Run in Clifton VA.

There was some blowback from this article both offline and on--mainly regarding the reported prices from MRIS.

Sorry folks, but foreclosures have reached Clifton VA, though the cachet remains intact.

2008 saw foreclosures in the townhouse areas which are continuing into 2009.

This summer finds only single detached actively for sale.

No townhouses are for sale.

MRIS reports:

• 11 actives, all detached, $576,936 average list, 90 average days marketed so far.
• 7 townhouses sold within past 60 days: $240, 180, 221, 220, 218, 215, 210 (K)-closed prices.
• 26 homes are under contract.

While the community could be considered midrange elsewhere, its location provides an upscale sheen that influences buyer expectations of luxury interiors--or at least hardwood flooring.

Many homes have laminate countertops and vinyl flooring in kitchens.

The area is somewhat similar to Burke though in a more central location.

"What's a win for you?"

#12 Glenkirk Estates, Gainesville VA

At #12 for the year, Glenkirk Estates in Gainesville VA is another boomtime community that continues construction amid foreclosures.

The few foreclosures and short sales that come online however are quickly spotted by buyers looking for a deal. Surrounded by newer and luxurious developments and in a built out location, Glenkirk's upscale detached homes draw the most buyer interest.

Interiors are functional though some need upgrading to match the expectations of the exteriors.

Proximity to the maturing shopping centers along Route 29 and continually expanding Virginia Gateway center, Glenkirk is rightfully seen as a desirable community near I-66 commuter route, VRE train station in nearby Bristow and a quiet locale.

"What's a win for you?"

#13 Stratford in Leesburg VA

Stratford in Leesburg VA is the 13th most read community profile over the past 12 months on novahomeguy.com.

Stratford's single detached homes have fared the foreclosure crisis better than its townhouses.

Nevertheless, the single family attached homes attracted buyers, both investor and live-in, to the mostly undamaged distress sales.

Although most interiors are plain (builders grade fixtures, carpets, vinyl floors, laminate flooring) compared with nearby luxury communities, buyers were satisfied with the nearly decade old planned community and were willing to plunk down coin for continuing trickle of foreclosures and now short sales which come online.

Not so fortunate is late bloomer Stratford Club condos.

Built as luxury apartments, the builder switched over to condos during the heat of the housing boom and went upscale with granite and hardwoods in the interior.

Landscaping is also above par for a luxury garden condo complex in the mid range community.

With many cancellations, the builder began renting out the vacant units making it harder for new buyers to obtain conventional financing as the owner occupancy exceeds allowable limits for several newly cautious lenders.

If Loudoun County chooses next door Oaklawn as its new government center complex and/or Oaklawn develops its promised commercial base and road linkages to Stratford AND a new transit center (Loudoun Coach Transit buses), the condos will gain greater appeal.

The upcoming Battlefield Parkway opening between the Greenway (Toll Road) and Route 7 will add appeal to commercial development within walking distance to Stratford Club.

Other wise, pretty much status quo with foreclosures only providing a bruising blow.

"What's a win for you?"

#14 Potomac Club, Potomac Town Center

Potomac Club, Potomac Town Center is the 14th most popular community profile over the past year.

Over the year, Wegmans Grocery at Potomac Town Center has opened and proven popular along Prince William's stretch of I-95. The rest of the main street village shopping center still has a way to go towards build out but a block of shops has been released.

Potomac Club has seen sales dry up, especially of its stacked condo units.

The fees are fairly hefty for all units, including townhouses compared with other nearby developments, and continuing foreclosures of nearby nearly new townhouses has depressed demand for Potomac Club's offerings. 2008 saw success with financing options which disappeared with the crash later in the year.

Still, the development is southern Prince William County's sole upscale mixed use community and those buyers searching for that option in that location are attracted to the community with next door hospital, library, community college and Potomac Mills Mall walkable access.

"What's a win for you?"

#15 Ashbrook in Ashburn VA

The 15th most popular community profile as read by readers of novahomeguy.com is Ashbrook in Ashburn VA.

In mid 2009, Ashbrook still is noteworthy for a lack of foreclosures as the housing type is a bit higher end than next door Ashburn Village and the promise of commercial development at One Loudoun next door is holding underwater homeowners in place.

The developers of One Loudoun have completed an extension of Russell Branch Road allowing the community access to Loudoun Parkway without driving on Route 7.

As part of the Route 7 office corridor, Ashbrook has several low rise office buildings and office condos.

Recently, one of the office condos was listed as a foreclosure and a sign was put up along Route 7, yet most of the office condos continue occupied or vacant.

"What's a win for you?"