Stafford County, Va. –– As Stafford builds its brand a historical destination, some changes are coming to a $700,000 plan to erect special signs depicting the county as George Washington’s boyhood home.
Tourism officials and the Virginia Department of Transportation entered into an agreement that would allow the county to place several blue signs, large signs on major roads and small ones on by ways, featuring the county’s logo and a depiction of a young George Washington.
Of the large, or monument, signs that will be placed at major gateways into the county such as Interstate 95 and at the Fredericksburg line, they will now stand on two large posts and not stone bases as was originally planned. The changes were requested by VDOT in fears the stone bases could be hazardous to motorists in the event of a crash.
Those stone bases were supposed to be reflective of the stone taken from what is now Government Island Park to build the U.S. Capitol and other buildings in Washington. On the highway, the monument signs will replace green road signs currently welcome drivers into the county, with the signs also noting the county as a “certified business location.”
And though Williamsburg also has similar special blue signs along their highways that were grandfathered into VDOT’s historic signage program, federal transportation officials ruled Stafford’s new pilot agreement that signs are not to be placed in pubic right-of-ways along the interstate. With an installation timeframe of Fall 2012, that has prompted county officials to knock on the doors of private land owners who own parcels along the highway and ask if they can put signs there.
“The elimination of monument signs in the Interstate right-of-way, while significant, they would be a safety hazard and would not be allowed…this is a Federal Highway Administration requirement, this is not VDOT,” said Acting Stafford County Deputy Administrator Keith Dayton. “They wanted us to identify very specific locations for the signs. Originally we were going to try for very general locations, hire a contractor and let them work out the details but we couldn’t get the program approved that way.”
The signs will be paid for with revenues generated by the county’s five-percent hotels tax. The overall price tag of the program, however, raised questions.
“You said the project cost was estimated at $700,000, but phase one [of the project] is [$250,000] and that’s only 15 signs, that works out to about $17,000 per sign. You have about 90 signs coming,” said Stafford Hartwood District Supervisor Gary Snellings to Dayton.
In his response, Dayton assured Snellings that initial larger cost would be for the monument signs and all subsequent signs would be small and less expensive to install. He also said county staff would to try to reduce the cost of the overall project.
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If you’ve been watching the real estate market in Northern Virginia, you know things are constantly shifting. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell, staying informed is crucial. That’s where experienced Realtor Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty comes in. With his deep knowledge of the local market and an eye on mortgage trends, Mark helps clients make the best decisions in a competitive real estate landscape.
Mortgage Rates are Trending Down
One of the biggest concerns for homebuyers is mortgage rates, and the good news is that rates have been trending downward. Mark points to the latest numbers, showing that conventional loan rates have dipped to 6.59%, with VA loans falling below 6.15%. FHA loans have also seen a decrease, making homeownership more accessible for many buyers. While Jumbo loan rates remain near 7%, Mark remains optimistic that the overall trend is moving in the right direction.
“For buyers who have been hesitant due to high interest rates, now may be a great time to revisit their options,” says Mark. “We’re seeing a slow but steady decline in mortgage rates, which is encouraging for both buyers and sellers.”
Market Trends: Prices Remain Strong, Inventory is Growing
According to Mark’s research, home prices across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Prince William counties, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities are holding steady. In Stafford, the average home price for March 2025 is $662,000, while Spotsylvania sits at $652,000, and Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park average at $678,000. While prices are still high, the pace of appreciation has slowed slightly, making it easier for buyers to find a home without experiencing extreme bidding wars.
Additionally, inventory levels are improving. According to data from the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR), active listings jumped 21% year-over-year, from 661 homes in February 2024 to 795 in February 2025. However, new listings are down 12%, and pending sales have dipped 10%, signaling that buyers are becoming more discerning in their choices.
Multiple Offers Still a Factor, But Cash Offers Less of a Concern
Even with inventory increasing, buyers should still expect some competition. “The market remains strong, and while more homes are available, we’re still seeing multiple offers in certain price ranges,” Mark explains. “That said, the fear of being constantly outbid by cash buyers seems to be easing.”
Multiple agencies gathered at Walker-Grant Middle School for a semiannual exercise on Friday, March 7, but the doors were closed to keep plans from reaching the wrong eyes.
Get ready for a fun-filled evening at Luck O’ The Irish Bingo on March 14 at the ARTfactory in Manassas! Doors open at 6 PM, and the first game kicks off at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $35 for 10 games, each with three squares per game.
Fire and rescue crews are battling a brush fire near Mills Drive and Overview Drive in the Massaponax area.
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries
