The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2025, cautioning taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals to remain vigilant against prevalent schemes that endanger their tax and financial data. These fraudulent tactics, which range from phishing email schemes to deceptive tax credits, tend to surge during the tax filing season as individuals prepare their tax returns. However, they can occur year-round as fraudsters continuously seek opportunities to illicitly obtain money, personal information, and data.

The “Dirty Dozen” campaign features 12 scams and schemes that pose significant threats to taxpayers. While it is not a legal document or a formal list of enforcement priorities, this educational initiative aims to increase awareness and shield taxpayers and tax professionals from prevalent tax scams and fraudulent activities.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer at Manassas Park Community Center

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning for an action-packed season at Manassas Park Community Center’s Summer Camps.

Join us on Saturday, March 22, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for our Summer Camp Open House—your one-stop shop to explore all the incredible camps we’re offering this year. Meet our staff, learn about exciting camp themes like Safari Week and Kingdom Adventure, and secure your spot.

Exclusive BOGO Deal
Get early access to the Summer Camp BOGO Deal! Register during the Open House and get buy one, get one half off, valid for up to four camps.

With camps for preschoolers, school-age kids, teens, and athletes, there’s something for everyone. Plus, before and aftercare options make scheduling easy for busy parents.

• “We highly encourage parents to come to our open house because the BOGO deal will be available during event hours.” — Samantha Wollschlager, Youth Programs & Camps Recreation Specialist
• “We have some exciting themes this year, like Safari Week, where kids will visit the Leesburg Zoo, along with fun arts and crafts that match the weekly themes.” — Samantha Wollschlager
• “Our summer camp open house is all about letting residents and non-residents see what camps we offer and making registration easier by handling it in-house.” — Samantha Wollschlager

Learn more and register early: mpdpr.com/summercamps 

Location: Manassas Park Community Center

Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait. Join us for an exciting summer your child will never forget.

History buffs and curious minds, mark your calendars! The 10th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium is set to take place on Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Manassas Museum. This all-day event is a must-attend for anyone interested in uncovering the stories that shaped our community.

What to Expect

The History Symposium brings together local historians and experts to dive deep into Prince William County’s fascinating past. This year’s engaging lineup of lectures includes:

• John Sidebottom – The story of an African American Revolutionary War soldier
• Dumfries Raid – An exploration of a key historical event
• Gustav Friebus – The architect behind the charming town of Annaburg
• Wellington Community – The rich heritage of a beloved neighborhood
• Rangers and Dragoons – Tales from the Old Stone House

Special Offers

Tickets for this full-day symposium are just $10 per person—a fantastic deal for an event packed with insights and expert discussions. Plus, attendees can purchase a special one-day edition of the Journal of Prince William County History for only $5!

SOLD OUT: Historic Homes Bus Tour

As an added feature of the symposium, a Historic Homes of Prince William County Bus Tour was offered on Sunday, March 23, taking guests on an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of the area’s most remarkable private historic homes. While the tour has already sold out, there’s still time to grab your seat at the symposium!

Be Part of History

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore and celebrate our county’s heritage. Register today at www.pwcparks.info/hptickets and immerse yourself in a day of historical discovery.

For more details, call 703-792-1731. Stay connected on social media for event updates:

• Facebook: facebook.com/pwhistoric
• X: @PWHPF
• Instagram: PWC History

Join us at the Prince William/Manassas History Symposium and bring the past to life!

Cascade Landing is bringing brand-new, low-maintenance townhomes to Dumfries, Virginia this spring — and you can be among the first to own!

These homes will be priced from the $500s. Join the VIP list now and be the first to know when we release our pricing, floorplans, and incentives.

These Spacious & Stylish Townhomes Feature:

• 3-4 Bedrooms
• 2.5-3.5 Bathrooms
• 1-Car to 2-Car Garages
• 1,934 to 2,111 Sq. Ft. Townhomes
• Open-Concept Living & Modern Finishes

Live in an Unbeatable Location

Minutes from I-95, Quantico, shopping, dining, and Prince William County Schools — Cascade Landing offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing family, or looking to upgrade, these townhomes are designed for the way you live today.

Join the VIP list today to be the first to know when we release our pricing, floorplans, and invites to pre-opening events.

Become a VIP!

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.”

Recent market data shows that conventional loans are the most common financing method across Northern Virginia. For example, in Stafford, there were 47 conventional loans closed in March 2025 compared to 36 VA loans and 14 cash offers. In Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park, there were 178 conventional loans closed versus 49 VA loans. This suggests that many buyers— including veterans—are able to put down more substantial down payments, making them competitive in the market.

Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Buy or Sell

For those wondering if it’s time to jump into the real estate market, Mark outlines three key takeaways:

Home prices are still strong – While appreciation has slowed, values remain high, making it a great time to sell.
Interest rates are dropping – Buyers who were priced out in 2023 and early 2024 might find that they now qualify for more home.
Inventory is increasing – With more options available, buyers have a better chance of finding a home that fits their needs without feeling pressured to settle.

Let Mark Worrilow Guide You Through the Process

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to figure out your next move in the real estate market, Mark Worrilow has the expertise to guide you. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of mortgage trends and housing data, Mark ensures his clients have the knowledge they need to make confident decisions.

Ready to explore your real estate options?

Contact Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty today!

(703) 244-8702

Looking for a delicious and affordable lunch? Dixie Bones BBQ has you covered! From Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., enjoy a BBQ sandwich with a side at a price that can’t be beaten.

• Pork Sandwich & Side – $9.95
• Chicken Sandwich & Side – $10.95
• Beef Sandwich & Side – $15.25

Whether you’re craving slow-smoked pulled pork, juicy chicken, or mouthwatering beef brisket, each meal is packed with the authentic, smoky flavors you love. Pair your sandwich with classic Southern sides like baked beans, collard greens, or coleslaw for the perfect midday feast.

Visit Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge and enjoy a BBQ lunch that hits the spot!

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, do you want the fast-food experience or the fine-dining treatment? At ACE Cabinet & Granite in Haymarket, we believe in delivering a premium experience, much like dining at a high-end steakhouse—where every detail is carefully crafted to perfection.

Unlike big-box retailers that treat you like just another customer, ACE Cabinet & Granite provides:

• Personalized Kitchen Design – Work with an expert designer to craft your dream space.
• Quality Craftsmanship – High-end cabinets and countertops sourced from top manufacturers.
• A Dedicated Project Manager – Your personal guide through every step of the process.

Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. Visit our Haymarket showroom today and see the ACE difference firsthand.

ACE Cabinet & Granite – Haymarket Showroom
6719 Leaberry Way, Haymarket, VA
(571) 240-0700
acecabinetgranite.com

Virginia National Bank is proud to serve the communities of Haymarket and Manassas with exceptional banking services tailored to your needs. The Haymarket branch is located at 15240 Washington Street, Haymarket, and can be reached at 703-335-7890. The branch operates Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Manassas branch, conveniently located at 8091 Sudley Road, Manassas, can be contacted at 703-366-1607. This branch shares the same operating hours, with both branches closed on Saturdays.

Whether you’re looking for personalized banking services or financial solutions, Virginia National Bank is here to help.

Visit one of their convenient locations today!

Now Front Royal commuters can take our Front Royal-Washington (611) Express commuter route to the Pentagon and downtown D.C. for just $5.50 one way!

• Buses travel in the I-66 Express Lanes to bypass traffic and take the stress out of your commute.
• Click here to view the schedule and start planning your commute.

About OmniRide
OmniRide, operated by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), provides safe, reliable, and convenient public transportation options for commuters and residents in Northern Virginia.

Offering express and local bus services, ridesharing programs, and paratransit options, OmniRide connects communities across Prince William County, Stafford County, and beyond to key destinations, including Washington, D.C., and major regional transit hubs. Committed to enhancing mobility and reducing congestion, OmniRide continues to innovate and expand its services to meet the needs of a growing region.

Learn more at OmniRide.com.