School Property with Religious Assembly Potential Sells in Sterling, VA at 20685 Fernbank Court for $4.7M All-Cash

20685 Fernbank Court – Sold by Serafin Real Estate

Serafin Real Estate Facilitates Strategic Sale to Oceans Academy, Addressing Licensing Constraints and Maximizing Property Utility

Serafin Real Estate successfully brokered the $4.7 million all-cash sale of 20685 Fernbank Court, a 17,200 SF educational facility in Sterling, Virginia. Originally constructed in 2007 for the Boyd Schools, the property featured a two-level design with classrooms on the main floor and a spacious lower level intended for staff training. However, changes in childcare licensing regulations in 2009 reduced the allowable capacity, and the below-grade lower level could not be licensed for children, posing challenges for traditional childcare operators.

Recognizing the property’s potential beyond conventional childcare use, Joe Serafin and his team Serafin Real Estate targeted religious and educational institutions that could utilize both levels effectively. Oceans Academy, a private K-12 Islamic school committed to integrating Quranic teachings with secular education, emerged as the ideal buyer. The academy was experiencing rapid growth and required a facility that could accommodate both classroom instruction and large gatherings. The property’s design aligned perfectly with their needs, leading to a seamless transaction that closed on March 15, 2023.

Sale Details:

Sold Price: $4,700,000 (All Cash)
Sold Date: March 15, 2023
Buyer: Oceans Academy
Seller: Private Owner
Property Type: Educational/Religious Facility
Property Use: Owner-User
Building Size: 17,200 SF (Two Levels)
Lot Size: 1.37 Acres
Buyer Profile: Religious/Educational Institution
Above Grade Price per SF: $546

Property Description:

The facility at 20685 Fernbank Court was purpose-built for educational use, featuring high-quality construction with heated classroom floors and a fully fenced-in playground area. The main level comprises multiple classrooms and offices, while the lower level offers a large open space suitable for assemblies and training sessions. Despite its initial design for childcare, the property’s layout and zoning (PDH-4) make it adaptable for various uses, including religious and community services.

Address: 20685 Fernbank Court, Sterling, VA 20165
County: Loudoun
Zoning: PDH-4
Property Type: School / Religious / Childcare
Building Size: 17,200 SF
Lot Size: 1.37 Acres

Strategy / Marketing Execution

Understanding the property’s limitations for traditional childcare operations, Serafin Real Estate implemented a targeted marketing strategy focusing on religious and educational institutions. The campaign included:

Direct outreach to over 3,000 childcare and 2,000 religious operators
Email marketing campaigns and physical mailers
Utilization of a proprietary database of regional educational buyers
Emphasis on the property’s suitability for religious assembly and educational use

Neighborhood Overview:

Situated in the affluent Potomac Falls/Cascades submarket of Loudoun County, the property benefits from strong demographics and proximity to significant developments. The area is experiencing growth, with projects like the Cascades Marketplace redevelopment adding residential units and modern retail spaces.

Near Cascades Marketplace Redevelopment (850+ new residential units planned)
Population within 3 miles: ~73,000
Average Household Income (1-mile): $137,199

Close to Rt 7, Dulles Town Center, and Algonkian Parkway
10-minute drive to Dulles International Airport

Conclusion:

By identifying Oceans Academy as the ideal end-user and executing a focused marketing campaign, Joe Serafin and Serafin Real Estate navigated the property’s challenges to achieve a successful, all-cash sale. This transaction highlights Serafin Real Estate’s expertise in aligning unique properties with suitable buyers in Northern Virginia’s dynamic market.

Learn More:

Considering selling or acquiring a specialized educational or religious-use facility in Northern Virginia? Visit www.serafinre.com to learn how we can assist you.