Bidding Wars - 06/28/11 07:30 AM
The Case-Schiller Index which came out a few weeks ago for the second quarter has the DC Region being the only market above water around the country.  I have been finding when going out and showing properties, if the property is priced correctly it is going to move.  In fact in some places that have been underpriced, I have seen bidding wars, case in point a home near Courthouse in Arlington, listed for $490k sold for $560k, or a place in Columbia Heights listed for $390k sold for $560k, these are not the only two examples in the DC market today.  … (0 comments)

Washington DC May Housing Report - 06/19/11 03:38 PM
GCAAR has published the May 2011 Housing Report for Washington DC.   The condo and coop market inventory had increased each month of 2011, with the exception of April and there currently over 1,200 condos or co-ops on the market in Washington DC.   So far year-to-date the total number of contracts on condos and coops are down almost 12% from 2010 but each month, except April 2011, there has been increase in the number of contracts.  The total number of settlements year-to-date is down 9% from the number of properties that settled a year ago.  The average sales price for a condo/coop … (0 comments)

Easy Updates for Sellers - 06/17/11 07:36 AM
If you are thinking of selling your home, you might want to do a few little touch-ups to make your home show its best.  There are a number of little things you can do that cost little but can make a big difference, such a touch-up paint, making sure light switch plates look clean, same for outlet covers, making sure all the light bulbs are working  and try to de-personalize your home.   Realty Times recently published an article about quick updates an owner can do before listing their home that will help your home show better and might get you a … (0 comments)

Why Sell? - 06/16/11 07:26 AM
There are many reasons to buy and sell homes.  The reasons vary individual by individual, it could be due to being overextending and facing a short sale or foreclosure, children have grown up and it is time to downsize or one of many other reasons.  Below are some of the most common reasons people sell in the market today.
1.       Job relocation.  People change jobs for a better one or their job gets transferred to another city or state thus selling one’s home is necessary. 
2.       Downsizing.   Children have grown up and moved away, thus the three bedroom (+)  house … (2 comments)

Fixed-Rate Mortgages Continue Downward Trend - 06/03/11 07:34 AM
If you are thinking of buying a house, mortgage rates are on your side.  Mortgage rates have continued on a downward slope due to the unknown economic future and weak housing market.  The Case-Shiller report came out earlier this week and Washington DC is the only market to show an increase or be above water, thus another factor in the low interest rates.  Realty Times just published this article with more details on the current rates.
Fixed Mortgage Rates Continue Downward Slide
MCLEAN, Va., June 2, 2011 -- Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage … (1 comments)

New LEED Apartment Planned for Arlington - 06/01/11 07:18 AM
Arlington's to-date most sustainably designed apartment building will spend at least another year in planning mode, say its developers.  Plans for the Tellus, a 254-unit apartment building located at 2009 14th St N, designed to achieve LEED Gold certification back in 2008, is still likely a year away from construction. The apartments that will replace an outmoded apartment building at 2009 14th Street were approved by the county in early 2009, with an expected late 2009 start date, but due to the economy the project has been delayed.   The goal is an early 2012 construction start. The Tellus will be built … (0 comments)