The 2009 Best Ranger Competition Makes This Northern Virginia Realtor Proud - 06/29/09 08:59 PM
Having a video about an Army Ranger competition on a real estate blog may not make much sense - at first.  But for those who know me and know how much pride I take in having served as a Ranger and a Ranger instructor it makes all the sense in the world.

Ranger training is tough, it’s competitive and it gives new meaning to the word challenging.  According to the National Ranger Association, the mission of Ranger training is to “develop leadership skills, confidence and competence  . . . to perform effectively  . . . in tactically realistic environments.  The … (0 comments)

3rd Annual Del Ray Music Festival is a Mid-Summer’s Dream - 06/28/09 08:43 AM
 Saturday, June 27, 2009

With temperatures in the mid-80’s and low, low humidity, the 3rd Annual Del Ray Music Festival could rightly qualify as a Mid-Summer’s Dream.  Here “Blue” takes the obligatory rest stop. 
A brief spat of rain showers in the early afternoon was the only deterrent to an otherwise perfect day.

Sandy and Aaron Faulkner of Mt. Ida Avenue (with Henry)
Folks took advantage of strategically placed hay bales, dry ground for picnic blankets and generous space as they scattered  the grounds of the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center.
for more (pictures especially), visit us at:
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2009 Del Ray Music Festival - 06/24/09 08:41 PM
If you haven’t already marked your calendar, then get out your pen and do it now for the:
2009 Del Ray Music Festival Saturday, June 27 The all day event will take place on the grounds of the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue.  Twelve major groups will headline on the main stage with Swing Command kicking off at 10:00am and our favorite Dagmar and the Seductones closing out at 10:00pm.  For the full music schedule click here.

Much like a trip to Wolftrap, you can bring your own blanket and picnic basket or you can take advantage … (0 comments)

Del Ray’s Dairy Godmother Rates Visit from President Obama - 06/22/09 10:05 PM
Del Ray, one of Alexandria’s favorite neighborhoods - and the place we call home - was the scene of a Presidential “drive by” on Saturday,, June 20.  Yes, President Obama, accompanied by Sasha and Malia, made a stop at the Dairy Godmother much to the delight of local residents.

The President and his daughter placed their order at the counter (no special treatment here), waited patiently, posed for a few pictures, signed a few autographs and 15 minutes later headed back across the Potomac.  Oh yes, they took a bag of “Puppy Pops” too for first dog Bo.
The Dairy … (0 comments)

Rapping with the Home Boys - in "Ultra Liberal" Arlington, VA - 06/14/09 02:15 PM
If you haven;t seen this great video on YouTube, take a minute to have a good laugh - and a good look at Arlington, VA. 
The video makes “gentle sport of Virginia’s most liberal community as a wonky, nice-but-maybe-too-nice haven for Prius-driving, latte-sipping, crunchy-granola-eating suburbanites" according to the Washington Post.
Personally, I love the idea of rappers dressed like Capitol Hill interns  . . .
Michael
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It's No Laughing Matter - 06/14/09 12:28 PM
I've been reading Doonesbury for almost as long as Gary Trudeau has been wiriting and find his humor itmely, non-partisan and to the point.  (I also like the fact that he is a big, if very quiet, supporter of injured soldiers and has done a lot here in the Washington area with Walter Reed Hospital.)
Of course Doonesbury is noted for its barbed political humor but imagine my surprise when this Sunday strip featured the plight of real estate agents!
Enjoy .  .  .
Michael
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My Jaw Just Dropped! - 06/14/09 12:17 PM
An agent in my office had a listing in the neighborhood and asked me to be the buyers agent for one of the parties involved.  The client called last night at 9:00pm, said she wanted to move quickly and asked to me with me at 4:00pm today.  She set the time, not me.
It is now 1:10pm.  That same "clent" just called to say that she needed to work with someone who "could move faster" and had already written the contract with another agent.  No text, no email, no phone call to move our time forward. 
My jaw is still hanging … (8 comments)

May Real Estate Sales in Northern Virginia See Upswing in Repeat Buyers - 06/10/09 07:31 PM
Sixty percent of May real estate sales in Northern Virginia were composed of repeat buyers.  This is in contrast to April sales where sixty percent of the buyers were first time home owners.
First-time buyers, taking advantage of their $8,000 tax credit incentive, have bought the “starter homes” on the market - encouraging more sellers to move up to a new, larger home.  In fact, today’s environment, with lower prices for everyone, is the perfect model for “moving up”.

Here is why moving up to a larger home is better now:  because all properties in the area have depreciated by … (0 comments)

Where to Eat First? Del Ray Restaurant Week 2009 - 06/04/09 07:18 PM
Del Ray Restaurant Week 2009 kicks off tomorrow, June 5 and runs through Saturday, June 14.  This is the first time Del Ray has ventured out with it own restaurant week.  It is a real tribute to the vibrancy of the local business community and the quality and variety of restaurants in Del Ray.  The only problem we see with this great promotion is choosing where to eat first!


As an added incentive, after “frequent diners”  collect stamps at four participating businesses they will become eligible for a drawing to win a luxurious weekend for two at the new … (0 comments)

Mortgage Rates Moving Up - 06/01/09 08:38 PM
Mortgage rates moved up this week for no easily discernible reason.  After fluctuating wildly, the rates ended higher than we have seen them in months.

This jump is a good reminder that rates can move at anytime and with the current economy that move is going to be UP.
FHA/VA below $417k and below - 5.5 % with 0 points.  FHA/VA above $417k to $729,750 for FHA and $812k for VA - 5.5% with 1 point. Conventional conforming $417k and below - 5.625% with 1 points. Conforming plus from $417k to $625,500 - 5.25% with 1 point. For my full … (0 comments)