Active Rain/Tomato Blog

Veterans Day at Christ Church Alexandria

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:15:25 -0600

The parish rolls of Christ Church Alexandria, the home church of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, are filled with the names of men and women who have served their country in military service.

From four star generals and admirals to combat pilots and coast guard commanders to privates and warrant officers, they are all part of a great legacy.

To honor that legacy, Christ Church Alexandria celebrates Veterans Day in very special way.

A "wall of heroes" - photos of those who have served, past and present - is put up for all to see. Parishioners are invited to add photos of themselves or family members; a program and reception is presented between services; and a guest preacher offers the sermon.

Past speakers have included Secretary of Veteran Affairs Togo West, Gordon Sullivan, Chief of Staff of the Army, Ron Nessen, a war correspondent and press secretary to former president Gerald Ford.

Rev. Michael Pipkin

Today's speaker, former Navy Chaplain and rector of the Falls Church Continuing Congregation, brought his very recent experiences in Iraq and at Bethesda Naval Hospital to a welcoming crowd. Rev. Pipkin noted the wall of heroes even as he spoke of the horror and inhumanity that is war and how he remains forever changed by his experience.

My Vietnam days

Thank you to all who have served and thank you to Christ Church for honoring its veterans.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Lincoln Memorial by Moonlight

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:59:20 -0600

One of the great joys of living in the Alexandria/Northern Virginia area is easy access to some of the nation's most famous landmarks. Last night's full moon, rising above the Lincoln Memorial, provided a memorable sight and a great reminder of why we love it here.

A friend of ours, Julie Wommack, took this with her mobile phone on the way to choir practice!

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Alexandria's Waterfront Parks - Tide Lock

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:58:05 -0600

The City of Alexandria maintains a series of 14 waterfront parks along the Potomac River.

Each is relatively small but together they form a linear line some two miles in length and are anchored by the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail. Each one carries a marker denoting its hours, size and historical identity. Today we will visit Tide Lock Park.

Tide Lock Park

Tide Lock Park consists of 6.70 acres that are completely accessible to the waterfront and takes its name from an old canal that existed in the 1800's.

The remains of the canal were discovered during the construction of an office building and were incorporated into the design.

These artificial waterways were used to move goods and materials to and from sea going ships. The goods were then transported by canal barges up and down the canal which were controlled by huge wooden locks. The last of the Alexandria canals were destroyed by floods in the early 1820's and were never re-built because the railroads were beginning to take over.

Today there is a replica of the lock and canal which uses many of original canal wall stones and is an integral part of the landscape for the Trans Potomac Canal Center/Savage Fogarty which maintains this property with permanent public access.

Tide Lock Park also includes quiet spots for sitting, an outdoor amphitheater, water features and examples of Greco Roman sculpture. Truly a tiny gem, Tide Lock is a green respite for workers, visitors and residents and one of the things that makes Alexandria a great place to live.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Halloween on Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:56:35 -0500

Just like folks have destination weddings, trick or treat hopefuls have destination Halloween locations. And in Old Town Alexandria that means only one thing - Lee Street.

An old fashioned block party in the best sense of the word, the Lee Street Halloween extravaganza stretches for six blocks between Gibbon and King.

With cooperation from the Alexandria police, the street is open only to foot traffic. The party starts as early as 5:00pm, for the little ones, and goes as late as 10:00pm.

What makes Halloween on Lee Street so much fun is that every one gets in on the act. Houses are decorated, costumed homeowners are waiting on the doorstep (no having to ring the doorbell here) and adults, children and dogs join in on the party.

Of course some of the adults have secret liquid "potions" that they only share with other adults!

No small venture, one Old Town resident told us they have to buy so much candy - some 3000+ pieces - that they order it online to get the best price!

Like we said, Halloween on Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria is a destination spot and folks come from miles around.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Edgar Allen Poe Visits Alexandria on Halloween

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:24:44 -0500

Edgar Allen Poe first visited Alexandria in 1849. One hundred and sixty years later, he will make a return visit - thanks to actor David Keltz - on Halloween.

Appearing at the Lyceum in Old Town, Keltz will recreate the magic of Poe's visit to Alexandria with readings from "The Raven," "Annabelle," and "The Tell-Tale Heart" among other Poe favorites.

Click here for tickets and more information. What better way to spend Halloween than with the master of suspense - Edgar Allen Poe.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

A Pot of Chili Made All the Difference

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:28:02 -0500

Let me tell you right off the bat that this is a feel good kind of story. The kind of story that makes you think about being kinder, a bit more patient, and perhaps seeing your neighbors in a whole new light. This is how a pot of chili made all the difference.

Our block in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood hosts a chili "cook off" every year. It is very informal, open to all and operates primarily by word of mouth. Some years it's a grand, busting at the seams affair, other times, it's small and just an excuse to get together.

From our neighbor and uber chili organzier, Laura Fries:

"Yesterday was the Chili Cook-Off. Yes, the day with the driving rain and wind coming down hardest just when the cook-off was supposed to start. The host families were talking of canceling - we had given it a good shot but the weather, for a second weekend in a row, wasn't cooperating.

The we looked out into the yard and there, huddled under the tent, were at least half a dozen residents of the group home from the next block. They had made a pot of chili. They weren't leaving. Some had walkers, others were in wheelchairs and, despite trying to stay under the tent, they were getting soaked.

It was clear the show had to go on. We put on rain coats and boots, grabbed some umbrellas and brought out our pot of chili. We figured that even if there were just two or three entires to taste, it would make the group home people happy. Then something really amazing happened.

People started showing up. Lots of them. They came with different umbrellas, pots of chili and corn bread, cakes and pies. People went from tent to tent tasting eight different kinds of chili - two vegetarian and one with duck and rabbit! Nobody seemd to care about the rain and a few neighbors new to the experience couldn't stop raving.

There was something happening here. As he does every year, the Sherriff of Alexandria, Dana Lawhorne, came by to count the ballots. (Yes, we have official ballots and everything.) It had stopped raining by then and we lit a fire and sat around on hay bales waiting for the announcement, the moment of truth had come.

Turns out, the Wicked Wizards, the group home contestants who ran their wheelchairs through the mud and hung out all day in the rain, won first prize for their pot of chili. I cannot adequately express their joy. The supervisor of the group home accepted the homemade award on their behalf and it almost brought the whole crowd to tears. He talked about how people with physical and mental challenges always feel on the outside of everything and that today they were winners and a true part of the neighborhood. It was one of the best cook off's ever."

And that my friends, is how a pot of chili made all the difference.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

The 2009 Del Ray Halloween Parade - Funky, Friendly and Fun!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:35:40 -0500

With the Mayor, most of Alexandria's City Council and U.S. Representative Jim Moran in attendance, the 2009 Del Ray Halloween Parade showed off under crisp blue skies only slightly behind schedule and with a record crowd.

A true home grown event, the Del Ray Halloween Parade is a chance for everyone - dogs, parents, babies, etc. - to put on a costume, or at least a funny hat, and make their way down Mt. Vernon Avenue.

And if you didn't want to "parade" it was perfectly acceptable to simply observe.

The really smart folks grabbed every available table at outdoor dining spots along the parade route which made it a great day for all of Del Ray's businesses.

Capping the night off - the Spooky Bean Halloween sponsored by Bean Creative on Mt. Vernon Avenue.

A special shout out to Gayle Reuter, the driving force behind the Del Ray Halloween Parade. It wouldn't get done without you!

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Not Even Halloween is Recession Proof in Alexandria's Del Ray Neighborhood

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:40:27 -0500

One of our neighbors at 210 Monroe Avenue in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood has taken Halloween decorating to a whole new level with this "vivid" depiction of events of the past year or so in the financial markets.

As much as I like to take the "high road" I have to admit that the image of Bernie Madoff makes me chuckle and I think the little pigs are really appropriate.

Thanks to one of our regular subscribers for alerting us to these great images. Stay tuned tomorrow for scenes from the Del Ray Halloween Parade.

Michael

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Virginia Ranked as Top State for Business for Fourth Straight Year

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:56:21 -0500

Virginia has just been ranked as the top state for business for the fourth straight year by Forbes Magazine. According to reporter Kurt Badenhausen, the Best States ranking measures six vital categories for businesses:

costs
labor supply
regulatory environment
current economic climate
growth prospects
quality of life

Thirty three different points of data determine the ranks in the six main areas. Business costs, which include labor, energy and taxes are weighted the most heavily. Nine different providers supply data with Moody's Economy.com being the most utilized resource.

Badenhausen goes on to say: Relative to the rest of the country, Virginia is booming. Its 6.5% unemployment rate is fifth lowest in the country with the four states ahead of it all having dramatically smaller economies and employment bases.

Virginia is the only state ranked in the top 20 in each of the six broad categories we examined. The state finished in the top three in half of those categories (labor supply, regulatory environment and quality of life). Virginia's $325 billion economy is expected to be the 10th largest in the U.S. in 2009.

The state benefits from a highly educated workforce that is expected to expand over the next five years. Energy costs are 30% below the national average. The state government's finances are in good shape--it's held on to a top AAA rating from Moody's since 1971.

Eleven public companies with more than $10 billion in revenues call it home and smart incentives help, too. Each year Park Ridge, Ill.-based Pollina Corporate Real Estate does a study that compares states' economic development departments and programs. This year Virginia topped the Pollina study after finishing second last year.

"Virginia's economic development department truly understands what global competition is all about," says Brent Pollina, who authored the study. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program, for example, is open to both new and existing companies and offers flexible and customized employee recruiting and job training for businesses. The program has helped more than 2,400 companies over the past five years recruit and train 75,000 Virginians.

On the downside, Badenhausen did note that Virginia's economy has deteriorated, with the number of unemployed soaring 60%, while gross state product is flat and household incomes are expected to fall 4 percent.

All in all, this is continued good news for the housing market.

Related story: Northern Virginia Ranks at #3 for Nation’s Healthiest Housing Markets

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Scenic Sunday at Historic Christ Church Alexandria

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:25:50 -0500

This week's offering is a bit different than our normal "Scenic Sundays" but it was an opportunity I didn't want to miss. Yesterday some 40 members of the World Association of Flower Arrangers, gathered at historic Christ Church Alexandria for a hands on course in "How to Decorate a Colonial Church."

After a morning spent building wreaths, swags, candle rings, roping and more, the group moved to the main church to put their pieces in place. The result? Beauty worthy of any interior design magazine and a glorious tribute to a church that has stood for more than 250 years.

Double click on each photo to bring it to full size. Enjoy -

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

10 Worst Foods to Eat While Driving

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:21:37 -0500

Ok, I can't claim original thought on this one - it come courtesy of MSN - but it sure did resonate with me. I frequently leave the house without breakfast (I know, my wife berates me too), lunch time seems to come just as I am either going to or coming back from seeing property and then there is always that afternoon "pick-up".

So what's a fellow to do? I am a Realtor. I drive, I eat, I drink. Carpe Diem!

10 Worst Foods to Eat While Driving

1. Coffee: It always finds a way out of the cup.

2. Hot soup: Many people drink it like coffee and run the same risks.

3. Tacos: "A food that can disassemble itself without much help, leaving your car looking like a salad bar."

4. Chili: The potential for drips and slops down the front of clothing is significant.

5. Hamburgers: From the grease of the burger to the ketchup and mustard on top, plenty of goop can end up on your hands, clothes and steering wheel.

6. Barbecued food: Similar issue arises for barbecued foods as for hamburgers. The sauce may be great, but it will end up on whatever you touch.

7. Fried chicken: Another food that leaves you with greasy hands, which means constantly wiping them on something, even if it's your shirt. It also makes the steering wheel greasy.

8. Jelly- or cream-filled doughnuts: Has anyone ever eaten a jelly doughnut without some of the center oozing out? And jelly can be difficult to remove from material.

9. Soft drinks: Not only are they subject to spills, but they also can fizz as you're drinking them if you make sudden movements.

10. Chocolate: Like greasy foods, chocolate can coat your fingers as it melts against the warmth of your skin, leaving its mark anywhere you touch. Try to clean it off the steering wheel and you could end up unintentionally swerving.

This list was compiled by Hagerty Classic Insurance. Wonder what Geico would say?

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Twelve Northern Virginia Restaurants Take Top Honors

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:20:11 -0500

Twelve Northern Virginia restaurants have taken top honors on this year's Washington Post list of best restaurants.

Noted by restaurant critic Tom Sietsman are:

Artie's - traditional American cuisine**
Banian - Afghan**
Bistro L'Hermitage - French***
Eventide - Contemporary American***
Four Sisters - Vietnamese***
Han Gang - Korean***
Inn at Little Washington - Contemporary American****
Present - Vietnamese***
Ray's the Steaks - Steak***
Restaurant Eve's Tasting Room - Contemporary American****
Trummer's on Main - Contemporary American
2941 - Contemporary American****

Using one to four stars, this is Sietseman's rating system:

*Satisfactory - restaurants that are useful to know about if you are nearby; they may have only a few dishes or a single quality, such as a view or atmosphere, to distinguish them.

**Good - restaurants with generally appealing cooking, service and settings, they tend to be worth driving across town for.

***Excellent - rewarding destinations, no matter where you're coming from; they typically blend high-quality cooking with the environs.

****Superlative - an unsurpassed dining experience ; these restaurants do what they do extraordinarily well.

Look's like I have some new places to try -

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Station at Potomac Yards Celebrates Grand Opening

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:30:59 -0500

he Station at Potomac Yards - a mixed used commercial and residential space - celebrated its grand opening today with a ceremony in the new, state of the art Fire Station #209, the first in Alexandria in more than 30 years.

Despite the cold and constant rain, more than 150 people turned out for the ceremonies and the tours that followed.

It was a great chance to get a first hand look at the station that will serve Del Ray and provide a permanent home for specialized hazardous waste equipment.

The station was designed with an eye to the future and can accommodate a larger staff if warranted and serve as a command post in times of national emergency.

Conveniently arranged on one level (no more sliding down a pole), the station has a large eat in kitchen with floor to ceiling windows, an all purpose "family" room, 15 individual sleeping rooms, each with a single bed, table, chair, light and phone; four large bathrooms, laundry rooms, conference rooms and office, training and storage space.

As much fun as we had though, it was clear that the day belonged to little boys.

Heuer, Dane, Nolan

With fireman's hats, boots and slickers, it was a day for inspecting the equipment, sitting in the drivers seat and soaking up lots to tell mom.

Kudos to the City of Alexandria for the public/private cooperation that made the Station at Potomac Yards a reality. For more, click here.

Michael

Potomac Yard Development Expands with New Fire Station and Sewage Pumping Station

Old Town Greens/Potomac Greens - Neighborhoods That Are Not What They Seem and Just Where You May Want to Be.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Smart Choices for Versatile Nursery Design

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:04:35 -0500

There was a great article in today's Washington Post about making smart choices for a really versatile nursery design that goes way beyond blue or pink. The author, newly pregnant, was inspired to search out answers when confronted with adding color to her home's neutral palate.

Check out these tips that she collected from a variety of design pros in the Washington metro area:

Plan in terms of functionality. Make the room easy to use, then figure out what you want it to look like.
Patterned wool rugs are a good choice.
Have all upholstery stain-treated.
Consider adding a 'surprise' element - like painting the inside of the closet a very bright or intense color.
When buying window treatments, think about how much light control you want or need.

Make sure you know what's going to fit into the room before you buy anything. Make a sketch of the room and take measurements and keep it with you at all times.
Instead of buying bedding and curtains as a set, shop for window treatments first, thinking in terms of something the child would like at age 8, then pick the bedding.
Find something you really love and just go with it. Even if it's something like a little frog, take it and have fun with it.

Although each of the designers the writer consulted had a different approach, they all agreed on one thing - Spend money on the things that will last the longest and pick the paint color last. The idea being that picking the color first backs you into a color.

For the complete article, sample colors and great pictures, click here. For a related article on color, click here.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

City of Alexandria Leaf Collection 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:17:57 -0500

Get ready - it's time to rake and recycle in preparation for the City of Alexandria's 2009 Leaf Collection program. Here are the three ways to recycle your leaves:

1) Rake your leaves to the curb for vacuum truck collection

Remove stones, litter, branches or other debris
Avoid placing leaves in from of storm drains, or water meter covers. Move parked cars off of leaf piles.
Do not use plastic bags - this is for loose leaves only.
Leaves must be in piles at the curb and visible, not in alleys or service roads.
Leaves must be raked out before the earliest scheduled collection day for your area.

2) Place leaves in biodegradable bags for collection

Use only biodegradable bags because they may be shredded and processed into mulch
Remove dirt, stones, litter and other debris.
Bags will be collected one business day after regular trash collection days beginning October 27 - January 4.

3) Compost leaves and yard waste

For detailed information, call the Virginia Extension Service at 703.228.6400.

2009 Alexandria Leaf Collection Service Areas

For specific rake out and start dates in your area, click here.

Happy raking!

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Northern Virginia Ranks at #3 for Nation's Healthiest Housing Markets

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:01:44 -0500

Builder Magazine has released it's Fall 2009 Update on the nation's healthiest housing markets and Northern Virginia - Alexandria and Arlington - along with Washington, DC - ranks at #3.

The report, prepared by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, uses a metric that includes home price appreciation (or depreciation), job growth, household growth, unemployment and median income growth.

This is what Hanley Wood has to say about the Northern Virginia area:

"Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C., is one of the few major markets to actually record an increase in new home sales this year; sales were up 17% through June, though the market slowed in September. The federal government appears to be living up to its reputation as a counter-cyclical buffer, though many of the jobs in the nation's capital are now in the tech sector. Home prices in this high-priced region seemed to correct early.

Median home prices fell 20% in 2008 and have fallen another 21% through September of this year. But market researcher Dan Fulton recently asserted that home prices probably won't decline further. In his opinion, Northern Virginia doesn't have enough housing, while Maryland's Prince George's and Charles counties continue to suffer from oversupply. Northern Virginia/Washington qualifies as one of the most affluent markets in the country with a median income of $83,500."

What does this mean to you? If you are a buyer and inventory continues to decrease, prices will rise. If you are a seller, less inventory means fewer days on the market and a stronger position for negotiating. Either way, all indicators point towards a robust market as we head into the fourth quarter.

Michael

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Scenic Sunday in Old Town Alexandria

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:31:14 -0500

On this Scenic Sunday in Old Town Alexandria, I was on my way home from church - and on my way to an open house - when I passed this mass of Virginia Creeper hanging over a fence on Cameron Street. I stopped to get a quick picture and then looked up, up, up to see the entire side of house covered in reds and golds.

Another great Scenic Sunday in Old Town Alexandria.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Virginia offers October Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:56:12 -0500

The Commonwealth of Virginia kicked off its third annual October Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products yesterday and it will continue through Monday, October 12.

During this time, purchases of certain Energy Star and WaterSense qualified products for non-commercial use and costing less than $2.500 will be tax exempt. The exempt Energy Star items include:

dishwashers
washing machines
refrigerators
air conditioners
ceiling fans
compact fluorescent light bulbs
programmable thermostats that carry the Energy Star designation.

The exempt WaterSense items include:

bathroom sink faucets
faucet accessories
toilets.

If you need to replace certain kitchen or bathroom items or if you just want to upgrade, this is a great time to take advantage of Columbus Day Sales - and save on taxes.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Virginia offers October Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:55:52 -0500

The Commonwealth of Virginia kicked off its third annual October Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products yesterday and it will continue through Monday, October 12.

dishwashers
washing machines
refrigerators
air conditioners
ceiling fans
compact fluorescent light bulbs
programmable thermostats that carry the Energy Star designation.

The exempt WaterSense items include:

bathroom sink faucets
faucet accessories
toilets.

If you need to replace certain kitchen or bathroom items or if you just want to upgrade, this is a great time to take advantage of Columbus Day Sales - and save on taxes.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

100,000 Points! Today's the Day

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:07:19 -0500

Yep, today's the day I reach the 100,000 point mark. In fact, it will happen with this post. Why does this matter if "it's not about the points?"

It's not the 100,000 points in and of themselves that are important but it's what they represent. They are a clear and factual representation of a commitment. A commitment to post every day, a commitment to comment every day, a commitment to learn and grow as a professional Real Estate Agent.

At the end of every day - whether good or bad, I can look at my points and say, I did this. I kept my commitment. I did what I said I was going to do.

Besides, it's been FUN. Participating in the community business contest and then the 'series' contest was great and pushed me in new directions.

I love 'meeting' new folks, hearing different opinions and finding out what is happening in the rest of the country. I'm grateful for the generous spirit that seems to be so much a part of Active Rain. What can I say? I'm a happy AR camper!

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this day possible!

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

September 2009 Real Estate Market Watch for Northern Virginia

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:10:07 -0500

In the September 2009 Real Estate Market Watch for Northern Virginia released by Coldwell Banker, the results of a survey by Zillow.com reveal an interesting perception about the real estate market. The survey found that 56% of homeowners in the Northeast (including Northern Virginia) felt that their home's value decreased in past 12 months.

In reality, 77% of homes actually decreased in value. More interesting is how the homeowners project the future of home values -- 82% believed their home will increase in value or stay the same in the next six months.

Overall we applaud a positive attitude but the reality is that - in most places - a generous inventory of homes will prevent prices from increasing. We think four months of increasing sales may have contributed to this overconfidence.

And, although 2009 August sales decreased from the previous month, the sales are still better than 2008 August, which is a positive indicator. As you will see in some of the area graphs listed below, more new listings came on the market in September than were sold. However, the graphs reveal some counties are experiencing much lower inventories indicating the beginning of an appreciating market in that area.

September 2009 Listings and Sales for Northern Virginia

Alexandria

Arlington

Fairfax County

Washington, DC

The trends in these current graphs are the best indication of whether home values will continue to decrease or begin to increase depending on the local market. This means sellers in most areas need to be very realistic about the price position of their house so they won't lose more value by chasing the market down. Home sellers should remember it is the buyer's perception of value that determines sale prices, not the seller's. For buyers, this reveals excellent buying opportunities in a market posed to appreciate in the future.

If you or someone you know would like additional insights into this current market, please contact me at 703.927.4554 or michael.bergin2@verizon.net.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Tappers with Attitude at the 2009 Arts on the Avenue Festival in Alexandria, VA

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:42:50 -0500

The Arts on the Avenue festival in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood is really more than "just" an arts festival. It's a celebration of doing what you love and sharing it with the rest of the world.

It's also a celebration of what makes Del Ray an exciting place to live - a vibrant main street (Mt. Vernon Avenue), small, independently owned businesses, a variety of restaurants that are kid and dog friendly, a thriving business association, and folks who are actively involved in being "neighborly".

We love this video from one of our favorite performing groups at the festival - Tappers with Attitude. Haven't you ever wanted to put on a pair of tap shoes and 'strut your stuff'? Take a hint from these folks and JUST DO IT.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

The Great Pumpkin Patch Lives in Alexandria, VA!

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:20:52 -0500

Now in it's 16th year, the Great Pumpkin Patch at Immanuel-Church-On-the-Hill is a community event in the very best sense of the word.

Church members staff the event, neighbors spread the word on local listservs and folks come from all around to buy pumpkins, decorative gourds, bags of hay, and homemade soups and desserts.

Best of all, the proceeds from the sale - over $35,000 last year - go to support community organizations like the Network Preschool, ALIVE!, Carpenters Shelter and Community Lodgings.

On the other end, the wholesale purchase of over 10,000 pumpkins benefits the Navajo Indian tribes in the northern regions of New Mexico who, over the year, create some 300 jobs directly related to the planting and cultivation of the pumpkins.

Whether you're looking for something to cook or decorate - or maybe just a great afternoon out with the kids - the Pumpkin Patch is a great place to be,

Pumpkins are on sale now through October 31, 10:00am to 8:00pm daily with prices ranging from $1 - $25 depending on the size of the pumpkin.

Personally, I'm going back for the soups!

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

World Habitat Day 2009 - What Can You Do to Make a Difference?

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:35:07 -0500

Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, World Habitat Day calls attention to the lack of adequte housing that affects much of the world.

As Realtors it is very easy to get caught up in the day to day business of listings, unrealistic buyers, tortured short sales, price points, etc. etc. And in many ways we live in a small cocoon of indulgence - helping people buy and sell houses.

But there is a larger world out there - one where people live in tents or slums or substandard housing - and will for the rest of their lives.

I honestly don't know if I will ever really be able to make a difference in the life of someone in Africa or Latin America or Asia but I do know that at least educating myself is the first step.

What can you do for World Habitat Day 2009?

Educate yourself and your friends and family.

Read Habitat’s World Habitat Day handbook to learn more about the importance of secure tenure and neighborhood revitalization.
Take a virtual tour of the Capotillo informal settlement in the Dominican Republic.
Read statistics and research about poverty housing in the U.S. and around the world.
Link to our World Habitat Day 2009 resources page on your social media pages, personal Web site or blog.

Advocate for decent housing for all.

Send a message to your members of Congress on World Habitat Day.
Tell your friends and family to take action too! Use the “Email” button at the top of this page to share this Web page.

Join a World Habitat Day event in your community.
Visit World Habitat Day events.

Donate to support Habitat’s efforts.
Donate online today.

Thank you for taking the time to read this -

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Arts on the Avenue Takes Center Stage in Del Ray

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:42:13 -0500

Arts on the Avenue, Del Ray's premier fall showcase, was the highlight of a very busy weekend here in Northern Virginia. The rain gods went elsewhere and thousands of folks showed up to stroll Mt. Vernon Avenue.

Whether taking in artists from around the country, feasting on a variety of foods from local restaurants and being entertained by Irish Step Dancers, Tappers with Attitude or Greek Folk Dancers, it was a day of pure pleasure.

Come see us sometime, we'd love to show you around.

Michael Bergin

Your Realtor in Alexandria and Northern Virginia - ABR - SRES - Military Relocation

Active Rain/Tomato Blog

Veterans Day at Christ Church Alexandria

Lincoln Memorial by Moonlight

Alexandria's Waterfront Parks - Tide Lock

Tide Lock Park

Halloween on Lee Street in Old Town Alexandria

Edgar Allen Poe Visits Alexandria on Halloween

A Pot of Chili Made All the Difference

The 2009 Del Ray Halloween Parade - Funky, Friendly and Fun!

Not Even Halloween is Recession Proof in Alexandria's Del Ray Neighborhood

Virginia Ranked as Top State for Business for Fourth Straight Year

Related story: Northern Virginia Ranks at #3 for Nation’s Healthiest Housing Markets

Scenic Sunday at Historic Christ Church Alexandria

10 Worst Foods to Eat While Driving

Twelve Northern Virginia Restaurants Take Top Honors

Station at Potomac Yards Celebrates Grand Opening

Related stories:

Potomac Yard Development Expands with New Fire Station and Sewage Pumping Station

Old Town Greens/Potomac Greens - Neighborhoods That Are Not What They Seem and Just Where You May Want to Be.

Smart Choices for Versatile Nursery Design

City of Alexandria Leaf Collection 2009

2009 Alexandria Leaf Collection Service Areas

Northern Virginia Ranks at #3 for Nation's Healthiest Housing Markets

Scenic Sunday in Old Town Alexandria

Virginia offers October Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products

Virginia offers October Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Products

100,000 Points! Today's the Day

September 2009 Real Estate Market Watch for Northern Virginia

September 2009 Listings and Sales for Northern Virginia

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Tappers with Attitude at the 2009 Arts on the Avenue Festival in Alexandria, VA

The Great Pumpkin Patch Lives in Alexandria, VA!

World Habitat Day 2009 - What Can You Do to Make a Difference?

Arts on the Avenue Takes Center Stage in Del Ray