WASHINGTON POST: D.C. Area Not Hit As Hard By Real Estate Downturn - Arlington VA Homes - 07/30/10 12:03 PM
WASHINGTON POST: DC Area Not Hit As Hard By Real Estate Downturn - Arlington VA Homes

According to an MRIS/Delta Associates study, the Washington, DC area appears to be "insulated and poised for a turnaround."
An article in Tuesday's Washington Post highlighted many details as to why the DC area has been progressing while some metropolitan areas continue to struggle or head in the wrong direction altogether.
A report released by the government stated that home sales in May were the worst EVER and were the second worst EVER in June. The DC area, however, was a bright spot due … (1 comments)

Washington, DC Region Leads Nation with Lowest Unemployment Rate and Largest Job Growth - Washington DC Relocation - 07/28/10 12:59 PM
Washington, DC Region Leads Nation with Lowest Unemployment Rate and Largest Job Growth - Washington DC Relocation

In recessions past, economic downturns are not felt as severely in the D.C. region as other metropolitan areas in the United States.
While the nation's unemployment rate continues to hover, the D.C. area recently became the only metropolitan area in the nation to gain jobs over the last year. Compared to April 2009, the D.C. area gained 6,000 jobs.
In comparison, New York lost 91,000 jobs, while Los Angeles and Chicago each lost more than 100,000 jobs over the course of the last … (3 comments)

COMING SOON: Beautiful 1 bedroom Condo in Fairlington - Near King Street, Old Town Alexandria and I-395 - 07/28/10 11:23 AM
COMING SOON: Beautiful 1 bedroom Condo in Fairlington - Near King Street, Old Town Alexandria and I-395

This beautiful 1 bedroom condo in Fairlington will be hitting the market soon. A stone's throw from I-395, Old Town Alexandria, and King Street, this 1 bedroom condo in Fairlington features a vaulted ceiling with spiral staircase, new windows, new doors, a renovated kitchen and lots of storage.
This lovely condo is close to NVCC's Alexandria campus, Fort Ward Park, Leesburg Pike Plaza and a handful of dining and shopping options.
… (1 comments)

New Residential Real Estate Property Tax Rates: Tax Rates Effective July 1, 2010 for Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Vienna and MORE - 07/27/10 11:16 AM
New Property Tax Rates: Tax Rates Effective July 1, 2010 for Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Vienna and MORE

According to NVAR, real estate property taxes increased for most Northern Virginia homeowners.
Here are the FY 2010-2011 Residential Real Estate Tax Rates in Northern Virginia. Note that all rates are per $100 of assessed value:
City of Alexandria: $.978
Arlington County: $.945 + $0.013 stormwater fee
Town of Clifton: $1.09 + $0.015 stormwater fee
City of Fairfax: $.96
Fairfax County: $1.09 + $.015 stormwater fee
City of Falls Church: $1.24
Town of Herndon: $1.3725
Loudoun County: $1.30
City of Manassas: $1.472
… (0 comments)

Northrop Grumman Selects Falls Church for New Corporate Headquarters - Falls Church VA Relocation - 07/27/10 10:48 AM
Northrop Grumman Selects Falls Church, VA for New Corporate Headquarters - Falls Church VA Relocation

In a press release dated July 12, 2010, Northrop Grumman announced that it will be relocating its corporate office to Falls Church, VA. The office is expected to open by Summer 2011.
The building planned for the corporate office is located at 2980 Fairview Park Drive in Falls Church. The office will draw employees from its Arlington and Southern California locations.
On behalf of the Northern Virginia community, I'd like to welcome Northrop Grumman and its employees to Falls Church. If you, or someone you know, are relocating … (3 comments)

Top 12 Health Tips for Busy On-The-Go Real Estate Professionals - 07/23/10 10:52 AM
These are some GREAT tips for my colleagues in the industry, and for any hardworking professional in the Arlington area. I hope you all have a great weekend and stay healthy!
Via Lauren Bernstein (ActiveRain):

For five years I worked in outside sales and spent half the month on the road.  A typical month included 1,500 miles behind the wheel and 5,000 miles in the air. Even though I was excelling in my field, I was constantly tired, sometimes moody and always craving sugar (I became wildly addicted to homemade yogurt covered pretzels and "energy" bars). I fell out of balance … (0 comments)

HUBBA! HUBBA! Arlington is #11 on the Rich and Single List - Arlington VA Homes - 07/23/10 10:50 AM
HUBBA! HUBBA! Arlington is #11 on the Rich and Single List - Arlington VA Homes

 
Rich?
Single?
Move to Arlington.
41.6% of the population is single and the median family income is $104,452. If you're looking for a foxy sugar momma or loaded sugar daddy, Arlington is the #11 place in the country to get your fix (according to Money Magazine). Newport Beach, CA placed #1 on the list... but in due time Arlington will catch up.
With hip neighborhoods such as Ballston, Clarendon and Courthouse, it's not hard to find an inviting setting to let love blossom.
Once … (2 comments)

4 Reasons Why Your Home Didn't Sell - Arlington VA Homes - 07/22/10 03:57 PM
3 Reasons Why Your Home Didn't Sell - Arlington VA Homes

You put your home on the market. You think you did everything right. But it didn't sell and it's sitting on the EXPIRED shelf with a handful of other Arlington VA Homes.
So, now what? Before you re-list it with the same agent or go Google another agent, there are a few things to examine.
Here are the top 4 reasons why your listing has EXPIRED next to it and not SOLD:
1) Communication: Teamwork between a seller and agent is very, very important. It's important for the seller … (0 comments)

EXCLUSIVE: Photo of the Devastation Caused by Maryland Earthquake... - 07/22/10 03:00 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Photo of the Devastation Caused by Maryland Earthquake...
Not too sure if you felt it or heard about it, but last week a 3.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the D.C. area. The earthquake's epicenter was in Germantown, Md.
Mr. Arlington: The Blog has obtained exclusive footage of the aftermath of the 3.6 magnitude earthquake. Please scroll down for the incredible footage of the damage...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

… (2 comments)

Big Brother Will Ticket You With New Red Light Traffic Cameras - Arlington VA Homes - 07/22/10 02:44 PM
Big Brother Will Ticket You With New Red Light Traffic Cameras - Arlington VA Homes
There are a few intersections near the Key Bridge in Arlington where you better not even think about running a red light. Even if there are no police officers around, prepare yourself for a ticket because Big Brother is watching.

The following intersections now have red light cameras:
Northbound N. Lynn Street at Eastbound Lee Highway Southbound Ft. Myer Drive at Westbound Lee Highway Northbound N. Glebe Road at Fairfax Drive Northbound Washington Boulevard at Lee Highway Arlington County officials vouched for the cameras in order … (1 comments)

Be The One - 07/21/10 04:02 PM
This is a beautiful post courtesy of Lisa down in New Orleans. While the focus has shifted to recapping the well, it's important to never forget the thousands of residents and endangered wildlife that have suffered at the hands of this oil spill.
Everyone needs to step up and do their part. Together we can help so many and get things back on track.
Via Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty Crescent City West Bank Partners):
If you don’t live along the Gulf Coast, you probably haven’t been inundated every single day, multiple times a day, for the … (2 comments)

Arlington VA Homes - 5 Improvements that Aren't Worth It! - 07/20/10 03:03 PM
Arlington VA Homes - 5 Renovations and Remodels that Aren't Worth It!
1) Over-improvements. I've always used a simple formula when it comes to figuring out if an improvement is worth it or not. Add the costs of your proposed remodeling project to the current market value of your home. If the total is more than 20% over your neighbors' home values, what makes you think you'll recoup your remodeling expenses when you sell?

2) High-cost, single-use improvements. Not everyone wants a fancy gazebo, tennis court or Olympic sized swimming pool. What may appear to be a feature to you, … (1 comments)

30 Ways to Save Money on Utilities - 07/20/10 09:37 AM
Some great money saving tips, courtesy of Karen Rittenhouse down in Greensboro, North Carolina. As the A/C is pumping strong, these are some good things to keep in mind to help reduce costs...
Via Karen Rittenhouse (Triad Residential Solutions):
30 Ways to Save Money on Utilities
1. Check it out! In many areas, cable, satellite and utility companies compete for customers so you can save on some utilities by shopping around for the best rates and plans. (Or at least switch to basic cable!)
2. Use energy efficient light bulbs. This is the big buzz right now.  Simply replace incandescent light … (1 comments)

Grammar 101: How to NOT Look Like An Idiot On Your Blog! - 07/19/10 03:09 PM
Grammar 101: How to NOT Look Like An Idiot On Your Blog
This post is courtesy of my assistant, Jesse Scott, who has contributed to several publications nationwide over the past seven years. He's worked for hometown newspapers, established Web sites, and the world's largest journalism network, the BBC.

There are a lot of good posts on ActiveRain. In my opinion, what sets the good posts apart from the great posts is a simple two-part spell check. It's a shame to see stellar posts marred by elementary spelling errors such as they're/there/their, two/to/too, and your/you're.
There is simply no excuse for not knowing the difference … (4 comments)

Crystal City Events - Having a Healthy Week in Crystal City is Easy... - 07/19/10 02:09 PM
Crystal City Events - Having a Healthy Week in Crystal City is Easy...
Crystal City will host a colorful array of physical activities in the coming days as part of its annual health week.
Things kicked off at 7:00 this morning with a complimentary yoga class held in Crystal City's water park located at 1750 Crystal Drive. The yoga class is held weekly at the water park and is free of charge.
Tuesday will feature the FRESHFARM farmers' market from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This weekly farmers' market has an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and home made goodies that are bound to satisfy any … (0 comments)

Arlington County Approves $33 million to Improve Rosslyn Metro Station - Arlington VA Homes - 07/19/10 12:45 PM
Arlington County Approves $33 million to Improve Rosslyn Metro Station - Arlington VA Homes

Northern Virginia's busiest Metro station will be receiving $33 million in improvements over the next three years. Nearly $20 million of the funds needed will be provided by state and federal grants.
The Rosslyn station currently serves nearly 36,000 riders a day during the workweek, and will serve an estimated 45,000 per day by 2030.
The county plans to install three new high-speed elevators, an additional stairwell, a new mezzanine, fare gates and a connecting passageway.
The county had hoped the improvements would coincide with other … (0 comments)

Lost Charlie Chaplin Silent Film Re-Debuts 96 Years Later at Rosslyn Film Festival - Arlington VA Movies - 07/19/10 11:26 AM
Lost Charlie Chaplin Silent Film Re-Debuts 96 Years Later at Rosslyn Film Festival - Arlington VA Movies

A film that made its way to Arlington may not have the special effects that "Inception" does, but it does carry a historical punch.
Film historian, Paul Gierucki, discovered a 16mm film reel in an antique shop in Michigan. Thinking it was just another aged, black and white film, he brought it home and started watching it. To his surprise, one of the characters looked exactly like Charlie Chaplin... and indeed it was.
The film, "A Thief Catcher," is thought to be Chaplin's third appearance on film. … (0 comments)

Realtors® Don't Know Everything....But The Good Ones Find The Answers - 07/16/10 12:45 PM
This is a great post, courtesy of Karen Fiddler out in Orange County, California. We share the same humble perspective: While I may not know EVERYTHING, I am always willing to put in the hard work necessary to get answers for my clients. It may not be easy at times, but it's an exciting part of this business that I genuinely enjoy.
Via Karen Fiddler Broker/Realtor (Great Western Realty Group/eVantage Real Estate):
I've been a Realtor® for a while now...but I am still surprised by the day-to-day issues which arise during transactions. In the current environment, it seems that every new escrow has … (2 comments)

3.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits DC? Yes, it's true. - DC Earthquake Tips - 07/16/10 12:12 PM
3.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits DC? Yes, it's true. - DC Earthquake Tips

This morning, there was a very unexpected 3.6 magnitude earthquake centered in Gaithersburg, Md. It was the strongest earthquake to strike the region in nearly 35 years.
An hour after the earthquake, residents in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and even Delaware and West Virginia, reported feeling the ground rumble, though there was no serious damage reported.
The last earthquake to strike Maryland was in 2007, when a 1.7 magnitude earthquake struck five miles northwest of Baltimore.
In case there is another unlikely earthquake in the DC area sometime soon that … (2 comments)

Shave 5-7 Years Off Your Mortgage... AND Save $200 Per Year - Arlington VA Mortgage - 07/15/10 01:23 PM
Shave 5-7 Years Off Your Mortgage... AND Save $200 Per Year - Arlington VA Mortgage
After you obtain your new mortgage, any bank will contact you to offer to set up a bi-weekly payment plan, for a small annual administrative fee, usually about $200 per year.   
Under this plan, direct payments from your bank account would be made for ½ of your monthly mortgage every two weeks, instead of the full mortgage payment being made every month. This plan will reduce the term of a 30 Year Fixed Mortgage by approximately 5-7 years, and is often recommended by financial planners and media … (3 comments)

Best Places to Live in the US, 2010 - Centreville and Alexandria Both in the Top 50, Representing Northern VA! - 07/14/10 03:25 PM
Best Places to Live in the US, 2010 - Centreville and Alexandria Both in the Top 50, Representing Northern VA!
As if you needed more reasons to move to Northern Virginia? Money Magazine just released its Best Places to Live special, and two Northern Virginia cities are in the top 50.
Centreville came in at #37 and Alexandria came in at #47. While both of these cities would be in my personal top 10, this is still a distinct honor.

Money Magazine noted that Centreville "lives up to its name" with its close proximity to Washington, DC, the Bull Run Mountains … (1 comments)

Home Staging DOES NOT mean Deceiving the Buyer! - 07/08/10 02:08 PM
Some great tips from Shar in Minneapolis, MN. The biggest moral of Shar's post is to make the necessary repairs and don't try to fool the buyer. They will find out! 
Via Shar Sitter; Home Staging in Minneapolis, MN (Rooms With Style; Home Staging in Minneapolis, St. Paul ):
Home Staging does not mean deceiving the buyer. There are times during a home staging consultation that I have been asked how to hide something. Don't hide it, fix it!!
Home Staging can get a bad rap as many buyers, as well as Realtors, think things have been covered up, painted over, or a … (3 comments)

Crystal City Farmers' Market - Going Green. Eating Green. Saving Green. - 07/08/10 01:33 PM
Crystal City Farmers' Market - Going Green. Eating Green. Saving Green.

It's fun to walk home from work every Tuesday if you live in Crystal City.
Between May 18 and October 26, nearly 20 different local vendors line the sidewalk between 18th and 20th Streets. The Crystal City Farmers' Market is open between 3PM and 7PM.
Local farmers bring delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, lovely flowers, herbs, baked goods, and farm-grown meats and eggs. Needless to say, you're bound to find a little somethin' special to satisfy the tastebuds.
And if you're really lucky, the Sweet Green/Sweet Flo yogurt truck will be parked … (0 comments)

Parenting Magazine: Best Cities for Families - Arlington, VA is #1! - 07/08/10 12:23 PM
Parenting Magazine: Best Cities for Families - Arlington, VA is #1!

Sure, Arlington is a county and not a city. But that didn't stop Parenting Magazine from naming Arlington, VA the #1 city for families.
Why is Arlington the #1 city for families? Parenting Magazine says it best:
"Fabulous schools, great home values, and an attractive unemployment rate (only 4.8 percent, as compared to the national average of 9.9 percent) can all be found in this dynamic setting just a stone's throw from the nation's capital. Arlington's public schools offer a low pupil/teacher ratio, and the city ranks second highest … (0 comments)

NEW LISTING WITH PHOTOS: Burke VA Townhouse - Lovely 3BR/2BA/2HB Home in Fairfax Near VRE! - 07/08/10 09:33 AM
NEW LISTING: Burke VA Townhouse - Lovely 3BR/2BA/2HB Home in Fairfax Near VRE!

At $357,900, this Burke VA townhouse is quite the steal. It features three unique levels with its back facing to an extensive network of trails and a charming, wooded area. The back yard boasts a large deck, perfect for entertaining on a nice spring or summer day.

The interior features gleaming hardwood floors, newer appliances and brand new carpeting. All of this in a lovely townhouse within walking distance to the Burke VRE station.

Contact Mr. Arlington if you'd like to learn more about this … (3 comments)

House-Hunting Beatz, Volume 1: 10 Songs to Jam to While Finding Your New Arlington VA Home - 07/07/10 09:55 AM
House-Hunting Beatz, Volume 1: 10 Songs to Jam to While Finding Your New Arlington VA Home

Finding your new home shouldn't be a silent bore. It should be exciting... especially in the heat of the summer with your windows rolled down, music blaring and sweat dripping in excessive humidity.
Unless you listen to Pavarotti or Yanni on repeat, you'll likely enjoy a little somethin' somethin' to get the bones moving on your house-hunting journey.
Get on iTunes (or your favorite illegal platform, not that ANY of you would ever do such a thing), grab these 10 songs, and turn up the volume. … (1 comments)

Burke VA Townhouse - Lovely 3BR/2BA/2HB Home in Fairfax Near VRE! - 07/07/10 09:08 AM
NEW LISTING: Burke VA Townhouse - Lovely 3BR/2BA/2HB Home in Fairfax Near VRE!
At $357,900, this Burke VA townhouse is quite the steal. It features three unique levels with its back facing to an extensive network of trails and a charming, wooded area. The back yard boasts a large deck, perfect for entertaining on a nice spring or summer day.
The interior features gleaming hardwood floors, newer appliances and brand new carpeting. All of this in a lovely townhouse within walking distance to the Burke VRE station.
Contact Mr. Arlington if you'd like to learn more about this Burke VA townhouse. … (0 comments)

Top 5 Real Estate Apps - Arlington VA Homes - 07/06/10 02:40 PM
It's raining apps out there. There's an app for everything. Air hockey. Darts. Food. You name it.

So, what are the best apps in the real estate realm? Here are the 5 best real estate apps (in no particular order), that can help agents and clients alike. These are all available on the iPhone, with some available on other platforms (Android, Blackberry, etc.):
TourNarrator ($1.99) - Capture buyer feedback on your iPhone, using photos, notes, and audio. Tour notes and photos are published to a PDF and can be used on any website. Clients can then browse through properties toured and … (0 comments)

Why are Mortgage Bonds "BOOMING?" - Arlington, VA Mortgage and Loan News - 07/06/10 11:18 AM
Why are Mortgage Bonds "Booming?" - Arlington, VA Mortgage and Loan News

"Mortgage Bonds Booming." 
That was the headline in the Wall Street Journal that was both themed for Independence Day and very accurate. Rates are at historic lows, and unexpectedly so... and the most important question is "why?" - as the answer to this may assist one's decision to purchase and/or refinance, potentially saving thousands over the life of a loan.
The predominant reason for lower rates today is that there are more large investors (Countries, Pension Funds, Institutions, etc.) than safe places to put their money.
For example, … (0 comments)

Forbes.com - Best Cities for Young Professionals - Washington, DC in at #2 for low unemployment and high income! - 07/02/10 09:14 AM
Forbes.com - Best Cities for Young Professionals - Washington, DC in at #2 for low unemployment and high income!

In case you didn't know, Washington, DC is a great place to kick off a career. Forbes.com confirmed this on June 17.
According to its recent survey, Washington, DC is the #2 "best city for young professionals." Of the several cities that Forbes surveyed nationwide, Washington, DC had the lowest unemployment rate (5.9%). Despite the high cost of living in DC proper, Forbes noted that the generous paychecks earned are more than enough to offset living costs.
Here is how Washington, … (1 comments)

2010 CRS Sell-A-Bration: Are you Going? Like? Dislike? - 07/01/10 02:53 PM
Raincamp in DC was awesome (that's why I'm on here now). Max Pigman's Realtor.com conference on social media was great. Webinars are fun every so often.
I have learned so much from each of them--taking something different and applying it each and every time.
Is anyone out there planning on going to the 2010 CRS Sell-A-Bration out in Las Vegas? This year's conference is July 19-21 at the Paris Casino.
What are your experiences with the Sell-A-Bration? It costs a few pennies to attend, fly out there, and book a hotel (well, maybe not a hotel since a lot of people are … (0 comments)

Beware! The Top 20 Tacky Staging Techniques - 07/01/10 12:43 PM
Some great tips, courtesy of Angela Voss. It's always important to have your home in tip-top shape, but you don't want to go overboard. Most people want a place they can envision calling home, not "hotel."
Via Angela Voss (Designology Home Staging and Publishing):
Home staging should show off the great features of your listing and diminish the negative ones, not create a phony atmosphere. It's all about marketing that feeling of the good life and what is possible for the room without going overboard.
A home should never look like it's been staged.20 Tacky Techniques:
Napkins stuffed in wine glasses (Creates a … (1 comments)

GREAT NEWS: First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Closing Extension PASSES SENATE, Heads to Obama's Desk... - 07/01/10 08:40 AM
GREAT NEWS: First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Closing Extension PASSES SENATE, Heads to Obama's Desk...
The Senate was like a procrastinating college student completing a term paper when it came to passing the FTHB closing extension. Despite the extreme delay, they finally got the job done last night.
First time homebuyers will now have until September 30 to close on their purchases and receive an $8,000 tax credit. To qualify, contracts had to be completed by April 30.
Congress had been trying to pass the bill for the last month, and this blog had been trying to keep up with all … (2 comments)

 
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Aaron Seekford | Arlington VA Homes | www.MrArlington.com | 703-836-6116

Arlington, VA

More about me…

Arlington Realty, Inc.

Address: 764 South 23rd Street, Arlington, VA, 22202

Office Phone: (703) 836-6116

Cell Phone: (703) 447-4663

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