LINDEN SPRINGS AND RESTON CONDOS

World's Best Places For Real Estate Buys

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:09:45 -0700

World's Best Places For Real Estate

By Wade Gilley on 3/12/2009 8:30 PM

World's Best Places For Real Estate Buys Matt Woolsey Ten cities investors will target in 2009. In Depth: World's Best Places For Real Estate Buys Washington, D.C., traditionally takes a back seat to world cities like London, New York and Tokyo when it comes to real estate investment. That's likely to change. Thanks to a proposed $1 trillion wave government spending, investors are flocking to D.C. for opportunities in the commercial and residential real estate markets. All these new programs will need offices, after all, and their employees will need places to live. This year, Washington leapfrogged London for the first-place ranking in the world's best cities for real estate investment. But don't count out the world's financial capitals just yet--even with massive financial troubles in London and New York, those cities finished second and third, respectively. Why? It's the appeal of long-term stability, and fears that emerging countries are going to take a harder hit. While the U.S. property market sputters, China is poised for its worst deflation in a decade, focused heavily on property price declines, according to Deutsche Bank (nyse: DB - news - people ). "For the U.S. and U.K., part of it is flying back to safety," says François Ortalo-Magne, a real estate professor at the Wisconsin School of Business. " For China and India, there's a sense that we went there and tried it, but it wasn't producing." Behind the Numbers
Forbes' rankings come from the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, a research association that tracks where member investors are finding the best opportunities around the world. AFIRE surveys its 200 members, who collectively hold $700 billion in cross-border real estate. U.S. cities surged up this year's list: San Francisco moved to sixth from 24th last year; Los Angeles moved to seventh from 19th; Houston moved to eigth from 32nd. Cities in the Asia Pacific region dropped: Sydney fell to 11th from ninth; Hong Kong dropped to 22nd from 10th place. This year, investors know that valuations can't be trusted. In 2008, the American residential market fell 19%, according to the Case-Shiller index; U.K. prices dropped 16% according to Nationwide, a U.K. builder. Commercial values in both countries have started to soften due to recessions on either side of the pond. In 2008, investors to spend tried to call the bottom and gambled in emerging markets. This year, they're looking at premium locations in cities with proven track records. "We don't feel comfortable that we are able to identify what value is," says Richard Kessler, chief operating officer of Benenson Capital Partners, a global real estate investment group. "Having said that, if an opportunity exists on Park and 57th Street, or something we've always wanted to own on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C., or some other very strategic long-term asset, we would look at it." That makes 2009 the year of playing it safe and not chasing exotic opportunities in far-flung locations. It's even injected a sense of humility into the investing world. "There used to be a rivalry between New York and London," says Kenneth Patton, divisional dean of the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate. "The subject has shifted to the fact that we're both in the same lifeboat, and maybe it's leaking." While some investors play it safe, others are content to wait out the real estate downturn entirely. "Most of the [usual] participants are sitting on the sidelines," says Kessler. "There's a lot of capital, but everyone is uncomfortable about deploying that capital." For their part, the optimists think 2009 might be the year that sideline money starts to come back into the marketplace--and, especially for the cities on this list, it will come back in a flood, not a trickle. "There's a lot of money that needs to be invested, says Ortalo-Magne. "The instant people feel an inkling of a turnaround, money is going to flow in." Whether that inkling comes in 2009 or 2010, however, is an altogether different question.

Wade Gilley Sr. writes new novel "Foy's World" about a mountain family in the Great Depression.

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:51:26 -0700

Jan. 20, 2009

BOOK REVIEW: Violence, Race Relations Explored in Depression Era North Carolina in 'Foy's World'

By David M. Kinchen
Huntingtonnews Book Critic

Former Marshall University president Wade Gilley explores the world of North Carolina's mountain people in his first novel, "Foy's World" (AuthorHouse, Bloomington, IN., 172 pages, $11.99).

Gilley, who lives in Reston, VA, says his novel of murder and intrigue in the Tarheel State grew out of "many childhood memories growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains." Gilley has previously written two memoirs about two central figures in his life: His mother Forest Gilley in "Life Before Sister"; and his grandmother Oda Gilley in "Damn Right It Hurts." Gilley, who also served as president of Bluefield State College and, after leaving Marshall, as president of the University of Tennessee, has written many nonfiction books and academic articles.

"Foy's World" is primarily told through a series of conversations between a 45-year old grandmother, Sophia "Sophie" Robinson, and her 10-year old grandson, McFoy or "Foy" Robinson while sitting on the front porch of a deteriorating family home opposite a gushing mountain waterfall named Shining Springs.

Gilley plots the novel with two questions that are central in this story: First, Foy is obsessed with who he is, as an older cousin named Clyde has not so slyly called him "Colored." Ongoing discussions provide insight into the mountain culture of the time as Sophie and Foy, with the occasional unscheduled assistance of Foy's five year old sister, Rose Robinson, discuss the life and times as well as debate his origins sitting on that front porch looking at the waterfall.

Then, a murder occurs at the local movie theater and that story becomes intertwined with the continuing discussion of Foy's origins and life itself. A third and central character in this story, Rob "Whiskers" Goins, is arrested, tried and convicted for murder only to escape when some of his relatives shoot up the courthouse and succeed in setting him free. During the ensuing national manhunt, Goins emerges in the front porch discussions as a "non-church" Jew who just might be related to Foy. Needless to say the times, language and culture are intertwined throughout the book and provide insight into a hardscrabble life of a proud mountain culture in the mid-1930s.

Gilley also introduces the element of the Melungeons, a dark-skinned people whom Sophie describes to Foy as: "....special people that came over here from the old world long, long before Columbus got here. According to what your Uncle Frank says, their ship wrecked somewhere on the Nor' Carolina beaches and they went west to settle in the mountains here and over in Kentucky and Tennessee."

Another subplot involves a preacher, the Rev. Simon Strouth, who is shot in the throat during the trial of "Whiskers" Goins. His wife Patsy steps into the breach when Strouth is unable to speak; Patsy becomes a surprising success as an Appalachian version of Aimee Semple McPherson (1890-1944), the world famous Los Angeles preacher and founder of the Foursquare Church.

"Foy's World" promises to be the first of a series: Sophie is a youthful 48 when the novel ends and she's a much too well drawn character to be limited to one novel. Too, Foy and Sophie make a delightful combination.

Foy's world is available at www.Amazon.com.

Foreclosures in the Reston Town Center

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:41:37 -0800

There are currently no bank owned units for sale in the Stratford House(120 units total) the Paramount (100 units total) and only two in the Carlton House (296 units total) all high rist condominiums in the Town Center. Mid-Town with 290 units has four distress sales listed.

To search the mls/mris to see what is for sale go to www.restontowncenterhomes.com and look for yourself.

Or go to www.gilleyteam.com to find the latest information on Northern Virginia Real Estate.

The Gilley Team is the top seller in the Reston Town Center and one of the top teams in all Reston. We are also the number one Virginia team of agents at National Realty.

Best Buy in REston Town Center --- February 13th

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:39:16 -0800

Two Reston BEST BUYS 11648 Wainwright$ and Buckthorn Lane

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:14:23 -0800

The Carlton House 296 Condos with Rooftop Swimming Pool and more

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:51:24 -0800

View of Reston Town Center From the Carlton House -- 296 condos at Reston Parkway and Sunset Hills

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:47:30 -0800

Reston Town Center's first high rise -- The Stratford House

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:57:37 -0800

Stratford House Looking Up Market Street

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:52:55 -0800

The Stratford House at Reston Town Center www.stratfordcondominiums.net

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:48:49 -0800

Homes have bottomed out and the Spring Market is here! Buy while Interest Rates are lowwwww!!

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:41:10 -0800

The number of distressed properties in Reston has dropped dramatically as we approach the end of this road. All of the foreclosed properties in Oak Park, West Market, 12001 Market Street, The Paramount and the Carlton House have been sold and there are few available as we approach the spring of 2009 and a new and potentially explosive real estate market.

The President's stimulus package combine with an up coming major home ownership federal program featuting 4% mortgages have set the stage for the Northern Virginia Real Estate market to bounce back and strongly.

4.5% interest rates are now available and prices have bottomed out. Anyone waiting to buy now is the time. Call the Gilley Team, Reston Town Center's Top Realtor Team, and we can make sure you get a real bargain. Call now 703-400-4892 or check our website www.gilleyteam.com

Best Buys in Reston, Virginia a New Service of The Gilley Team

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:02:43 -0800

Each week we will be putting up 5-8 listings that we consider to be the best buys in Reston. These will be the listings of various brokers and realtors.

Stratford House Two Penhouse Condos. Suite 1404 has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a huge sunroom with grand views of Tyson's Corner. It is priced well below similar units in the Paramount and the Mid-Town Condos on Market Street. Itis priced aty $819,000

1308 is a a 2 bedrom plus den and is professionally decorated and is gorgeous. Look straight down Market Street from the balcony off the living room. This unit is priced at $649,000 and has a second balcony with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain 15 miles away in Maryland.

Suite 807 in the Paramount is priced to Sell at $625,000. this unit is beautiful has two bedrooms plus a den and an eat in kitchen. The corner balcony has views of Tysons to the East and Sugar Loaf Mt to the North.

End unit town house in Coleson Cluster a short walk from the Town Center is priced to sell at $465,000. This just totally remodeled unit has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a deck and a patio out from the lower level family room. This one will go fast as the spring market comes on.

Call the Gilley Team to see either of these fine properties. Another set will be available in the Carlton, Mercer, Mid-Town and Savoy shortly. CALL 703-402-9576

Buffett: U.S. in Economic Pearl Harbor

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:00:56 -0800

Monday, January 19, 2009 9:08 AM

Buffett: U.S. in Economic Pearl Harbor

OMAHA, Neb. -- Billionaire investor Warren Buffett says the U.S. is engaged in an "economic Pearl Harbor." In an interview that aired Sunday on "Dateline NBC," the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said the nation's economic situation is not as bad at World War II or the Great Depression, but it's still pretty severe. Buffett said Americans are in a cycle of fear, "which leads to people not wanting to spend and not wanting to make investments, and that leads to more fear. We'll break out of it. It takes time." Buffett's interview centered on President-elect Barack Obama and the tough task he faces in fixing the U.S. economy. "You couldn't have anybody better in charge," the Omaha resident said of Obama, who'll be sworn into office on Tuesday. As one of Obama's economic advisers, Buffett said the president-elect listens to what his advisers say, but ultimately comes up with better ideas. He predicted that Obama will be able to convey the severity of the economic situation to the American people and explain their part in alleviating it. As to how long the crisis would continue, Buffett said he didn't know. "It's never paid to bet against America," he said. "We come through things, but its not always a smooth ride." Omaha-based Berkshire owns a diverse mix of more than 60 companies, including insurance, furniture, carpet, jewelry, restaurants and utility businesses. And it has major investments in such companies as Wells Fargo & Co. and Coca-Cola Co.

Condominiums in the Reston Town Center including Linden Springs Update

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:07:08 -0800

Linden Springs once designed to be a five star community of 43 million dollar condominiums in the Reston Town Center is being replanned. One this home of Dr. Whiele was the head quarters of the Prison Fellowship. In 2002 the PF purchased a trac of land in Loudoun County and moved. The five acres was then purchased for $8 million dollars and plans were developed to tear down the existing office buildings and build three new buildings for condos. The plan was to keep the Whiele Mansion as a community center for this up scale community. Unfortunately the crash in the condo market nationwide hit Reston and they could not sell the condos. Now the owner has applied to Fairfax County to reconvert the property to commercial space. The hearing will take place at the Fairfax Governmental Center at Fair Oaks in early February. Contact Wade Gilley at jwgilley@yahoo.com for more information. The Gilley Team is the leading sellers of condos in Reston and one of the leaders in all Northern Virginia. We have great buys available.

Also, the develop who has approval for two 18 story condo buildings on the site of ParcReston has shelved plans for building this new development for another 3-5 years. For more info contact Wade Gilley at 703-402-9576.

Currently, Mid-Town Reston a new community first completes in 2006 is 85% sold out in the two towers (21 stories) which has 296 units. This beautiful community has great values. Mid-Town north which was once named the Lofts also has a good array of condos left for sale.

There are only two condos for sale at Stratford House the 14 story building looking directly down Market Street. To see the Stratford House and Stratford Court Condo community go to www.stratfordcondominiums.net

COMING SOON!! A NEW WEBSITE WITH THE BEST BUYS IN RESTON. EACH WEEK THERE WILL BE A LIST OF THE BEST BUYS IN RESTON ON THIS SITE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL WADE GILLEY AT A703-402-9576

Penthouse with grand view of Tysons and DC

Wade Gilley (National Realty LLC) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 09:49:29 -0800

Large 3 bedroom, 3 bath plus large sunroom at the Stratford House.

11776 Stratford House, Suite 1404, Reston, Virginia 20190

Walk to Town Center, Plaza America and More!

Call now for a showing 703-402-9576 jwgilley@yahoo.com www.gilleyteam.com