arlington real estate: Arlington, VA Neighborhood Spotlight: Westover - 01/25/10 07:06 AM
A neighborhood located in Arlington, VA 22205 made up over 200 homes. Typical styles of homes in this neighborhood are Colonials built at the end of the 1930s, early 1940s, on small lots (most are within .10 to .20 acres).The majority of the properties are detached homes, but there are some duplexes scattered throughout the neighborhood. Westover Park is located in the middle of the neighborhood on 1001 N. Kennebec Street.
Also located nearby is the shopping and dining, all located within walking distance. Local favorites include the Lost Dog Cafe, Scoop Beauregard Ice Cream and Coffee, and Lebanese Taverna, but there are countless other … (2 comments)

arlington real estate: Seller Subsidy or Seller Paid Closing Costs: Friend or Foe? - 01/05/10 05:35 AM

There was a Glee Episode on Fox (yes, I love this show and I am not afraid to admit it!) where Sue Sylvester says:
“Like the time I sold my house to a nice young couple and salted the earth in the backyard so that nothing could grow there for 100 years. Know why I did that? Because they tried to get me to pay their closing costs.”
So is it REALLY that offensive to ask for a contribution towards your closing costs from the seller?
First of all, let’s define a seller subsidy: a lump sum from the seller the buyer may … (5 comments)

arlington real estate: 2010 Real Estate Predictions for Arlington, VA - 01/04/10 09:32 AM
First off – Happy New Year! I don’t know about you, but i’m SO happy to see a new year AND a new decade! As such, i’m doing a 2010 Real Estate Market Prediction for the upcoming year…these are MY opinions of what will happen, they’re based on what i’ve seen, heard, experienced, and can foresee happening. So here goes!
1. Inventory Will Increase. We’ve had exceptionally low levels of inventory from August 2009 to now. I know December active listings were about 2/3 of the level in 2008. I think many people were scared out of the market last year with … (6 comments)

arlington real estate: Happy Holidays From Me To You! - 12/23/09 03:12 PM
As we get closer to the official welcome to 2010, this will be my last post for 2009, and I wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Holidays to all of my wonderful readers, clients, friends, and family.
 
 
Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. I’d like to thank you for your business and referrals this past year. Your confidence in me is truly appreciated. I look forward to providing help to you and your friends with your real estate needs in 2010. If you need anything at all, please contact me. … (6 comments)

arlington real estate: Arlington, VA Real Estate Market Statistics – November 2009 - 12/16/09 07:12 AM
With the end of November 2009, came the end of the first round of the first-time home buyer credit, which was set to expire on November 30, 2009. Look at the difference a year makes: inNovember 2008, there were 142 sales, in November 2009, we had 240. How’s that for a year? Check out the numbers:
Detached Properties (Houses)
North ArlingtonAverage Net Sales Price: $708,376 after 53 daysRange: $438,000 – $1,295,000
South ArlingtonAverage Net Sales Price: $555,216 after 75 daysRange: $260,000 – $950,000
Townhouses
North ArlingtonAverage Net Sales Price: $730,475 after 51 daysRange: $514,300 – $1,150,000
South ArlingtonAverage Net Sales Price: $375,361 … (0 comments)

arlington real estate: Building A New Home in Arlington, VA - 12/09/09 10:29 AM
I went to visit clients of mine who bought a few months ago in the Berkshire Oakwoodneighborhood. Down the street from them was the site of what I am sure will be a lovely new McMansion in Arlington. Here are some pictures:
Then:

Now:

Which got me thinking…if you’re ready to demo a house, or reface/renovate a home in Arlington – what does it take?
I would first talk to several local builders and contractors to find out the financial obligation and commitment before you ever start looking at properties. Many times, the builders will buy the land or existing house under their … (0 comments)

arlington real estate: Virginia State-Wide Smoking Ban - 12/09/09 10:28 AM

I'm 9 days late in this post, BUT as of December 1st of this month, ALL of the Virginia restaurants and bars are now smoke free! The ban does permit smoking in private clubs and in places that have separately ventilated enclosed smoking rooms. Smoking may also be permitted in outside seating options in restaurants, provided they are not enclosed in any way.
I can tell you that I already have noticed a difference in the past week from the smoking ban. There are a few places in Arlington that are notorious for being “smokey,” and I know many people dread … (2 comments)

arlington real estate: Happy Thanksgiving! - 11/24/09 03:25 PM
It’s that time of year when we all gather to express our appreciation for all of the wonderful things we have in our lives.  
With that in mind, I would like to take this moment to thank you for all of the opportunities you have shared with me over time, and for your continued support with referrals and business. I’ve been very lucky to work with some great people this year, and I look forward to continuing my relationships with you, both in real estate and life.
So with that, I want to say wholeheartedly,~ Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving ~
Sincerely,
(4 comments)

arlington real estate: Condos Near the Clarendon Metro in Arlington, VA - 11/21/09 11:05 AM
So you want to live near Clarendon in a condo, huh? Well here are your immediate options for condos in Clarendon:
1.  1021 Clarendon
2. Station Square
3. The Hartford
4. The Phoenix
These buildings are 1-3 blocks from the metro, and are the most centrally located. The Hartford is the only building of the 4 that does not have a pool, as it’s a smaller, boutique condo building.
There is a slew of other buildings that are under a half mile away from the Clarendon metro (and frankly, may be closer to the VA Square or Courthouse metro stations), but are walkable to … (0 comments)

arlington real estate: Arlington VA Real Estate Market Update – October 2009 - 11/16/09 07:04 AM

Time to bring out my statistician side again! Here’s the breakdown for Arlington County real estate sales in October 2009, for both North (22201,22203,22205,22207,22209,22213)  and South Arlington (22202,22204,22206).
Total Arlington Sales: 221 North Arlington Sales: 140South Arlington Sales: 81
Studio Condo
North ArlingtonAverage Sales Price: $243,248Range: $191,090 – $262,000Average Days on the Market: 16Median Days on the Market: 6
1 Bedroom Condos
North Arlington                                                   South ArlingtonAverage Sales Price: $299,144                   … (0 comments)

arlington real estate: October 2009 Real Estate Market – Arlington, VA 22201 - 11/13/09 08:23 AM


The market in Arlington, VA 22201 is moving QUICKLY. Check out these stats:
Total Sales: 40Sold in less than 30 days: 26 (65%)Sold between 31 – 60 days: 4 (10%)Sold between 61 – 90 days: 3 (7.5%)Sold in over 91 days: 7 (17.5%)
Shows you the importance of pricing the property correctly. Research shows that a property has to be within 10% of the perceived market value, by buyers, for an offer to be made. If you price right correctly to begin with, you’re more likely to get more for the house, rather than chasing the market.
Some overall statistics for … (2 comments)

arlington real estate: $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer and $6,500 Move-Up Buyer Tax Credit 2009-2010 - 11/13/09 05:00 AM
Enacted on November 7, 2009 – the $8,000 tax credit has been extended and expanded, and has added an additional $6,500 tax-credit for “move-up buyers.” Below is a synopsis of the new regulations:
First-Time Buyers
$8,000 Tax Credit Must not have owned a principal residence for any part of the past 3 years Income Restrictions: Single: $125,000 Married: $225,000 For those who have incomes exceeding these, there will be a phase out or partial tax credit up to $20,000 above these limits Maximum Sales Price: $800,000 Must have a ratified contract as of April 30, 2010, and close on or before … (2 comments)

arlington real estate: New Construction on Glebe Rd in Arlington: Cathedral View Townhomes - 11/03/09 04:54 AM
Located on N. Glebe Road, between Washington Golf and The Marymount University, lies a construction site for the future home to an enclave of 4 European style, luxurious townhomes. Built overlooking the National Cathedral, these 4 level townhomes will have an elevator, media room, guest suite, 3-car garage parking, and over 8,000 sq ft of living space.  Finishing touches will be selected by the buyer, as the builder has decided to "build to suit."
Search Cathedral View Townhomes For Sale
Here are  a few pictures of the current site:


(0 comments)

arlington real estate: Arlington VA Real Estate Market Update – September 2009 - 10/15/09 05:04 AM
September 2009 Sales for Arlington County Virginia Total Arlington Sales: 223 Detached Properties North Arlington Average Net Sale Price: $752,329 after 52 days on the market (DOM) Range: $450,000 – $2,200,000 Avg. Sold for 95% of Original List Price South Arlington Average Net Sale Price: $532,681 after 95 DOM Range: $205,000 – $875,000 Avg. Sold for 94.30% of Original List Price Studio Condo South Arlington Average Net Sale Price: $189,769 after 52 DOM Avg. Sold for 96.59% of Original List Price 1 Bedroom Condos North Arlington Average Net Sale Price: $314,886 after 34 DOM Range: $165,000 – $419,000 Avg. Sold for … (0 comments)

arlington real estate: Details About EVERY Arlington VA Condo and Townhouse Community - 10/08/09 05:15 PM
Ever wonder how many units are in a particular condo building, or the number of townhouses that make up a neighborhood? Well i've done the hard part for you. On my website, you'll find detailed information on every condo building and townhouse in Arlington, including new construction that is delivering now or will be soon. This includes, but is not limited to:
 
When it was built How many units are in the building Building amenities Pet Restrictions, if any (*this is information is current as of the post date, but is subject to change) Condo conversion info, if any Proximity … (3 comments)

arlington real estate: Home Inspections - Expect the Unexpected - 10/07/09 02:12 AM
Every home inspection is different. Some are nightmares, some are easy as pie, and then there are some....that are hilarious. You want to get a home inspection so you know what the current status of the home is before you buy it - do the appliances work? How about the HVAC system? Do the toilets flush? How old is the roof? These are all questions you should have answered by a licensed professional.
In Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., we have what is commonly referred to as "paragraph 7 items." Why? Because Paragraph 7 of our regional contract says:
"Seller warrants that....the existing appliances, heating, cooling, … (5 comments)

arlington real estate: Arlington VA Real Estate Market Update – August 2009 - 09/25/09 03:36 AM
I’ve been so focused lately on individual condo building and townhouse community blogs, that I neglected my monthly market updates! So here goes with the numbers:
August 2009 Sales for Arlington County Virginia
Detached Properties

North ArlingtonAverage Net Sale Price: $815,959 after 73 days on the market (DOM)Range: $350,000 – $1,769,000
South ArlingtonAverage Net Sale Price: $535,547 after 94 DOMRange: $205,000 – $950,000
Studio Condo
North ArlingtonAverage Net Sale Price: $228,150 after 25 DOM
1 Bedroom Condos
 
North ArlingtonAverage Net Sale Price: $311,106 after 41 DOMRange: $134,000 – $447,820
South ArlingtonAverage Net Sale Price: $196,937 after 90 DOMRange: $70,000 – … (0 comments)

arlington real estate: 4-Bedroom Homes: What Will They Cost You In Arlington Virginia? - 09/23/09 01:27 AM
CNNMoney.com published an article this morning called: Same 4-Bedroom house - wildly different prices. They provided a list of the most expensive and most affordable cities for a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house with 2,200 sq ft. Well, their headline rings true: different cities, WILDLY different prices:
  
So where does Arlington, VA fit in? Well that depends...
South Arlington: defined as the zip codes of 22202, 22204, 22206
Average Sale Price for a 4-Bedroom, 2.5 Bath with 2,200 sq ft since January 1, 2009: $614,245
North Arlington: defined as the zip codes of 22201, 22203, 22205, 22207, 22209, 22213
Average Sale … (2 comments)

arlington real estate: Wealthy & Young, Finding Their Way to the Washington, D.C. Metro Area - 09/22/09 09:36 AM
The Washington, D.C. Metro area took 16 of the top 50 counties across the U.S. for the Highest Share of the Wealthy & Young. What does "Wealthy and Young" mean? Anyone in the age group of 25-34 making at least $100,000. 
The Top Spot went to Loudoun County, who has 10% of its population represented by this demographic. Loudoun County includes the towns of Hamilton, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, and Round Hill. It also includes the cities of Ashburn, Dulles, Aldie, Sterling, South Riding, and many other neighboring areas.
Search Loundoun County Homes For Sale
Taking 2nd place was Arlington County. This comes … (1 comments)

arlington real estate: Arlington County Expected Decline in Real Estate Revenue for 2010 - How This Affects Your Value - 09/17/09 12:12 PM
Washington Business Journal released an article on Monday, September 14th, 2009 that said Arlington County is expected to see a 5 - 12% decline in Real Estate Revenue during 2010. 
TRANSLATION: Revenue from Real Estate TAXES are expected to decline. Taxes collected on the ASSESSED value, not necessarily the MARKET VALUE.
Arlington County Real Estate Tax Assessments are calculated as follows:
Annual Tax Rate * County Assessed Value = Taxes Collected
2010 Tax Rates: $0.865 per $100 assessed value
Assessments for 2010 are the county's appraisal of value on January 1, 2010, based on sales from July 1, 2008 to June … (2 comments)

 

Laura Rubinchuk Schwartz

Your Northern Virginia and D.C. Realtor

Arlington, VA

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty

Address: 6820 Elm St, McLean, VA, 22101

Mobile: (703) 283-6120

Fax: (703) 651-0069



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog