Sellers, So You Received an Offer on Day 1? Don't Get Excited... - 01/31/11 08:12 AM
...and blame your agent for pricing your property too low.  An offer on the first day could mean it's priced exactly right.  And a Buyer who has been in the market looking for exactly what you have to offer knows it when he sees it.  If you have multiple offers the first day - the first few days - then there are several Buyers who have probably been looking for awhile and recognize a solid value when they see it. 
Or, they have been looking for a property like yours and there just hasn't been a lot of inventory.
But it … (22 comments)

ALEXANDRIA VA Black History Museum Offering Movies with a Mission - 01/30/11 12:34 AM
Alexandria Black History Museum Offering “Movies with a Mission” In celebration of Black History Month, the Black History Museum brings back its "Movies with a Mission" free of charge on the second Saturday of each month through Saturday, April 9, at the Museum, which is located at 902 Wythe Street. The movies are films from and about Africa and the Diaspora.  All screenings will be followed by a discussion and walk through the gallery.  Following is a list of the movies planned:
February 12 – “The Lion Mountains: A Journey through Sierra Leone’s History”
A look at pre-colonial Sierra Leone.
March … (2 comments)

Ladies of a Certain Age...You WILL Laugh...if Not Now, EVENTUALLY! - 01/29/11 04:58 PM
This is getting funnier with each passing year. And for those of you who are thinking, "yeah, funny, but it won't happen to me," trust me, it WILL happen to you. Oh, yes, it will. Some of the lines in this song ring so true, you cannot help but LOL!!! Or, in my case, ROFL..."shoot me and put me out of my misery." Enjoy!!!!


… (15 comments)

Listing with the Agent Who Gives You the Highest Possible Sales Price Scenario--Is It In Your Best Interest? - 01/29/11 04:21 PM
This is one of those blogs I wish I had written - because I agree with every single word.  Oh, wait, I'm not in Bristow, Vriginia and not talking to Bristow VA sellers....but I am talking to ALEXANDRIA VA Sellers and the advice remains the same, as it does in markets across the country.
Don't fall for the hype of a higher price - an overpriced listing can cost you money in the long run, not get you more.
Via Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA):
Listing with the Agent Who Gives You the Highest Possible Sales Price … (1 comments)

Rarely Available Double Unit MONTEBELLO ALEXANDRIA Condominium - 01/29/11 12:08 PM
This spacious double unit is one of only two in the MONTEBELLO CONDOMINIUM community. 
With more than 2,150 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, this floorplan is the perfect entertaining space.  So perfect, in fact, the present owners have a small Grand piano in their family room.  With two underground garage parking spaces and two garage level storage spaces, this home offers the ultimate in MONTEBELLO living. 
     Proudly presented at $650,000, this unit will be available for showings on Tuesday, February 1. 
And, if you are an agent in the Northern Virginia area, please join us for … (8 comments)

ALEXANDRIA VA Black History Museum Hosts "Play Date with Pride" - 01/28/11 07:36 AM
Alexandria Black History Museum Hosts "Play Date with Pride" One of the ways the Alexandria Black History Museum is celebrating Black History Month is by hosting "Play Date with Pride" on Saturday, February 5 from 1 pm - 2:30 pm, at a cost of $5 per child.  This is an interactive workshop with storytelling, crafts, music and dance.
This event is being organized by Culture Kingdom Kids, which is a mobile learning environment helping children experience the heritages of minority Americans through creative arts workshops.
The Alexandria Black History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm.
… (4 comments)

Dog-Friendly Happy Hours in OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA VA - 01/27/11 12:19 AM
Want to enjoy an OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA VA Happy Hour without worrying about little Spike at home, whom you know has been patiently waiting for you all day?  Then take Spike with you! He'll feel right at home at any of the following places:
The Hotel Monaco Alexandria in OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA  typically hosts a leash cutting ceremony in mid April to  signal the beginning of its Doggie Happy Hour season. Dogs and their human companions enjoy treats in the hotel courtyard every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 until 8 until October.
Pat Troy's Ireland's Own (across the street from Hotel … (15 comments)

So, It's a Buyer's Market? Really? - 01/26/11 10:44 AM
Sure, interest rates are relatively low, prices are lower in many markets than they have been in a while and housing is certainly more affordable.
However, here’s the thing…who is selling in this market, when prices are down (in many cases, far below what a Seller paid) so much in so many places?
Sellers who have to sell because of changes in jobs, family circumstances or other opportunities. There are lot of people, who would love to sell — but simply cannot because they don’t have enough equity in their home. While there are always people who can sell with no … (11 comments)

Foreclosure: It's Not a Get Out of Jail Free Card - 01/25/11 06:26 PM
Chris Ann is our local Northern Virginia Short Sale expert and she makes some excellent points about the downside of foreclosure.  As she says, it's not a "get out of jail free" card with no ramifications for the homeowners.  Foreclosure is a step to be taken very seriously and solid legal advice is imperative.
Via Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA):
As a Northern Virginia Short Sale Agent, I come across Sellers all the time that think if they can't get their mortgage holders to agree to a Short Sale under the Sellers' terms, then the Sellers will, … (1 comments)

Rent Vs Buy? The Answer May Surprise You - 01/25/11 08:45 AM
Did you know the Trulia rent vs buy index was released yesterday?  It was.  And did you know it is cheaper to buy a home than rent one in 72% of major metropolitan areas around the U.S.?   Apparently, according to Trulia, the increased demand for rental properties is driving down the cost of homeownership nationwide.
The Washington, D.C. Metro area ranked 13 on the list of Top Cities to Buy Vs. Rent. 
Which means it may be the best time in a long time to stop paying your landlords' mortgage and start pocketing some equity and tax benefits for yourself.
… (5 comments)

Buyers, Do You Know Who is Working for You? - 01/23/11 07:03 PM
Back in the olden days, all real estate agents worked for the Seller and there was no concept of Buyer representation.
Fortunately, that changed a few years ago when Buyer Agency was born. In the state of Virginia, all Buyers have the right to be represented by their own real estate agent.
An agent who represents the Seller has a duty and obligation to do what is best for his or her client, the Seller. No matter how nice they are, everything you tell them, say, at an open house, or on a phone call, can and will be used against … (1 comments)

Here in ALEXANDRIA VA We Love Our Dogs - 01/22/11 08:15 AM
One of the great things about ALEXANDRIA VA is how much we love our dogs.  Just stroll through OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA and take notice of the water bowls placed outside many shops and restaurants.  We have doggy boutiques and doggy bakeries....and of course, we have DOG PARKS.  These are the fenced parks:
Simpson Stadium Park at Monroe Avenue Duke Street east of the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Library (across from CAMERON STATION)  Montgomery Park at the corner of Fairfax and 1st Streets (OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA) Ben Brenman Park by Backlick Creek  Dog Run Park at Carlyle, 450 Andrew’s Lane  (near CARLYLE … (6 comments)

Open House HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE 22308 SUNDAY, JAN 23 1-4PM - 01/20/11 08:21 AM

OPEN HOUSE  SUNDAY JANUARY 23   1-4PM
1911 Jamestown Road  Alexandria VA  22308
Proudly offered at $450,000
 
This solid as a rock rambler in HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE is move in ready with plenty of expansion possibilities.
Seller has taken care of the "non sexy" things most folks don't like to spend money on - in fact, she has spent more than $70,000 on those boring things, which is actually pretty exciting when you think about it. Here's a list (and we have copies of the receipts at the house):



ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UPGRADED BASEMENT SLAB REPLACED DRAINAGE SYSTEM … (4 comments)

A Day of Complete Serenity in OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA - 01/19/11 12:54 PM
For my birthday last week, my husband surprised me with a "Day of Luxury" at Serenity Day Spa in OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA.   While I have been to Serenity a few times in the past, I have not been there recently and was thrilled to have the opportunity to return.
Now, while the Day of Luxury package normally includes a Customized Facial, an 80 Minute Aromatherapy Massage, Citrus Spa Manicure, Peppermint Spa Pedicure and Spa Lunch,  I mixed it up a little and made some changes, which is perfectly fine with the Spa.
While each of the services was top notch, it … (11 comments)

Looking for a Townhouse in Alexandria VA 22304? - 01/17/11 10:52 AM
You may not recognize the zip code, but you will recognize some of the popular ALEXANDRIA townhome neighborhoods located in 22304, neighborhoods such as CAMERON STATION, TOWNES AT CAMERON PARKE and SUMMERS GROVE. 
If you're interested in what has been going on with townhome sales in 22304 recently, then the following information should be of interest to you.  And, if you would like more in depth info, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll be happy to provide that for you.
 

 
As you can see above, closed sales in December 2010 were not yet up to the … (4 comments)

Finally took the plunge and created a Facebook Business Page - Feel free to "like" me - 01/14/11 01:40 PM
Okay, this is a shameless plug for self-promotion - oh, NOT DEBBIE'S post, no, I learn something new from her just about every day - no, I'm referring to what I am about to say...if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I'm imitating Deb and asking you to do the same for my page...just click and "like." 
Thank you!!!  Oh, and thanks to Debbie for another helpful post.
Via Debbie Gartner, Westchester Flooring (Floor Coverings International :Westchester NY & Fairfield CT):
This has been on my "to do" list for 4 months, and I finally did it! I created a Facebook … (9 comments)

When a 'Homebuyer' Is Actually A "Mission Impossible" - 01/14/11 11:12 AM
This is very true!  Most of us are busy and don't have time to waste.  When another agent hears a consumer say "my last agent was unresponsive," it is always best to tuck that away as a potential red flag before automatically assuming the agent was at fault.  The prospect may well, indeed, be a "mission impossible."
Via Candice A Donofrio, Broker Fort Mohave, AZ Txt 928-201-4242 :
Most homebuyers know by now that with rare and few exceptions, real estate brokers get paid ONLY WHEN a transaction closes escrow.
The real estate broker's MISSION is to help as many people as possible, … (2 comments)

That Beep Means Business - 01/14/11 10:59 AM
Sentrilock allows us the option to have notification of showings texted to us, in addition to being available on the website and via email.
Oh, and may I just take a moment to express my love and adoration for Sentrilock.  Having worked with another lockbox system in the past, I loves me some Sentrilock and cannot imagine what else a lockbox system can do that they don't offer.
Anyway, back to the texting option.
It offers instant gratification - no matter where I am, I know when someone has shown my property.  Yay!  At the grocery store, walking the dog, soaking … (3 comments)

ALEXANDRIA VA 22315 KINGSTOWNE DECEMBER 2010 MARKET REPORT - 01/13/11 10:19 PM
You may not recognize the zip code, but you will recognize some of the popular ALEXANDRIA townhome neighborhoods located in the KINGSTOWNE community.
If you're interested in what has been going on with townhome sales in 22315, then the following information should be of interest to you.  And, if you would like more in depth info, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll be happy to provide that for you.

 
 

CLOSED SALES in this zip code has remained fairly consistent in 2008-2010, with total sold dollar volume in 2010 of $11,609,639, up +.33% over 2009. 
Median … (1 comments)

Is There a Foreclosure Purchase in Your Future? - 01/13/11 09:48 PM
RealtyTrac reported today that the number of foreclosures in 2011 may jump by as much as 20% this year, after banks seized more than 1 million homes in 2010. 
They also noted approximately 3 million homes have been foreclosed on since the end of the housing boom in 2006, a number which may rise to 6 million by the end of 2011.
Over the past few years, “Foreclosure” has become the new “F” word.  Devastating neighborhood values and negatively impacting families across the country, foreclosures became the next “big thing” for many folks, being touted on late night television as the … (6 comments)

I Could Not Wait to Get Out of Those Jeans - 01/12/11 11:09 PM
A friend and I had lunch today at one of OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA'S most revered restaurants, THE MAJESTIC.  Founded in 1949, it still sports its highly recognizable Art Deco facade, terrazzo floor and tin ceiling.  Closed for several years, it reopened in 2001 and then again reincarnated in 2007 under the skillful eye of the folks who brought us the wonderful Restaurant Eve and Eamon's.
But back to why I couldn't wait to get out of this wonderful restaurant and out of my jeans...simple, the dessert did me in. 
Although I wavered for a few moments between the Beignets - … (10 comments)

I was prepared to be disappointed....and boy, was I disappointed! - 01/11/11 07:42 PM
Okay, so, I admit it, sometimes I get geared up for a fight that never happens. Well, maybe not a fight, exactly, but a situation that may be less than pleasant.
And I was sorta/kinda/thinking maybe this was going to happen today.
Our OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA Long & Foster office held a "command performance" meeting this morning - at least as much of a command performance meeting as you can have with a bunch of ornery, strong willed independent contractors.
The subject?  Compensation.  Changes to our commission structure.  Money.  Our money.
Because of the size of our office, we met in … (59 comments)

The home buying paradox of choice - 01/11/11 05:37 PM
Ah....the Real Estate Sommelier...that has such a nice ring to it!  From now on, I think I will use that whenever asks me what I do. Pairing people with homes.  Daggone...why didn't I think of that earlier?  LOL  
Anyway, I digress...interesting info here.
Via Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain Corp):
According to a study conducted by two Social Psychology professors at Columbia University, a jam shopper is ten times as likely to buy a jar of jam when they are presented with six choices of jam flavors instead of twenty four. In other words, the jam shopper is ten times as likely to be successful … (3 comments)

ALEXANDRIA VA'S BEST KEPT SECRET MONTEBELLO - 01/11/11 04:35 PM
Montebello - an apt description as the name means beautiful mountain in Italian - is consider ed bymany to be Alexandria's premiere gated community, with an extensive array of award-winning amenities that are second to none. 
Perfectly situated on 35 treed acres, just 5 minutes south of Old Town Alexandria, within a stone's throw of the Huntington Metro station - you can walk to Metro by private, gated path or the community shuttle will pick you up in front of your building - and near the Capital Beltway, Highway 1 and GW Parkway, all prominent commuter routes. 
Montebello offers year round resort living with an … (1 comments)

Don’t Get Yourself Caught in the Zillow Trap - 01/10/11 09:38 PM
This post explains in great detail some of the pitfalls of relying too heavily on any "online" general valuation of your property.  There are so many variables to consider; if you want to know the value of your home, you really need to trust a professional who knows the neighborhood, the community and the local real estate market.
Via Florida's Beautiful Homes- Realtors®:
I hope the headline caught your attention. While I have never been a big supporter of Zillow, they do have some cool features on their website. However, I must warn anyone interested in buying or selling real estate to … (2 comments)

22304 ALEXANDRIA VA DECEMBER 2010 MARKET REPORT - 01/10/11 10:14 AM
You may not recognize the zip code, but you will recognize some of the popular ALEXANDRIA townhome neighborhoods located in 22304, neighborhoods such as CAMERON STATION, TOWNES AT CAMERON PARKE and SUMMERS GROVE. 
If you're interested in what has been going on with townhome sales in 22304 recently, then the following information should be of interest to you.  And, if you would like more in depth info, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll be happy to provide that for you.
 

 
As you can see above, closed sales in December 2010 were not yet up to the … (6 comments)

December 2010 Contracts in Zip Code 22314 OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA - 01/10/11 09:24 AM

 
Here is a quick look at contract activity in zip code 22314, which encompasses OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA.
While we did not have quite as many CLOSED SALES in December 2010 as we did in the much warmer market of December 2006, (52 closed sales in December '10 vs 67 closed sales in 12/06), look at the number of Contracts:  as December drew to a close, there were 32 properties under contract vs 34 for the same time period in 2006. 
CONTRACT status in Virginia means all contingencies have been removed.
Interestingly, though, look at the Contingent Contracts - as … (0 comments)

3 Bedroom 2 Level Rambler in HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE 22308 - 01/09/11 04:41 PM
This solid as a rock rambler in HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE is move in ready with plenty of expansion possibilities.
Seller has taken care of the "non sexy" things most folks don't like to spend money on - in fact, she has spent more than $70,000 on those boring things, which is actually pretty exciting when you think about it. Here's a list (and we have copies of the receipts at the house):



ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UPGRADED BASEMENT SLAB REPLACED DRAINAGE SYSTEM INSTALLED AROUND ENTIRE HOUSE SUMP PUMP WITH BATTERY BACKUP INSTALLED BASEMENT EGRESS DOOR INSTALLED REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS NEW … (9 comments)

Post 9/11 GI Bill - Do I Qualify? - 01/08/11 07:04 PM
THanks, Anita, for posting this as it provides a wealth of information that potentially will benefit many consumers.  In these challenging economic times, every little bit can help.
Via Anita Clark Realtor®: Your Warner Robins Realtor ~ Warner Robins Real Estate ~ (ColdwellBanker SSK Realtors ~ 478.960.8055 ):
A recent buyer asked me if I knew what the Post-9/11 GI Bill was and whether or not they qualified for it.  They didn't qualify, but it did prompt me to learn more about this educational program our military (current and former) can take advantage of. 
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is available to anyone who served honorably in the … (4 comments)

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR MARTIN LUTHER KING - 01/08/11 04:57 PM
The City of Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will celebrate the accomplishments of Dr.  Martin Luther King, Jr. with a variety of activities, including films, seminars and displays at a variety of recreation centers in the city from Friday, January 14 through Friday, January 21.
Martin Luther King Jr.  Appreciation Week  will be celebrated Monday, January 17 through Friday, January 21 (Daily, 9:00 am - 6pm).  A mural will be created centered around Martin Luther King’s life, legacy and vision.
Pictures, poems, musical lyrics, etc. will be included in the mural that will represent other historical figures … (4 comments)

Don't forget the front door!! - 01/07/11 12:54 PM
The first impression is so often the lasting impression - and one of the first things prospective Buyers notice is the FRONT DOOR, not to mention the front door hardware.  One of my pet peeves is to approach a front door that needs refinishing, tarnished, worn hardware and even worse, peeling paint and creeping wood rot.  No matter how much the Seller has spent on maple/granite/stainless, a neglected front door takes away from what is behind it.
Via Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro (Results Realty):
I recently walked refrigerator calendars around my neighborhood and I was AMAZED at the difference I … (4 comments)

HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE 22308 Homes for Sale - 01/07/11 12:39 PM
HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE is a community of just under 600 single family detached homes located just off Fort Hunt Road conveniently located near the GW Parkway, Ft Belvoir and only a few minutes from the Huntington Metro Station.    Inova Mount Vernon Hospital - ranked by US News & World Report as one of the Best Hospitals in the country - is just down the road.
Nearby HOLLIN HALL SHOPPING CENTER features a wide array of terrific retailers, a couple of excellent restaurants, a drug store, a hardware store and Safeway grocery store, along with a very popular bakery.

There is a lot more … (1 comments)

Alexandria Restaurant Week is Back January 21 - 30 - 01/06/11 08:03 AM
The holidays are over, winter has clearly arrived and what better time to check out some of the local restaurants you have been promising yourself you would get to one day?
From January 21 through January 30, more than 60 restaurants will be featuring either a $35 dinner for two or $35 prix-fixe three course dinner. 
In the popular neighborhood of Cameron Station, Food Matters features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. And two of my local OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA favorites, Grape + Bean, with its fresh, organic salads, hot sandwiches and terrific selection of cheeses, and Fontaine Caffee and Creperie, featuring simply … (5 comments)

Stop, Enough, We're Tired. We'll Take That One. - 01/05/11 01:37 PM
While reading a recent Jennifer Allan post, Working With Buyers - It's a Process, it struck me that over the years, the amount of time I spend with each prospective buyer has progressively shortened. 
Do I think clients are more decisive now than in the past?  Well, judging from the angst I read and hear concerning "on-the-fence Buyers", I suspect that's simply not true. 
One thing I have learned through experience is that sometimes we pay TOO much attention to the specifics of what Buyers say they want - that is, to the exclusion of thinking creatively and outside the box.  … (11 comments)

Why Your Blog Will Fail in 2011 - 01/03/11 08:21 PM
This post contains a lot of very helpful reminders even for those who are consistent and productive with their bloggins - and even more helpful for newbies or those who are not quite getting the results they had hoped for.  Definitely worth a read.
Via Bob Stewart - ActiveRain (ActiveRain):
If you are new to blogging, or maybe you just got started in 2010, this is for you (although even if you've been at it a while and aren't having the success you wished for, this could help as well). We've been at this since 2006 and have seen thousands of potential bloggers … (4 comments)