New Year's Real Estate Resolution One-know when to zip it! - 12/30/10 08:49 AM
2010 was a great year. I've got a few of my usual New Year's resolutions (just the fact that they are "usual", tells you what generally happens to them). I was reading a blog about getting to the bottom line and it reminded me of one of my resolutions that I'm still working on. I admit it....I'm a talker. Sometimes I'm so darn impressed with my knowledge I love to hear myself talk. Not saying that's a good thing. I think the New Year is a good time for analysis and this is something I'll be working on. 
This came to … (46 comments)

A review of November's real estate statistics for Arlington, Va. and some advice for sellers - 12/27/10 12:48 PM
If we look at a review of November's real estate statistics we'll see some numbers worth taking a look at.
These are year over year #s:
Closed sales were 167 as compared to 2009 at 267, down 37.5%
Pending Sales are 224 as opposed to 223, pretty much unchanged
Percentage of sales price to list price is 95.4% from 96.2% down .9%
Single family homes on the market are 213 down 9% from 234
Townhomes are 449 down from 456 a 1.5% reduction.
Median sales price up to $500,000 from $475,000 an increase of 5.3%
Average days on market up to … (5 comments)

Merry Christmas to all! - 12/24/10 07:40 AM
Signing off the internet for a couple of days. I will spending some time with family and friends. I wish you all the happiest of holidays and hope that you have a wonderful weekend. My wish is that during the season and going forward greed is replaced by grace, fear by friendship and intolerance with understanding. Peace be with you. 
… (11 comments)

The new Realtor Code of Ethics - 12/23/10 01:00 PM
I am pleased to see that the Realtor Code of Ethics now includes a responsibility to not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. 
I am also proud to say that in Arlington, Va, this is not only an ethical practice but it is the law.
In Arlington County it is unlawful to discriminate because of Race, National Origin, Color, Marital Status, Sex, Religion, Age, Disability, Sexual Orientation, or Familial Status (being pregnant or having children under age 18.)
This law has been in effect since I have been practicing real estate in this area. I am proud to say that the … (1 comments)

Washington DC is one of the best places to do business in - 12/22/10 09:08 AM
Washington, DC is one of the best places for business. Northern Virginia and Maryland have also benefitted from an influx of jobs and a business friendly environment. 
Here is an article discussing the business environment in our area:
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/americas-best-cities-for-business-in-2011.html
… (0 comments)

Footnote to just one thing - 12/20/10 12:06 PM
If you like buying more "green" products and like to save money (and who doesn't). Check out http://www.greendeals.org
It's like groupon for Greenies. They get some great deals on here. I have no affiliation, just passing on the info. 
 
… (0 comments)

The "Just one Thing" Challenge - 12/20/10 11:56 AM
The end of the year approaches. It's that time for reflecting on where we are and what we want for ourselves and our family and friends next year. Stewardship of our planet is a responsibility we should take seriously. Whether on the left or right, whether you believe in global warming or not we all know we have too much trash, we create to many toxins and we have treated our Mother Earth with considerable disrespect. I know a lot of people say "oh, any little thing I do doesn't make any difference". Well, it does, and that's really the only … (8 comments)

Hey Arlington Folks....don't forget to shovel - 12/17/10 09:48 AM
Don't forget we have the new sidewalk rules. You must have your walks shoveled. With our first snow of the season it's time to get the shovel out of the shed/basement/garage. 
Whether we like the new rule or not...it is what it is. 
… (0 comments)

Keeping those interest rates in perspective - 12/16/10 01:00 PM
Ok, I'm trying not to say "I told you so" but you know me and that's really hard. So....we're not really suprised that interest rates are heading up. The average 30 year fixed rate is 4.83% this week, up from 4.61% last week. The 15 year average is 4.17%
There are lots of reasons for this including people and institutions moving money out of treasuries and into stocks. 
Yes, they're up BUT remember is was just a short time ago we were Shocked and Awed when interest rates dropped to 5% so let's not cut off our noses to spite our … (7 comments)

Looking for some feedback on Video Camera - 12/15/10 09:36 AM
i am about to launch into Video. I am going to learn how to do Video blogging and create videos for my client's homes.
I do have a tripod for taking videos of my blogs. I would like something that will make decent professional-ish looking videos. I have an IMac so I've got software for adding music etc. 
I am thinking of buying a Flip video. I saw it's on sale at Staples. Does anyone know if it works with a tripod? Anybody use one? Anybody have a different one they can recommend. Feedback is greatly appreciated. 
… (4 comments)

Going Green-Product review from your green realtor....Soda Stream - 12/15/10 09:30 AM
Ok, so everybody knows I don't like plastic. Long ago I stopped buying bottled water. One thing I have continued to buy because I have a "thing" for it is carbonated flavored water. I particularly like the lemon/lime flavor. These are not sweetened, just full of CO2 and natural flavoring. I generally buy them in cans and recycle and occasionally in bottles (yikes) if cans are not available. I know, I know....not very green.
With a bit of skepticism I bought a SodaStream product. It comes with a CO2 cartridge that you install (fairly easy) and three plastic (reusable every time) … (3 comments)

Here's a test for the state of your mental acumen - 12/14/10 03:15 PM
This little test has been making the rounds. Thought you might enjoy checking out your mental state. Enjoy:
Our Yearly Dementia TestIt's that time of year for us to take our annual senior citizen test.Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert. If you don't use it, you lose it!Below is a very private way to gauge how your memory compares to the last test. Some may think it is too easy but the ones with memory problems may have difficulty.  Take this test to determine if … (4 comments)

Wondering where home prices may go. They may actually be undervalued - 12/14/10 02:50 PM
Here is an interesting perspective on home prices. The latest affordability index from the National Association of realtors shows that your payment as a percentage of income on the average home is lower then anytime since 2007. 
There is some additional information in here as well. Of course since real estate is geographical, in some area they are even more affordable and in others perhaps a bit less so.
Are Homes Actually UNDERVALUED?
We have been barraged with headlines and news stories telling us that home values will continue to soften for the next several quarters. Some experts are predicting that … (5 comments)

Arlington County, Va Holiday schedule - 12/11/10 07:59 AM
I just received this email from the county with the holiday schedule and wanted to share it with my local blog readers....Here you go:
 
 
Christmas and New Year's Holiday Schedule and Closures  
 
Arlington County administrative offices, public libraries, courts, schools and nature centers will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24, Saturday, Dec. 25, Friday, Dec. 31, and Saturday, Jan. 1.
 
Other highlights:
Courts will be closed also on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. Libraries closed on Dec. 26. On Sunday, Jan. 2, Central Library is OPEN 1 - 6 pm (other branches closed). Regular service for trash … (0 comments)

The schools are good around here.... - 12/07/10 05:12 PM
So perhaps you can overlook the malevolent dead clown in the garden.
This is pretty funny. At least the agent is "disclosing"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jThcc5lbfOs&feature=related
 
… (1 comments)

Happy Birthday to Me! - 12/02/10 07:06 AM
Today is my birthday. Yay!
Birthdays are a great time to reflect on where we are in life.  
I am learning how to live the life I have. Almost without exception we all have a set of expectations for ourselves and our children, friends, career etc. Almost without exception, things don't turn out like we thought. However, if we keep looking back at what we expected instead of looking at the moment, we miss all the good stuff that we have. I never planned on being a realtor. I spent most of my career in the corporate world. This was … (10 comments)

Too cute for words - 12/01/10 09:39 AM
A friend posted this on her facebook page this morning and I could not resist sharing it. Pomeranians are extra cute....not as cute as my dog of course but extra cute:
 
http://www.cutespeak.com/Quite-Possibly-the-Cutest-Puppy-on-the-Planet-1.html
 
… (1 comments)

 
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Jane Jensen

Arlington, VA

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Century 21 New Millennium

Address: 6641-A Old Dominion Dr., Mclean, Va, 22201

Office Phone: (571) 228-5656

Cell Phone: (571) 228-5656

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Here you will find information on local real estate, community activities, green issues and other timely, relevant information. You'll also find my opinion on any number of things. Your feedback and comments are encouraged and welcomed. That's why we're here. Share this blog on Twitter, Facebook Etc.
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