Rick Bosl's (rickbosl) Blog

10 Best Condo Views in Arlington

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:47:55 -0700

The phrase 'million dollar view' has been used all too frequently in real estate, but for the condo buildings below, the view really can be worth a million dollars. For more info on any of the buildings or to see available listings in the building, click on link in the building name.1. Prospect HouseNot the newest building nor the most glamorous, but if you want 'the view', this is the place for you. 2. The WeslieIf you saw the movie 'Charlie Wilson's War', then you might recognize the view in some of the scenes because they were shot from The Weslie where Charlie owned a condo. Dramatic views from the 18' floor-to-ceiling windows. 3. The WaterviewThis award winning building by renown architect, I. M. Pei, sits at the foot of Key Bridge. Although few of the units have views of the monuments, all the residents can enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace. 4. OdysseySitting on Courthouse Hill, even the lower floor units on the eastern side have incredible views. All the residents can enjoy panoramic 270 degree from the rooftop terrace spanning from Tysons Corner to the National Cathedral to the DC monuments to the Masonic Temple in Old Town. Click Here to get the 2015 Arlington Condo Buyer Guide5. Memorial OverlookAdjacent to Fort Myer and the Iwo Jima Memorial, this condo building offers privacy and fantastic views on the upper floors. 6. Clarendon1021Units on the eastern side on the upper floors enjoy fantastic views and all enjoy the views from the rooftop pool and grilling area.7. The RepresentativeLocated on the hill top known as Arlington Ridge, this fortress like building has dramatic views of the DC skyline.8. Virginia SquareRising high above the surrounding buildings, Virginia Square condo offers panoramic views from the upper floors.9. Liberty CenterA little bit further back than other buildings on this list, Liberty Center doesn't disappoint.10. River PlaceAlthough technically not a condo (it's a cooperative), you can't argue about the views from this well known complex in Rosslyn. Click Here to get the 2015 Arlington Condo Buyer Guide http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/rick-bosl/10-best-condo-views-arlington

Dupont Circle’s Underground Station Slated for Artsy Revitalization

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 23:06:25 -0700

Revitalization is in the air in Washington, DC and next up on the docket is a defunct trolley station located just under Dupont Circle, one of DC’s most popular neighborhoods. A group known as the Arts Coalition for the Dupont Underground s ecured a five and half year lease on the abandoned and graffiti-riddled station in December amid hopes that the space could be completely transformed into a living, breathing center for the city’s thriving arts culture. The project is rather massive in scope, as there is about 75,000 square feet slated to be developed, however the ACDU already has a solid head start. Earlier in the year the coalition surpassed its goal to crowdfund more than $50,000 to go toward the overhaul of the space. Eventually the coalition would love to see the space transformed into a fully functional arts incubator that can host exhibitions, events, performances, educational events, pop-up retail and dining, film shoots and commercial photography and space available for rent for private events. As a steward for the innovative space, the ACDU would also love to see the formation of an institution or group that can help to promote the space as well as the local art scene. Official plans for the underground station remain loose as there are many businesses and venues that can make these goals a reality. Among the proposals that have been thrown on the table are an underground hotel, restaurant, art gallery, theater, fine arts storage space, winery and cafe. What is known is that this development will add even more to the vibrant life that Washington, DC home owners have come to love about the city. “At the moment, all of this is theoretical,” said Braulio Agnese, an ACDU board member, to Urban Turf. “What the final proposal will bring to the city, we’re not sure. Underground agriculture, a spa, there’s a whole bunch on the table. We haven’t figured out what the final mix will be.” Short Term Plans for Dupont Underground are Imminent While the long-term future of the space remains in question, Agnese and the coalition are first working on creating a blank slate for developers to work with. The space is currently filled with trash and covered in graffiti, so the initial money that was raised through crowdfunding will go toward converting the space into a clean and habitable venue for further construction. “It will pretty much be an open box,” said Agnese. “The part the public will see most is the platform and a little bit of the tunnels. We need to bring that up to code, so that’s the construction we need to do, but then it’s not going to look a whole lot different than it does now.” The group hopes to rent out the ‘open box’ in order to raise funds that will go toward transforming this once-forgotten part of the city into a thriving scene for locals to take advantage of. With projects like Dupont Underground, the allure of Washington, DC grows every day. If you are interested in finding the perfect Washington, DC condo, please give me a call today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/rick-bosl/dupont-circle%E2%80%99s-defunct-underground-station-slated-artsy-revitalization

Shaw Heats Up With Major Developments Planned

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 02:05:25 -0700

The cyclical nature of Washington, DC’s neighborhoods means that every few years a new area of the city gets the honor of being ground zero for up and coming businesses and an influx of young and hip residents. This year is Shaw’s year as developing corridors of the neighborhood such as U Street and 9th Street NW are converging in a neighborhood-wide renaissance. Shaw’s redemption started with the revival of its food and nightlife scene. A bevy of trendy speakeasies, eateries and small businesses have recently set up shop in the area, serving up a healthy blend of innovative dishes and libations, as well as a few throwbacks from golden eras of the past. On the drink front are a few new spots that are bringing the laid-back feel of the neighborhood in with old-school cocktails and locally-stewed microbrews. A&D Neighborhood Bar on 9th Street is one such establishment with a rotating menu written on chalkboards that includes classic items such as eggnog. Just up the street is Chaplin’s, which opened earlier this year in tribute to the late silent film star. The menu at Chaplin’s is about as throwback as it gets with cocktails such as The Tramp, which is a mix of bourbon, bitters and an orange peel. After a few drinks, patrons can indulge in one of the inventive dishes created by Chaplin’s Japanese chef who has become somewhat of a local legend for his ramen bowl. Shaw isn’t just for drinking, however. Foodies have reveled in establishments such as Eat the Rich, a fresh seafood joint from James Beard Award nominee Derek Brown. Baby Wale is another eatery that has been making major waves in the neighborhood with its casual menu featuring inventive takes on the ham and cheese sandwich and meatball casserole. Many More Attractions to Condo Buyers Coming to Shaw With so many businesses already making their mark in the neighborhood, locals have wondered what could possibly be on the horizon for the burgeoning district, but new projects don’t seem be slowing down. Developer JBG recently announced two exciting new projects with some very important tenants coming to Shaw later this year. The Shay, which is a residential and retail development on Florida Avenue NW between 8th and 9th Streets NW, just landed hipster glasses maker Warby Parker and Freehand, a restaurant concept from local celebrity chef Tim Ma. Compass Coffee is also slated to open its second location in the development. Down the street another development called Atlantic Plumbing is adding restaurants in droves. In addition to existing establishments such as Declaration Pizza and Tasty Burger, the development is now looking to add a few more high-end concept restaurants from the Neighborhood Restaurant Group and the group who created Daikaya in Chinatown, a ramen and izakaya restaurant. The development will also feature an indie-film focused cinema from Landmark Theaters. The national chain has been testing smaller theaters to showcase films other than the Hollywood blockbusters. The Atlantic Plumbing location will feature six screens, which is about one-fifth the size of the typical movie house these days. Washington, DC is chock full of vibrant neighborhoods such as Shaw. If you are looking for the perfect Washington, DC condo from which to explore these neighborhoods, please give me a call today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/rick-bosl/shaw-heats-major-developments-planned

Washington, DC’s Evolving Neighborhoods Make Everyone Feel at Home

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 03:00:54 -0700

The Great Recession will surely go down in the record books as one of the most difficult economic periods of this country’s history. The recession changed a lot about American culture, perhaps most dramatically the way we live. Demarcations between classes became more distinct and the dangling carrot for many a would-be home owner seemed further and further away, resulting in multiple generations of families shacking up together and a rental market that wouldn’t quit. Out of all this chaos however, cities such as Washington, DC have come out evolved, mostly for the better. According to Governing magazine, which cited data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Capital City is gentrifying at a staggering rate, topped only by Portland when the 50 largest cities across the country were compared. The study reports that of the eligible tracts to gentrify from 2000 to 2013, 51.9 percent gentrified. In comparison, from 1990 to 2000, only about 4.9 percent of eligible Washington, DC tracts actually gentrified. In the neighborhoods where homes were previously in the lower 40th percentile of value, the amount of home owners with college degrees has upticked while the median home value has crept up into the top one-third percentile. Some of the most rapidly changing neighborhoods cited in the study include Columbia Heights, NoMa, Navy Yard and Petworth, which have become some of the trendiest areas in the city. Trendy Areas Attract New Home Owners While there are many advantages and disadvantages to the gentrification of the city, there is no doubt that Washington, DC is one city that is not afraid of change, and that’s not a bad thing. Part of the appeal of DC to many new home owners is its ability to transition and come out of difficult times, such as the Great Recession, as an even more diverse and ebullient place to live than before. One group that has been a noticeable omission from the housing market since the recession is first-time home buyers. With the diversification of Washington, DC’s economy, the changing neighborhoods have proved to be a particularly more hospitable place for first-time home buyers to settle down and purchase a condo. According to the D.C. Office of Planning, there are more millennials living in the rapidly changing neighborhoods cited in Governing magazine’s study. Columbia Heights, Mt. Pleasant, Pleasant Plains and Park View were found to be areas where the amount of millennial residents increased by 32 percent from 2000 to 2010. The city has long been touting its thriving construction sector, with condo and multi-use developments popping up throughout the city to accommodate this group of home buyers in order to make for a healthier overall housing market for many years to come. Throughout its stages of change, Washington, DC still manages to maintain its character and appeal to home buyers of all demographics. If you are in the market for a Washington, DC condo, please feel free to contact me today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/rick-bosl/washington-dc%E2%80%99s-evolving-neighborhoods-make-everyone-feel-home

Virginia’s Ridesharing Approval Diversifies Transportation Options

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:46:57 -0700

Little by little it’s becoming more of a challenge to own a car in Washington, DC. There are many condo and mixed-use developments springing up throughout the city, making for an ever-evolving and exciting environment to live in. If one sacrifice has to be made, however, it is that the city is becoming more densely populated and the streets aren’t getting any bigger. Luckily for Washington, DC home owners, the city and surrounding communities are working to legalize other options for those who want to cut down or even eliminate personal car usage altogether. Just recently, the commonwealth of Virginia made provisions that make services such as Uber and Lyft legal. Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft work off of a mobile app in which customers can order rides from drivers who are online and in the area. Fares are typically cheaper than traditional cabs as customers pay a set rate per mile and don’t tip the drivers. Ridesharing has become increasingly popular over the last few years, but there has also been plenty of opposition. Although ridesharing has been in Washington, DC since 2012 the service has been limited in the greater metropolitan area as questions were raised by Virginia government officials who were concerned about safety. As of Tuesday, February 17, those concerns are at least somewhat abated as Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed legislation that would make ridesharing possible with a series of regulations and requirements. Uber drivers in Virginia must pass extensive background checks, undergo vehicle inspections and be covered by a primary insurance policy for every trip. In addition to ridesharing, Washington, DC has also instituted bikesharing service, Capital Bikeshare. Stations situated throughout the city and greater region allow locals to check out a bike for up to 30 minutes. The service is especially popular with commuters looking for a more environmentally friendly way to travel to work. Washington, DC Condo Developers Recognize Change With a diversification of affordable transportation services beyond the bus and train, more Washington, DC home owners are finding reasons to ditch their cars and condo developers are certainly taking notice and taking advantage. More and more, developments are being constructed without accompanied parking. Projects such as the development at 90 and 91 Blagden Alley, the Patterson Mansion units on Dupont Circle and a triangle-shaped development on H Street mentioned back in January, have successfully petitioned the Board of Zoning Adjustment to proceed with construction without plans for parking structures. Another project on M Street in Georgetown has been approved for a small amount of parking. Instead of parking structures, condo owners are getting increasingly walkable neighborhoods with a few developments even offering memberships to the local carsharing and bikesharing programs. Are you looking for the perfect Washington, DC condo in a great neighborhood? Contact me today for assistance in finding a home in this great city. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/virginia%E2%80%99s-ridesharing-approval-diversifies-transportation-options

Top Things to Consider When Buying a Condo

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 01:35:25 -0800

Condos have long been considered an attractive home owning option for singles, but now they have become equally attractive to couples and even families looking for a low maintenance, but high quality lifestyle. With their universal appeal, condo developers have been working to bring unique amenities, options and perks to their developments and Washington, DC has been ground zero for some of the most exciting and innovative developments. This leaves the condo buyer with a myriad of items to consider and decisions to make when the time comes to make a home purchase. If you’re considering buying a condo, here are a few things to consider as you delve into the process. Understanding your responsibilities One of the most appealing factors of owning a condo is the low maintenance required of the home owner. While the owner is responsible for everything within the walls of their unit, the upkeep of the exterior of the building and outdoor areas are handled by an association. One very important thing you might want to learn early on in your search for the right condo is to understand your responsibilities in contributing to this upkeep. Among these responsibilities is a monthly association fee as well as a set of rules commonly referred to as CC&Rs or covenants, codes and restrictions. Make sure you get all of this information upfront so that you can accurately determine if the condo is affordable and fits your lifestyle. Accepting the social fabric Condos are really great for home owners who love to get out and interact with people because of the close proximity to neighbors. This can amount to a condo community that is very tight knit, but can also backfire if some of the neighbors are loud or obnoxious. When you are looking for the right condo for you, make sure to pay attention to the noise level in the halls and how much you can hear your neighbors when you are inside the unit. Interact with any neighbors you might encounter to make sure they’re friendly. Being able to withstand the activity that buzzes around you will be a big component in determining how happy you are in your new home. Don’t rush your decision As you walk through potential condo developments take your time to really look around and scrutinize every little detail, you never know how much even tiny little annoyances can affect your day-to-day living. Actively keep asking yourself questions to keep your awareness alive while you’re perusing. Do you like the size of the condo? Is the neighborhood right? Does the building maintenance meet your standards? A home purchase is extremely important so although some things may seem petty or nitpicky, considering them will ultimately help you make the right decision. If you are interested in a Washington, DC condo, please contact me today. I would love to use my expertise in the area to help you find the perfect home. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/top-things-consider-when-buying-condo

Avoiding Condo Buyers’ Remorse

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 02:33:35 -0800

Although homes don’t fall into the typical impulse buy category, there are many aspects of the process that require quick thinking and efficient action. It is often during these situations that home buyers end up making a rash decision that they might possibly regret in the end. According to a Redfin national survey conducted by Harris Poll in 2014, 25 percent of home buyers experience buyer’s remorse regarding their current home. Purchasing a home is a big decision and a process that requires the moving of many pawns to pull off. In order to make sure you’re not one of those 25 percenters, here are a few factors to keep in mind as you contemplate your potential condo purchase. Location Sometimes you walk into a condo and realize it has everything you’ve ever wanted inside a home and you’ve got to have it. But before you commit to your dream home on the inside, make sure to consider everything on the outside as well. Make multiple trips to the neighborhood in which the condo resides and test its energy and noise level against what you can happily live with. If the condo is in a larger building, take notice of the noise level in the halls as well. As great as a condo and all its amenities may be, if you can’t sleep at night because of a noisy neighbor or buzzing street activity, you’ll be absolutely miserable. In addition to noise, research amenities around the neighborhood. Look for a grocery store, pharmacy and multiple dining destinations within a convenient distance. The more you become ingrained in the local establishments, the more you’ll love where you live. Getting around Another factor closely related to location is how you are able to get around town from your dream condo’s location. If you typically drive to work, consider factors such as parking and the commute time to work. Some of Washington, DC’s newer condo developments no longer require parking for every unit, so you’ll now have to be aware of certain rules and regulations for local garages or street parking. Test the commute by driving out to the condo a few nights after work. If the commute is noticeably longer, you might end up second guessing your decision later on. What it’s worth With a lot more buyers out there than inventory of homes, it’s fairly common for multiple bidders to drive up the price of a home quite quickly. Paying too much for a home is often the second guess that stings home owners the most following a home purchase. To avoid going above and beyond what you are willing to pay for a home make sure you talk to your real estate agent about the market dynamics in your neighborhood. Set two prices for yourself as you go into the negotiation process, how much you think the home is worth and how high you’re willing to go. Having these values in mind will help you to keep perspective throughout the bidding process. If you are interested in finding the perfect Washington, DC condo to call home, please contact me today. I’d love to lend my expertise in finding and securing the perfect home for you. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/avoiding-condo-buyers%E2%80%99-remorse

Shipping Containers Go Condo in Washington, DC

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 01:01:15 -0800

Looking around the many condominium developments of Washington, DC, it’s hard not to see the sheer innovation and imagination it takes to bring some of these projects to life. Many include art installations and world-class amenities such as pools and fitness centers to bring in home buyers. With so many fantastical elements included in today’s condos, it’s hard to imagine that one of the most visionary of these developments doesn’t rely on a fancy pool or dog-washing station to appeal to home buyers, but rather a renewed sense of sustainability. In September 2014, Washington, DC got its first dose of shipping container homes in Brookland. Fashioned completely out of recycled materials, these homes represented the complete opposite of the luxury amenities used in other condo developments. Serving as the barebones structure of these units are the discarded 8-by-40-foot containers used to haul large quantities of products overseas. The first set of shipping container homes served as an economically intelligent way to create sustainable apartment living in Washington, DC. However, now a developer plans to take the notion a step further with the city’s first condo development made out of shipping containers. Slated for the Rosedale neighborhood, three developers have proposed plans to the ANC 6C Economic Development and Zoning Committee to build units on the 1600 block of Kramer Street. Each of the proposals presented by Mi Casa, Inc., Manna, Inc., and Neighborhood Development Co., call for about 26 condos at all levels of the neighborhood’s economic spectrum to be built completely out of shipping containers. With the popularity and success of the first group of container homes in Brookland, the recent proposal for Rosedale was met with a considerable amount of positivity. One concern raised by an area home owner was for the preservation of the historic context of the neighborhood. Travis Price, whose architecture firm has been working with Neighborhood Development Co., assured residents that this is one moment in the area’s developing history that residents should want to be a part of. “History is defined by its changing moments and in many ways our culture has shifted,” said Price as reported by District Source, a local online news source. I've always been fascinated with the many uses of shipping containers after one of my consulting gigs before I got into real estate. When I worked for Perot Systems, I worked for a year in San Francisco with Triton Container, one of the world's largest lessors of containers. I got a real inside look at the industry from the manufacture of containers, the many uses, the world trade market and the after market for containers. The British army had, in my opinion, one of the best uses for them when they used them for portable pubs, but that's a story for another day. Why are shipping containers taking off as homes? For many traditional home owners, the thought of living in a box might seem rather unconventional. But for many looking for a more affordable and more conscientious living situation, shipping containers have proven to be an ideal building material. Originally conceived as a way to solve mass housing with a plug and play mentality, inexpensive sea container homes have since been fashioned into some very creative and expensive dwellings all around the world. For local developers such as Price however, the radical modifications are unnecessary in providing a hungry home-buying population with an affordable and comfortable option for owning a home. “We’re actually using those existing units, and we’re not violating them dramatically,” Price said to The Washington Post. “That makes the difference. You cut and paste. We could be a lot more theatrical, but then you pay.” If you’re interested in finding the perfect Washington, DC condo for your needs, please don’t hesitate to give me a call today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/shipping-containers-go-condo-washington-dc

Washington, DC-Area Condo Developments Incite Excitement

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:17:13 -0800

With its growing population due to the wide range of employment opportunities and great cultural attractions, Washington, DC’s condo development has ramped up over the last few years to accommodate a new breed of home owners. With every new project, developers are finding innovative new ways to attract home buyers and as a result, some of the city’s latest projects are creating a palpable buzz around town. Here are a few of the most exciting condo developments in and around Washington, DC. Union Market’s Polarizing Appeal One of the most massive projects in town is also one of the most polarizing, according to locals. The 11-story development going up in the neighborhood on 1270 4th Street is being met with a wide range of strong opinions. After proposing an initial design, the Zoning Commission asked the developer to resubmit something that would “reflect the industrial character of the neighborhood,” as reported by UrbanTurf. With the development’s latest redesign, which is slated to feature a range of 420 to 520 residential units, it seems the developer may have taken the cue a bit far. The new building design features a blockier shape with larger windows, which will appeal to home buyers looking for plenty of natural light. Bethesda’s Artsy Contribution Another of the most talked-about developments in the Washington, DC area is the ever-evolving Arts Alley project in downtown Bethesda. The project slated for 4990 Fairmont Avenue is combining a public art space with residences in a 17-story luxury condo building. From floor six to 17, condos ranging from moderately priced to luxury will be constructed while floors closer to ground level will feature art studios to be managed by the Bethesda Urban Partnership. The development, which will serve as an art incubator for the region, has received a tremendous amount of support from locals and is one to watch as the final plans become approved. No cars trending on H Street With public transportation becoming a more common way of life for the many commuters in Washington, DC, developments are going to start reflecting that shift by not including parking structures. One development that is paving the way for this and is thus garnering a considerable amount of attention is the 28-unit building proposed for the east end of the H Street Corridor. The land on which the building is to be built is a triangular slice where Florida Avenue and H Street meet. Given its unique shape and tight fit, developers opted to forgo the 21 parking spots typically required of a building such as this, and with permission from the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the plan paid off. Residents who inhabit the building will be more than a mile away from the nearest metro station; however there is ample access to the H Street streetcar. Are you looking for the perfect Washington, DC condo? Allow me to lend my experience and expertise. I would love to help you find the perfect home in this great region. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/washington-dc-area-condo-developments-incite-excitement

Washington, DC Buildings Get 2nd Chance Through Condo Renovations

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:49:41 -0800

In today’s expendable society, it’s so common to see things thrown away or demolished in favor of something that is built from scratch and brand new. In Washington, DC real estate however, developers see an old, rundown or even just ugly building and are able to imagine great possibilities. It is with this vision that many of buildings around the city have been completely transformed from schools, offices and even factories, into beautifully designed luxury condos. Here are a few of the most recent projects that have given some of Washington, DC’s older buildings and sites a breath of fresh air. Revival in Alexandria Alexandria residents were recently pleased to see a massive renovation that brought new life to one of the most infamous buildings in town. After being dubbed an “urban jail” or a “beached cruise ship,” the former Sheet Metal Workers Union National Pension Fund building located on the shores of the Potomac, was due for a makeover. Luckily, Bethesda-based developer EYA was willing and able to take on the project. EYA worked tirelessly to transform the mostly vacant office building’s awkwardly terraced structure into a luxury condo development, now known as The Oronoco Waterfront Residences. Turning an eyesore into a luxury residence was no small task, however. The abrasive aluminum exterior was replaced with red brick while windows were made from floor to ceiling to allow for expansive views of the Potomac from inside the building’s 60 units. The building was also outfitted with a number of amenities to attract residents, including a dog washing room, outdoor pool, fitness center and a children’s playroom. Locals kept a keen eye on the building throughout the process. When residences were opened up for purchase in August 2014, nearly all of the units sold out in a matter of months. A site with an interesting past Home owners always seem to be looking for a place where they can “sleep like the dead,” and a new development in DC’s 14th Street corridor looks to have taken that consideration quite literally. The site of the Austin Royster Funeral Home has been converted into a luxury condo building, Lionshead Condominium, that has thus far received quite a favorable response. The building’s nine units each include three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is the first in the city to pass the District’s Green Area Ratio Inspection. The site’s future came into question around April 2014 when Austin Royster, a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1957, moved to updated digs on Kennedy Street. Always on the lookout for buildings in great locations, S2 Development LLC swooped in, picking up the property at a foreclosure auction and getting to work almost immediately on restoring the building. Although many may think twice about living on the site of a former funeral home, the development has generated a considerable amount of neighborhood buzz. "There already are people that are writing contracts even before it comes to the market," said S2 Principal and Co-Founder Philip Simon to the Washington Business Journal. If you are interested in finding a condo in the Washington, DC area, please don’t hesitate to give me call. I’d love to help you find a great home that fits your lifestyle and budget. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/washington-dc-buildings-get-2nd-chance-life-through-condo-renovations

Is 2015 the Year for First-Time Home Buyers?

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 02:29:12 -0800

Throughout 2014, the real estate market continually proved that it was no hospitable environment for first-time home buyers, more notably millennial home buyers. With rents rising and mortgage rates falling, however, 2015 is already looking welcoming to all types of home buyer, first-times not excluded. Here are a few housing trends that first-time home buyers can expect to work out in their favor in 2015: Lighter lending standards One of the most complicated aspects of purchasing a home is the mortgage application process. Previously, tighter lending standards that required higher down payments and higher credit scores were putting the pressure on a demographic of home buyers that are saddled with a mountain of student debt and minimal wage growth. In early December, lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced an end to this trend with lighter guidelines that only required 3 percent down payments for mortgages. Coupled with a strengthening job market, first-time home buyers may be able to finally afford to put enough money aside to meet down payment requirements. Inventory is expected to rise With so many millennials left out of the market, home builders who are finally feeling the confidence to build again are targeting this powerful demographic. In cities such as Washington, DC, where there is a substantial population of young professionals, the increased inventory has come in the form of condos. Builders have been ramping up condo construction throughout the city and surrounding metropolitan areas, attempting to appease a hungry and empowered buyer base. Among the many reasons this demographic is being targeted for mass condo construction is the large availability of amenities and a lesser sense of responsibility that comes with condo ownership as opposed to single-family home ownership. This appeals to young, jet-setting professionals who spend time working and playing in one of the country’s most vibrant cities. Homes are expected to become more affordable With the increase of inventory, home price gains are expected to regulate substantially in 2015. While many builders were held up by a lack of confidence in the real estate market there was a slow pace of construction that held many buyers back. This lagging inventory coupled with high demand has driven home prices way up in markets across the country, including Washington, DC. With construction now amping up and and opportunities for home owners to trade up for bigger and better homes, home prices are likely to regulate with increased activity on the market. For first-time home buyers, the condo market is especially attractive as single-family home prices have skyrocketed over the last two years. Condo prices aren’t subjected to the irrational whims that the rest of the market is forced to weather and have thus remained in reach for home owners looking to downsize or first-timers wanting to make that ultimate investment in a home. If you are interested in Washington, DC condos for sale, please contact me today. I’d love to help you find the home of your dreams in this great region. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/2015-year-first-time-home-buyers

What Washington, DC Condo Buyers Can Expect in 2015

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 01:50:20 -0800

With 2014 closing out as one of the most stable in recent history for the Washington, DC real estate market, many market experts are looking forward to an even better year in 2015. Based on data and trends gathered throughout the last year, there is a healthy dose of good feelings concerning the condo market in 2015. Here are a few trends to look out for: Inventory will rise One of the biggest detractors for the Washington, DC housing market as a whole has been a lack of available inventory for home buyers. In looking at data from the last few months of 2014 however, it’s reasonable to believe that inventory will be on the rise throughout 2015, giving buyers a better chance at finding that perfect home. According to the Washington Post, which cites data from Rockville-based multiple-listing service MRIS, listings of Washington, DC homes gained through the fall and well into the winter, which is typically a time when inventory falls greatly. In addition to more home owners putting their homes up for sale, builders are working nearly around the clock throughout the metropolitan area on mixed-use developments such as CityCenterDC, bringing many more new condo units to the market in the process. Prices will rise, albeit more slowly Throughout 2014, strapped inventory created a heavily skewed sellers market which prompted strong home price gains. With a rise in inventory expected in 2015, home owners looking to sell their condos or single-family homes will be competing in a larger market. As a result, buyers can expect to see an easing of the home price increases that plagued 2014 and a greater opportunity to score that perfect home. Another phenomenon that is meant for big waves on the real estate market is the decreasing interest rate on mortgages. In 2015, home buyers can expect to see these low rates rise ever-so-slightly, however restrictions on mortgages are easing and requirements for down payments are easing as well, making conditions much more reasonable for first-time and return home buyers. Downtown will continue to thrive With the housing outlook predicting a more hospitable market for first-time home buyers, the condo market stands to heat up as well. Condos are a great option for home buyers wanting to still live in the hot areas of the city such as downtown and other areas convenient to the Metro. MRIS reports areas that are rich in condo units such as Brookland, the region east of Capitol Hill and the H Street Corridor as three places that are going to be very buzzworthy on the local real estate market. This coming year is going to be a great one for local real estate. If you are interested in learning more about the Washington, DC condo market, please feel free to contact me today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/what-washington-dc-condo-buyers-can-expect-2015

Tips to Separate Living Spaces in Open Concept Condos

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 23:42:52 -0800

The home design world has broken down walls to make way for vast open spaces that connect the living room to the kitchen and dining room. Condos with open floor plans oftentimes look much larger than a similar square-footage of a condo with separate rooms, offering more livable space that can be sectioned off as the owner pleases. There are plenty of options for breaking apart an open space without adding restricting walls. Here are a few great ideas to consider: Double-sided bookcases Cube bookcases or those with a bit more of a geometric structure are incredibly popular and these wide and open bookcases make the perfect room separator. One of the most important reasons is that the space can be left open or you can add storage bins to put unsightly belongings away. These versatile units can be purchased in virtually any size, so no matter how your space is configured double-sided bookcases can often work very well. Placement of furniture Many condo owners arrange furniture to really play off the open layout, but having a little bit of separation between the living room and dining room can make the rooms more defined. Arrange the sofa to back up to the designated dining room to immediately section the space. Add a sofa table behind the couch for a storage or decorative element. “This trick helps create a defined space and gives your larger pieces of furniture something to anchor to,” Alison Fedderson, a senior designer with Garrison Hullinger Interior Design in Portland, Oregon, said. Greenery Need a bit more nature in your condo? If you have a bright space, a tall lucky bamboo plant, dragon tree, lemon tree or guinea chestnut are all good for indirect sunlight. These potted plants will not only separate your space naturally, they will help to purify the air to boot. This is another great space separator ideal for between the living and dining room areas. While oftentimes it can be nice to have viewing access of the television when eating, it’s not always a great option. Plants can easily be moved over when you’re more in a “zone out” type of mood and can then be shifted back into place when you want to dine “al fresco” indoors! Screens Do you have a workspace in your open concept living area? With the proliferation of home offices, many condo owners in Washington, DC bring their work home. But when you have company you may not want to show off your entire work station. Screens or room dividers can be a great option if used correctly. Two of the most important components to consider are height and light. Designer Megan Blake, owner of Megan Blake Design in Washington, DC recommends matching the height of the screen to the tallest person living in the space, allowing roughly two or three feet of room between the top of the screen and the ceiling. If you’re interested in learning more about Washington, DC condos, give me a call today. I’d love to show you around. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/tips-separate-living-spaces-open-concept-condos

3 Things to Do Before Listing Your Rosslyn Condo

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:20:19 -0800

When you have finally decided it’s time to sell your Rosslyn condo, the decision can often come with a little bit of panic. What to do next is always the tricky part and can often result in inaction. If you think you’re ready to take on the task of selling your home, here are a few items to consider in the preparation stage. Not only will they help to get your home physically ready for the sale, but you’ll also be a little more mentally prepared for the many steps that lay ahead. Consider the market One of the very first things you must consider when preparing for a home sale is the market climate into which your home is going to enter. The real estate market can be fickle, especially in recovering from a recession, and will greatly influence how your home will be priced and what you can do to sell it quickly. Meet with a trusted real estate agent to get an idea of what you’re up against in terms of the market and use this information to price your home accordingly. When considering price, it’s important to identify your desired price and your bottom line price. Figuring out this range will better equip you later on when you start fielding offers from potential buyers later on in the process. Find all of your paperwork One of the biggest selling points of your home might not be the physical properties of the home itself, but rather what it takes to keep things up and running. Go through your records and pull out old utility bills and any applicable warranties. If you have newer, energy-efficient appliances or an HVAC unit, find the operating manuals for them that help to reiterate that you’ve taken care of the condo and the improvements you’ve spent money on have made the home more cost effective. If you have information on your home owner’s association, you may want to have that readily available as well. Sometimes there are specific regulations set by the HOA that might cause a hang up in the transaction, so it’s best to get everything in order ahead of time. Getting all of these items in order will also help you to figure out which features of your home might be the best to accentuate when it comes time to market the home. If other amenities come with your condo such as a fitness center, covered parking or a swimming pool, make sure you provide your listing agent with enough information about them to convey to your buyer base. Get down to the details De-cluttering and depersonalizing your home are among the most important things you can do that will help to attract buyers. Don’t let any detail of the home go unchecked, including wall paint, dusty baseboards and smudged windows. The less clutter and grime in your home, the less distracted your buyers will be when they’re considering making the investment. If you’re interested in learning more about condos for sale in Rosslyn, or any Washington, DC metro community, please give me a call today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/3-things-do-listing-your-rosslyn-condo

Is an Open House Going to Help Sell Your Condo?

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 23:50:45 -0800

When it comes time to part with your Washington, DC condo, you may wonder about your real estate agent’s plan on how to market your home to the group of hungry home buyers and one thing that may or may not be absent from that plan: an open house. For the many years before the proliferation of the Internet and ease of communication through email, text and phone, many real estate agents often relied on the open house as a trusted tactic to help get a home seen and sold. As the world becomes smaller thanks to the ready availability of information, pictures and videos, the practice of holding open houses has come into question recently. While many are finding that open houses are a great way to get exposure with more potential buyers coming directly in contact with the home, many more are finding that the practice is not as effective as it used to be in getting a home sold. In fact, the National Association of REALTORS® has found that only 2 percent of homes sell as a direct result of open houses. Based on that figure, many REALTORS® opt to put their time and efforts into more effective marketing strategies such as building a great profile for their listed properties online with professionally taken photographs, expertly staged interiors and written descriptions that tell the story of a home among other strategies. Where Open Houses Go Wrong While many real estate agents and even home sellers will continue to swear by the open house as a key tactic in getting a home sold, there are many of areas where it simply fails as a marketing tactic for a home. Agents will sometimes hold an open house to get maximum exposure of the home, however the exposure is often not to the right demographic. Serious buyers who are working with an agent of their own can easily obtain access to a home through a scheduled showing and won’t wait until the open house date to do so. Those who might show up at an open house are drawn by different motivations than serious buyers. Many times neighbors will come just to see what a home looks like on the inside while curiosity might lure in a buyer in a lower price range just for a chance to see how the other half lives. Others often peruse open houses just for fun, just as they check out local garage and yard sales every weekend. The real benefit of an open house comes not to the condo owner, but to the agent. To sit in someone’s home for a few hours while welcoming in members of the community poses an advantageous networking opportunity. Here an agent can get their brand more well known in the neighborhood while connecting with potential clients and business associates. While agents often go with what they know, savvy home sellers should at least be aware of what they’re up against if an open house comes into the equation. You can find upcoming open houses here for Washington, DC, Arlington, VA and Bethesda, MD. For help marketing your Washington, DC condo, or finding a new one, please feel free to contact me today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/open-house-going-help-sell-your-condo

Selling Your Washington, DC Condo? Here’s What You Can Expect

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 01:50:07 -0800

The prospect of selling your Washington, DC condo may sound like a daunting one, however when broken down into multiple, manageable steps, the process can actually flow quite smoothly. A savvy real estate agent is the best resource to guide you throughout the process, however, if you’re in the preliminary stages, here is a basic breakdown of the steps to prep and sell your home, just to give you an idea of what to expect. Preparation As hot as the condo market in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is, it’s always a good measure to thoroughly prepare for your sale so that you get top dollar for your home and nothing holds back the sale. When contemplating your home sale, be sure to check with your home owners’ association or condominium board about any specific regulations on buying and selling within your development. One of the first things you’ll want to determine when selling your home is how much you should sell it for. A real estate agent can provide market analysis and other information in addition to any research you may do on your home in order to price your home for an appropriate amount for you and the buyer. Find out what your condo is worth with a free estimate. Once you’ve established a price, it’s time to prep your home for viewing. This involves deep cleaning and depersonalizing your home so that potential buyers are looking at a blank slate that they can imagine themselves moving into. Most real estate agents can give advice on staging your home to show it at its maximum potential. Listing Once your condo is picture perfect, your agent will have it photographed and written up for the MLS listing page. When this listing goes live, your home is officially on the market and your agent will then go to work marketing your home to as many potential buyers as possible. Throughout the time your condo is on the market, agents will be wanting to come through with home buyers for showings and possibly open houses. During this process, it is imperative that you do your best to keep your home show-ready so that it appeals to the right buyer as quickly as possible. When an offer is made on your condo, your agent will give you a chance to thoroughly review the offer and will coach you through any negotiations or counter offers you may want to make. Upon an offer being made that you simply cannot refuse, you can accept and the transaction process will begin. Transaction When an offer is accepted, the listing agent will prepare a memorandum of sale, which puts in writing the agreed upon price for all involved parties. After a contract is written up, your agent will work with you to get your inspection, appraisal and all other contingencies met, while the buying agent will do the same. The buyer will also make a deposit on the home and a closing date will be established that allows both parties enough time to meet their ends of the deal. At the time of closing, the buyer will have one final walkthrough of the condo. Both you and the buyer will sign all of the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction and the title and keys will be transferred from you to the buyer and the remaining funds will be transferred to your account. If you are interested in selling your Washington, DC condo, allow me to be your guide throughout this process. Give me a call today! http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/selling-your-washington-dc-condo-here%E2%80%99s-what-you-can-expect

Know the Basics of Granite Countertops

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:03:25 -0800

When looking for a new home, many home buyers are looking for updated kitchen and bathrooms with beautiful granite countertops. The elegant surfaces are one of the most popular options for home owners and buyers, but how much do you actually know about these large slabs of stone? What is Granite? Granite is an igneous rock consisting of about 20 percent quartz by volume. It’s a highly durable and comes in a variety of different colors and patterns. The rock is mined throughout the world, with the largest granite quarry in the United States located in Barre, Vermont. The material has been used for thousands of years, and it was actually used for the Red Pyramid of Egypt, the third largest of the Egyptian pyramids. It has been used throughout the years by humans due its incredible strength, but can be seen in its natural state in some of the world’s most stunning locations, like Yosemite National Park. Typical Granite Cost Today, granite is incredibly common, and although it can be a bit pricey, many home owners believe it’s worth the cost. According to thekitchn, granite can cost anywhere from $45 to $400 per-square-foot depending on the rarity of the stone, thickness, origin and manufacturing labor costs. However, this doesn’t include additional fees such as resealing, installation, special finishes, edge details and more. The Uniqueness of Granite Each slab of granite is entirely unique and it comes in all color schemes to match the rest of the decor in your home. The stone is hard, durable and actually very easy to clean. It can resist stains and water--when sealed properly. To clean granite, home owners can purchase a special spray, or you can just use warm water and a gentle cleaner. Granite should be resealed regularly to keep its durability, in which case you won’t have to worry about spills or stains very much at all. In the past few years, questions have arisen over whether or not granite is safe for homes. Any type of rock can contain radioactive elements, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s not anything to be overly concerned about. According to the EPA website, “since granite is generally not very porous, less radon is likely to escape from it than from a more porous stone such as sandstone. It’s important to know that radon originating in the soil beneath homes is a more common problem and a far larger public health risk than radon from granite building materials. Also, any radon from granite countertops in kitchens or bathrooms is likely to be diluted in the typical home since those rooms are usually well ventilated.” If you are interested in learning more DC condo-buying tips and how we can help you find your ideal DC home, don’t hesitate to contact us with all your real estate needs. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/know-basics-granite-countertops

Prepping Your Washington, DC Condo To Sell

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:24:52 -0800

When it comes time to sell your condo it is important to take every measure possible to show buyers a beautiful home at its potential. Even in hot condo markets such as Washington, DC, efforts to clean, organize and upgrade will go a long way toward attracting the right kind of buyer who will be willing to pay top dollar for your condo. Here are a few tips for prepping your Washington, DC condo for sale: De-clutter and de-personalize One of the easiest and most effective improvements you can do in your home is to eliminate all clutter and pieces of personal flair you may have around the home. When showing the condo to potential buyers it is important that they are able to visualize themselves living there. Items such as family photos, gadgets, knickknacks and other personal mementos that are on display can be distracting for the buyer and will take away from the great features of the home. Going through and getting rid of a few of these items will also make your life a little bit easier when it comes time to move. While you sort through your DVD collection and other items, break out some rags and cleaning products. Your home needs to be absolutely immaculate for buyers to really appreciate it. An interested buyer will instantly place a negative connotation on a home upon coming across a dirty surface or unkempt closet. If you are having trouble finding what needs to be addressed, call in a professional cleaning service to take care of some areas that you may overlook. Make necessary upgrades Sometimes after living in a condo for so long you stop seeing the outdated fixtures and hardware around the place. Buyers will surely notice these items so make sure to go through your home and replace any light or faucet fixtures with something that is updated. If you’re really strapped for money, a cheap and easy upgrade is to replace the pulls and handles on your cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms. This is a simple way to give a larger unit a more modern and stylish look. One of the most important rooms you should address when it comes to upgrading your condo is the kitchen. This is the heart of the home and these days home owners want newer, top-of-the-line appliances. If your kitchen’s major appliances are more than three years old, you may benefit from having them replaced with stainless steel ones that give kitchens the modern touch condo buyers are often looking for. Paint Another easy and inexpensive way to spruce up your condo is to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Use a neutral color to make the place seem even bigger than it is. Giving a home buyer a “blank slate” will also help them to envision their own furniture and sense of style incorporated throughout the home. If you are considering buying or selling a condo in Washington, DC, please contact me today. I’d love to lend you my expertise to make the experience a simple and enjoyable one. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/prepping-your-washington-dc-condo-sell

What Appraisers Are Looking at In Your Washington, D.C. Property

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 23:41:20 -0800

When you are preparing to buy or sell a property you probably have a set price in mind for what you would like to spend and what you would like to get for your property. Despite all of the preparation you do yourself, a mortgage lender always needs an objective assessment on a property from a third party in order to ensure the proper loans are approved. Enter the home appraiser. Appraising a home, especially in a large metropolitan area such as Washington, D.C., can be difficult work. Many factors go into an appraiser’s work on a property, and although an appraiser may often look at the same aspects of a home that buyers or sellers look at as well, there is a much more intricate thought process behind what they see and what that means for the home’s value. In addition to location, here are a few home features that appraisers pay close attention to in Washington, D.C. condos: Property Size Most likely, the first check on an appraiser’s list is the overall size of the property. Another aspect of the home itself that appraisers look at is the number of rooms. A property with more bedrooms and bathrooms is more valuable because it allows for more people to live there. An appraiser may also look at a condo’s floor plan. Homeowner’s Association Condo appraisal in one major component: Homeowner’s Association fees. Appraisers take into consideration the monthly utilities included in the HOA fees and what amenities are featured. Additionally, appraisers will take into consideration the amount of units in the building are rented out, considered to be second homes and owner-occupied. Interior The appraiser will also inspect the interior materials used in the construction of the home, gauging their condition. This includes the walls, flooring, windows and doors. Lighting fixtures, kitchen appliances and plumbing are also assessed to make sure the home is up-to-date with current building codes. Extra Features Those special features that are appealing to home buyers are just as appealing to home appraisers. Amenities within the unit, such as air conditioners, fireplaces, security systems and smoke detectors make the home a safer and more comfortable place to live. As a result, they also make the home’s value increase. Additionally, features and amenities that are not within the unit but available to its occupants can increase the condo’s value. Improvements If you’ve lived in your home for a long time and made significant upgrades such as kitchen and bathroom appliances and features, this will help to increase the value of the home. Since these improvements aren’t always easy to perceive, it would be wise to provide the appraiser with a list of the work you’ve put into the home prior to the assessment. If you are interested in Washington, D.C. condos for sale, please contact our team today. We’d love to help you navigate the array of homes on the market and find the perfect property. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/what-appraisers-are-looking-your-washington-dc-property

Reston Celebrates the Community’s 50th Birthday

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 01:01:10 -0800

In a year that is already chock full of milestones with the opening of the long-planned Metro Silver Line station, the community of Reston is finding plenty more reason to celebrate. This year the town celebrates not only the 50th anniversary of its founding, but the 100th birthday of the man who played a vital role in realizing Reston as a planned community: Robert E. Simon. What makes such an anniversary so important to a town such as Reston is the fact that in the 1950s and 60s when planned communities were first being introduced into the country, nobody believed the concept would produce such magnificent results. “There was a real pioneering spirit among the first people to move there because it was so different from anything else at that time,” said Chuck Veatch, president of the Charles A. Veatch Co., a commercial real estate company, to The Washington Post. “Reston was surrounded by rural Northern Virginia and the housing types were conservative. Building townhomes in the country was pretty unusual.” In 1961, Simon bought the land that would eventually be Reston from a local distillery and set about designing a community that people of all backgrounds could call home. Reston began auspiciously as a small community built around the Lake Anne plaza. The first homes in the town were townhouses, which were a rare sight at the time, and a high-rise building. Soon, under Simon’s direction, the community would develop into one of the most desirable places to live throughout the country. “I thought it would be a collection of all the wonderful things that I experienced, and that’s what it turned out to be,” explained Simon to WJLA News. Reston Today Today, it is evident that the planned community is an idea that really took off, especially for Reston. The town is home to about 60,000 residents and employs approximately 50,000 people within its limits. The motto of the town is “live, work and play,” and with a wide array of single-family homes and a growing number of condos and access to public transportation, Reston seems to have something for everyone. Within the next few years, the population is expected to climb to 75,000. Although the initial development is nearly complete, the bustling community is now embarking on a number of redevelopment projects with a particular aim to accommodate home owners who want to live near the newly opened transportation stations. While redevelopment is often a scary word for those already established in such a wonderful community, it’s something that even founder Simon believes is necessary for growth and prosperity. “Twenty years ago, density was a dirty word, but now people understand that if you want open space you get it by creating density in other places,” said Simon to The Washington Post. “Over the next 25 to 50 years I would love to see the village centers and shopping plazas redesigned with high-rise buildings. I’m very impressed with the development around the Silver Line Metro station and think Reston could use more of that.” If you are interested in learning more about available condos in Reston, or anywhere in the Washington, DC metro area, please feel free to give me a call today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/reston-celebrates-community%E2%80%99s-50th-birthday

Columbia Pike Streetcar Project Derailed - What Went Wrong

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 23:32:49 -0800

Those who were eagerly awaiting the much anticipated streetcar project that was set to roll into Arlington will have to wait a little longer, perhaps forever. On Tuesday, November 18, Arlington County officials ruled against two long-planned streetcar projects along Columbia Pike and in Crystal City. The ruling came hot on the heels of the November 4 election, when the public voiced a very loud opposition against the plan, which would have cost the county upwards of half a billion dollars. The official ruling, in addition to voters’ opinions, caught many proponents of the project off guard especially as the project had seemed destined from the beginning to bring about a new wave of public transportation that would help promote growth and development throughout the metropolitan area. “How did we arrive at this point? We ... were caught flat-footed when organized opposition to the streetcar surfaced in just the last year or so,” said Jay Fisette, chairman of the Arlington County Board and strong proponent of the streetcar project, in a press conference reported by The Washington Post. “We were unable to persuade a majority of voters that a streetcar system is Arlington’s next generation of transit and that we can afford to build it.” What went wrong? Originally, the streetcar had backing all the way up to the governor and was approved multiple times by the Arlington and Fairfax boards. Streetcar projects were touted in studies as key components in fostering affordable growth for a community. In such a transit-focused and smart-growing region, the project seemed natural for Arlington, however much opposition remained focused in resistance to the idea in general, and the reliance of the expensive project on local tax dollars. Although Fisette and other board officials stressed that funds for the streetcar would be obtained through state funding, regional transportation and capital funds and not through an increase on taxes for residents, it seems voters still thought this project was not the wisest use of the county’s money. Additional opposition came from the idea of using streetcars in general. Many have complained that the incorporation of the streetcar within traffic lanes can create serious traffic problems in the event of a breakdown. Many speculate as to whether a dedicated lane for the streetcar may have increased its chances for ultimate approval, but for now it seems the focus has shifted to improving the city’s bus service. While Arlington’s streetcar project has been ground to a halt, Washington, DC’s line seems to be puttering along as well. The line has been plagued by blown deadlines, long-term funding issues, snarled traffic and safety concerns. With the recent decision in Arlington, it seems the future of the Washington, DC line hangs in the balance while officials weigh whether this is an investment that is worthwhile. Still, officials like Fisette believe the time and place for innovation in Arlington is here and now. “There are those who moved there or developed in anticipation of the streetcar,” Fisette said. “I will say that we are committed and remain committed to the Columbia Pike corridor. We will continue to work towards the realization of that vision [of high quality, mixed use development] in a modified form, and that is the commitment of this Board. We will enhance the bus system to the extent possible.” Arlington is a wonderful place to live. If you are interested in learning more about available Arlington real estate, please feel free to contact me today. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/columbia-pike-streetcar-project-derailed-what-went-wrong

Wood burning or Gas Fireplace?

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 01:56:03 -0800

With the sudden cold spell across the nation, the thought of a nice warm fireplace is rather nice, but which do you prefer A: a wood burning fire place with the crackling sounds, but also the cleanup not to mention where do you put the wood or B: a gas fireplace that turns on with the flick of a switch? Don't forget to cast your votes!

Make Your Condo Smarter With These Gadgets

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:32:22 -0800

Where the hustle and bustle of society has left us, innovators in technology have decided to pick up. These days’ gadgets for the home such as smart thermostats, clothes washers and dryers and LCD screen-outfitted refrigerators can help to make daily tasks more automatic and less taxing on home owners. These technological wonders are not only making home owner’s lives easier, but they are completely changing how people are approaching life. Need your floors cleaned? There’s a machine that can do that. Want your house warmed up before you get out of bed in the morning? There’s an app for that. The well-connected home is becoming an increasingly in-demand commodity. Thanks to a bevy of new technological products, home owners are happily plugging in their homes and going about their day, leaving menial tasks to their army of gadgets. One of the most innovative types of product to hit the market is only getting more intelligent. Smart thermostats such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, made their way onto the global marketplace in 2011 and since then have taken the world by storm. These programmable thermostats can make decisions on heating and cooling patterns for homes all by themselves. With motion and temperature sensing technology, these thermostats can control a home’s temperature based on patterns it recognizes throughout the day. A new thermostat by Honeywell called Lyric actually reads your phone to sense your location. When you’re within a designated range of your home, it begins to heat or cool the home based on your preferences. Technology Enables You To Communicate With The Fridge A new crop of automated devices to hit the market recently are smart refrigerators. These glorified ice boxes often include an LCD screen that can help you keep track of what’s in your fridge as well as your favorite recipes. Some models will even send notifications to your mobile phone when you are particularly low on a necessity such as milk or eggs. Technology can even accompany you on laundry day. Smart clothes washers and dryers manufactured by Samsung and other companies have the capability to monitor cycles from a smartphone. This can be handy if you need to run an errand but want to be back in time to get the laundry going in either machine. Moisture sensors in the dryer can also help you when you’re hurrying out the door but need to grab a piece of clothing the second it’s dry. As hard as it is to admit, everyone has been there. Even outside the realm of daily tasks, technology is proving to be an ideal roommate. Products such as Jawbone wireless speakers can connect to phones and computers through bluetooth technology, enabling you to stream your favorite music throughout the house. If you are interested in looking for the perfect Washington, DC condo, please feel free to call me. I can use my expertise of the area to help you find and finance a great home in the metro area. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/make-your-condo-smarter-these-gadgets

Knowing Your Legal Rights As A Condo Owner In Washington, DC

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 01:14:09 -0800

When it comes to owning a condo in Washington, DC, there are many legal rights and obligations the owner should be aware of. Unlike a traditional home sale where you’re just dealing with the seller of the property and their real estate agent, buying a condo requires a few extra parties that need to be dealt with, including the association and property management companies. When embarking on the condo buying process, it is important to know your rights as a new condo owner, including what is owed to you at the time of purchase and what measures you are legally entitled to take if your Washington, DC condo is not in the good condition you expect it to be in. Given the recent boom in condo sales in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, its easy to understand that Maryland has a number of laws designed to protect the buyer. Many of these laws came about as a result of a case called MRA Property Management v. Armstrong, which was a case in which a number of buyers alleged that a property management company failed to disclose major defects in its building. The management company had failed to disclose these defects in the resale package, which is presented to condo buyers when they are considering buying a unit that is older. As a result of the case, new condo owners are now able to sue developers if the condo isn’t in good condition, despite not being the units’ actual sellers. New condo buyers are also eligible to receive a public offering statement, which should contain the additions and improvements made by the developer. “Developers will need to be very careful in making representations about residential homes and condominiums in which they are involved, including on developer websites and in other advertising, public offering statements, sales contracts and other materials provided to consumers,” said Roger Winston, a real estate attorney with the law firm of Ballard Spahr in the District, to The Washington Post. Word to the Wise Condo Buyer One of the most important takeaways from the MRA Property Management case and other similar cases is that condo buyers need to be mindful of the facts presented to them about a particular property. While Washington, DC and the surrounding suburbs are working to put laws in place to protect against such omissions of valuable information, buyers are their own first line of defense. Obviously the first measure to take is to read each and every document presented to you by the association thoroughly. Beyond educating yourself on the documents, it might be wise to head over to the development and speak with some of the current unit owners about the building and association services. In some cases, this may be the only way to get a straight answer as to the true state of the condo building. As always, your real estate agent is a valuable resource as well. Have a question for us? Ask us. If you are looking for a condo in Washington, DC area, let me be your advocate in the process. I’d love to help you navigate this market. http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/knowing-your-legal-rights-condo-owner-washington-dc

Quick Survey: Red or Blue Kitchen?

Rick Bosl, Rick Bosl (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 23:39:29 -0800

Don't forget to vote! What is your preference - Red kitchen or Blue kitchen?