There are, as of today, 11/21/14,  5 active listings in Townes at Cameron Parke, Alexandria's commuter-convenient townhouse community, which is located between 2 Metros, near Old Town Alexandria, with easy access to I-495 and I-95. The most expensive listing in the neighborhood right now is a 2,148 s.f. 4 level end unit with a 2 car garage priced at $594,900, built by Craftmark in in 2000.  It has been on the market for 90 days and was originally priced at $614,900.  This particular townhouse backs to 2 acre Lake Cook at Cameron Run Regional Park.   This neighborhood allows for quick access to the DASH bus stop, which will get you to the Van Dorn (blue line) Metro or Eisenhower (yellow line) Metro, as well as many other points in Alexandria via DASH.    SEARCH ALL TOWNES AT CAMERON PARK... 11/20/2014

Homes For Sale in Island Creek – Alexandria - Market Update 11.20.14 Island Creek is composed of over 1,200 homes and is located off Beulah Street in Alexandria. The neighborhood is composed of single family homes, townhomes, and two styles of condos; townhouse, and garden. Island Creek is known for its amenities and convenient location; two outdoor pools, tot lots, tennis, basketball, and volley ball courts are available for residents use. There’s an array of jogging/biking trails through the community and residents also enjoy a private lake. Island Creek features a club house that can be reserved for parties or special events. Minutes from shopping, Fort Belvoir, public transportation and major highways this community is very popular with military personnel and commuters alike. The mu... 11/20/2014

Montebello Condos:  Alexandria's Premiere Gated Community Montebello - an apt description as the name means beautiful mountain in Italian - is considered by many 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.  Search here for your perfect Montebello residence! When the Montebello shuttle isn't shuttling residents to the Metro, it's dropping them off at area shopping centers thre... 11/19/2014

As a Listing Agent, there is a lot I can do to help you prepare and price your home for sale.  In fact, let's count the ways: Whole house  - including the exterior and yard - assessment of condition Recommendations on clearing and storing clutter Complimentary staging consultation to present your home at its best Professional help in choosing paint colors and other items Online marketing and advertising Local print advertising Broker's Opens and Open Houses (at your discretion) A comparative market analysis to help determine the best price ...as well as a whole host of other details, like signage, lockbox, etc.   Yes, there is a lot I can do help you prepare your home for sale. But what about those things I cannot do?  The things over which I have no control?  Things like List price (th... 11/19/2014

Leaving The Heat On In Vacant Listings Yesterday our high was 28 and with the wind chill it was 18. I was out touring with one of my investors and 3 of the 4 houses we went to see were vacant. Of those 3 only one had the heat on. It wasn’t set high, only at 65 but, it made a big difference. In one home the electric was off all together but, in the other it was still on. The heat just wasn’t turned on and it made me wonder if the seller had forgotten to stop by and cut it on or maybe they're out of the area and the agent was supposed to and forgot. Neither of the homes had been winterized and we have had at least a week of below freezing temperatures. I can understand not wanting to pay a big electric bill on a home that’s vacant but, to turn the electricity off and in turn have no heat ... 11/18/2014

SOLD! Minutes as in a 7 minute walk for the homeowners from their front door to the Huntington Metro station.  The commute just doesn't get much better than that unless you are stowing away in the Metro station.   And when your house comes with a driveway, well, what more can you want than to leave your car at home and take the train wherever you need to go.  You can hop on the Metro and in one stop, be at the the Patent and Trade Office or the Hoffman Center - where you'll find a 22 screen movie theater, Starbucks and several restaurants.   One more stop and you're on King Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.  The best Alexandria has to offer is at your fingertips from this adorably updated townhouse in Jefferson Manor.    This property features: An updated kitchen with granite... 11/18/2014

Alexandria Foreclosures – Market Update October 2014 The following is a review of activity for foreclosures sold in Alexandria during October 2014. •Number of Sales: 5 (down 3 from September) •Highest Priced Sale: $334,900 •Lowest Priced Sale: $159,900 •Median Sales Price: $202,500 (decrease by $69,056) •Median Days on Market: 59 (increase by 22) •Average Sale Price to List Price Ratio: 91.12% (decrease by .77%)   The number of foreclosures sold in October decreased as compared to last month. Median sales price and average sale to list price decreased as well and days on the market increased. The median sales price can fluctuate very easily due to the lack of foreclosure sales in Alexandria each month. With such little data to go off of one sale with high days on the market or a low sal... 11/16/2014

Winter Temperatures Have Arrived   It’s not officially Winter but, with temps in the 30’s this morning it sure feels like it. These two have the right idea to cuddle up and stay warm in front of their heater (they’re not spoiled at all J). I’m a little jealous that I’ll be out bundled up to show houses while they sleep. If you haven't winterized your outside faucets be sure to take care of it this weekend. Temperatures are expected to be below freezing at night for at least the next week. The same goes for getting your furnace or heat pump serviced. It's going to be running for the next few months and the last thing anyone wants is no heat on a bitter cold day. It will be money well spent to know that it's in good condition to carry you through the winter.  11/13/2014

Real Estate Market Update For Alexandria VA – October 2014 The number of units sold in Alexandria increased from September to October.  Median days on the market decreased, and median sale to list price ratio slightly increased. October also showed an increase in median sales price as compared to last month. Alexandria saw a strong October and continues to be a seller’s market. Market Update - 2013 vs. 2014  Reviewing the same time period in 2013 there were 432 units sold but, the median sale price is higher in 2014, up by $10,000. The median sale to list price ratio remained about the same 97.72 in 2013 vs. 96.68 in 2014. The days on the market were less last year, coming in at 14. Median sale prices continue to be on a slow and steady rise in the Alexandria area. The market remains sh... 11/12/2014

When a Buyer is under contract to buy a house in northern Virginia,  it is pretty typical to have a contract with a number of contingencies, including (but not limited to) Home Inspection, Financing and Appraisal.  The Financing Contingency protects a Buyer who is prequalified or even preapproved, but has not yet been through underwriting and just wants to be sure nothing unusual pops up to derail the derail.  From the standpoint of the Seller, as a listing agent, I would prefer the financing contingency expire on the date specified in the contract.  Unfortunately, it's not that simple.  Let's look at the exact wording: If this contingency has not been satisfied by the Financing Deadline, this contingency will continue up to and including the Settlement Date, unless Seller at Seller’s o... 11/12/2014

Stunning Luxury Townhome in Sought After Governors Grove Contact us today to schedule a showing or for more information on the best deal in Governor's Grove, 571-234-1456.    Click here to see more pictures and detailed information.     Schedule a Showing Northern Virginia Homes for Sale Search All Homes For Sale Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale What is Your Home Worth? Mortgage & Refinance Homes Close to Where You Work FREE HUD Report: How to Buy FREE List of HUD Homes for Sale Aaron Browning Browning Homes Group - Keller Williams Realty 571-234-1456 Questions?Schedule a Showing! Licensed In:VA     L2L Virtual Tours AR     11/12/2014

Thoughts On Veterans Day Veterans Day is a day to honor Americans who have served their country in the armed forces. Although I think just one day of honoring our Veterans isn’t enough it is a day to remember and observe. It’s not just a day off from work. November 11 was originally called Armistice Day because it was on this day in 1918 that the First World War came to an end. The armistice was signed at 11 a. m., on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. After four years of brutal fighting, nine million soldiers had lost their lives and 21 million were wounded.   My thought is every day should be Veterans Day. If you see a military member take a few seconds to just say thank you. The thank yous mean the most but, if you can pay for their meal, give up your first ... 11/10/2014

Homes For Sale in Willow Creek – Alexandria Va – Market Update The Willow Creek neighborhood is located in Alexandria on the outskirts of Kingstowne. The neighborhood is comprised of 78 garage and non-garage townhomes. Their square footage ranges from 2,553 to 2,688. Constructed in 1985 Willow Creek is conveniently located just off 495 and within walking distance to Van Dorn metro station (blue line) this subdivision offers easy access for commuters and public transit users alike. Kingstowne Towne Center is less than five minutes away and home to grocery stores, Kingstowne 16 Movie Theater, Crest Cleaners, Bath and Body Works, Home Goods, World Market, and many dining options.   Willow Creek Real Estate Market Review of activity in Willow Creek since October 2013.•Number of Sales: 3•Hig... 11/09/2014

How to buy the home of your Dreams with the Help of a Buyer Agent in Northern Virginia.Last week I met Heather and Rob at an Open House I was hosting. They explained they are living in a 1200 square foot apartment for the past seven years in the Fairfax County Virginia area. They have three children and the apartment was feeling very cramped! They loved their location and had built their lives around about a ten mile radius and were looking to stay in the same area.As I mentioned I  met them at an Open House  in the Burke Virginia area. Heather was out  looking at her options. The home I had Open was a small 1970's town home in their target area priced at $363,900 and had been updated for the most discriminating buyer. The internet pictures prompted her to visit.  The home needed nothin... 11/07/2014

Taking An Overpriced Listing – I’ll PassI met with a potential seller in February and after touring through his home we sat down to discuss comps, my marketing plan, commission etc. All was going well until we came to the comps. As with all my listings I had a folder to leave with him that contained the same comps we were reviewing together. After looking at his copy he started justifying why a $30,000 higher list price than any recent sold comp was reasonable. I listened to his reasoning for a higher price and explained why it’s all about what the market is showing for pricing. It’s not something I make up or the seller makes up, the market prices your home. He paused and said well, I met with someone else yesterday and they said they’d price my house wherever I want and get it sold. I... 11/05/2014

Condo Sales in Alexandria, Va October 2014 Condo sales in Alexandria during the month of October saw an increase in median sale price, a decrease in days on the market and there were only three less units sold as compared to September. Overall the condo market in Alexandria gained strength in October and remains a seller’s market.                           •Number of Sales: 133 (down from 136) •Highest Priced Sale: $1,355,000 •Lowest Priced Sale: $90,000 •Median Sales Price: $300,000 (up from $265,000) •Median Days on Market: 22 (down from 30) •Median Sale to List Price Ratio: 96.77% (up from 96.20%)   How Does October 2014 compare to October 2013? The number of units sold in October 2014 is slightly less than October 2013 – 133 vs. 142. Median sale price is up this year by $58,000. Day... 11/03/2014

There seems to be a rumor going around among first time home buyers that buying a house is a stressful process, fraught with difficulties.  Well, I should not call it a rumor because obviously it is rooted in the experiences of others, but it doesn't have to be that way. The key to having a successful first time home buying experience?   Have a plan and a trusted real estate partner.  Here's my short, one-step recipe for a stressfree, fun first time home buying experience:   HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT.  Your real estate agent is your guide -  the key -  to the entire homebuying process. Skpping from agent to agent, or calling listing agents directly on the houses you want to see will not get you a buyer's agent who is dedicated to your best interests.   In fact, it usually leads to a lot ... 11/03/2014

Under Contract - The Olympus - Alexandria, Va 6301 Stevenson Avenue #607 and #609 Alexandria, Va 22304  #607 and #609 at The Olympus are now under contract. After being on the market for a few months a recent price drop created a multiple offer situation. It’s always great to have a competent and professional agent on the other side of the transaction; makes for a smoother process for all involved. Negotiations are complete and both buyer and seller are looking forward to a successful transaction.   Features: 3 bedroom and 2 full baths Updated kitchen Stainless steel appliances Double ovens New cabinets Granite countertops Ceramic tile flooring throughout living/dining room and kitchen Two balconies with incredible views Updated bathrooms Custom closet in master bedroom Multiple storage... 11/02/2014

FOR SALE OR RENT IN ALEXANDRIA!   Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood IDX Search   $2,150 Townhouse Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms2 Partial BathroomsInterior: 1,904 sqftLot: 1,400 sqft Location 8451 Byers DriveAlexandria, VA 22309USA     Gina M. Tufano Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway(703) 574-3478gina@ask-gina.comhttp://www.ask-gina.com   Listed by: Ask Gina & Company w/Keller Williams Realty   Our recent listings FOR SALE OR RENT IN ALEXANDRIA!Townhouse for $389,000 in STERLING, VASingle Family Residential for $795,000 in STERLING, VASingle Family Residential for $412,000 in PURCELLVILLE, VASingle Family Residential for $412,000 in Purcellville, VA Subscribe to our listing feed   Nearby  properties for sale   10/30/2014

Homes For Sale in Amberleigh – Alexandria Va – Market Update Amberleigh is located in Alexandria off of Beulah Road. The neighborhood is in a great location and very appealing as you drive in. The tree lined streets provide a peaceful setting and privacy, while the neighborhood itself is minutes away from popular Kingstowne. Kingstowne has many retail, dining, and entertainment options including; Kingstowne 16 Movie Theater, Top Golf, Pasara Thai, East Moon Bistro, Home Goods, Bonefish, World Market, TJ Maxx, and La Madeline. The new Springfield Town Center is less than ten minutes away and gives residents access to even more dining and retail options. Amberleigh consists of 502 townhomes that were built between 1981 and 1988. There are six different models; Ashleigh, Oakleigh, Ridgelei... 10/30/2014