4th of July Activities - Top 5 FREE Events in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA 1) A Capitol Fourth Concert, 8:00 to 9:30 PM (Doors open at 3:00 PM), West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, FREE. This year's concert will be hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits and will feature performances by Reba McEntire, Gladys Knight, Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish), David Archuleta, Lang Lang, and the National Symphony Orchestra. 2) Fourth of July Fireworks on the National Mall, 9:15 PM, Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, FREE. The fireworks are typically launched near the reflecting pool and can be seen from miles away on a clear evening. Perch yourself on your favorite rooftop in Arlington or Washington... or bring a blanket down to the National Mall. 3) Smithsonian Folkli... 06/30/2010

I got an unusual real estate referral a couple of weeks ago.  A young woman from Colorado who is moving to the DC Metro area requested an agent who had an extensive knowledge of DC area bike trails.  Well, that would be me, of course.  It was the first time I've had such a request from a potential buyer.  Leisa will be working at Crystal City and absolutely wants to bike to and from work.  Her biggest fear was to wind up working with a real estate agent who would under estimate the importance of being able to cycle to work.  "When I asked a Realtor friend to refer me to a Keller Williams Realtor in the NOVA/DC areas, the most important request was not gender, not experience, not numbers. My future Realtor had to be a cyclist!  Because I intend to ride my bicycle to work, I wanted a rea... 06/30/2010

Freddie Mac reported that mortgage rates for Arlington, VA, home buyers hit a 50-year low last week. That’s great news if you are looking to buy a home in Arlington or refinance the mortgage you already have. What’s the rate? What's the rate? That depends on how much you borrow. Here are rates from one local lender. If you obtain a 30-year fixed-rate loan of $500,000 at 4.75% your monthly mortgage and interest payment will be approximately $2,600 per month (does not include taxes and insurance). Learn more about mortgages at my website's interactive mortgage learning center. Why so low? Why are rates so low? Investors are moving money out of the stock market and into Treasury bonds. Mortgage rates track Treasury yields. Mortgages? But You’re A Realtor I’m a Realtor® not a mortgage bank... 06/29/2010

BREAKING NEWS: Home Prices Increase in U.S. for First Time in 6 Months! It's been a grim day on the stock market. The Dow, Nasdaq and S&P are down nearly 3%... but there is some great news on the real estate front. Home prices rose 0.8% in April compared to March in 20 major cities, according to the Case-Shiller home price index released by Standard & Poors. Home prices rose in 18 of the 20 metropolitan areas surveyed. This is the first monthly home price increase after six consecutive months of declines. According to the index, home prices have moved up 3.8% in the last year. Here is a breakdown of the home price index by city. These numbers reflect the price changes between March and April: Atlanta, 1.8%             Boston, 1.4%         Charlotte, 1.1%       Chicago, 0.6%    Cleveland... 06/29/2010

Over the last year the average price per square foot of a 1 BR condo in Arlington VA has remain steady, with no statistically important increase or decline.  Interestingly, but for a bump last Fall, the price per square foot of a 1 BR close mirrors the overall market. Recently listed condos for sale in Arlington See more Arlington Condos for sale. (all data current as of 6/29/2010)   Related posts Lanier Middle School Randolph Elementary School 22122 - Newington VA East Falls Church The Oakton condominiums 06/29/2010

Glencarlyn Park: Fishing, Nature Trail, Picnic, Dog Park and Homes in Arlington In the heart of urban living there is a quiet, serene retreat. Glencarlyn Park is a 97-acre park that is along the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Trail and Four Mile Run Trail in Arlington. The park is just off Arlington Blvd. (Route 50) and Calrin Springs Rd. in Arlington. In addition to providing the perfect backdrop for any jog or bike ride, Glencarlyn Park boasts the following features: Adjacent to the Long Branch Nature Center Picnic Areas Fishing Dog Park Water Fountains Restrooms Picnic Tables Charcoal Grills Playground Ampitheatre Glencarlyn Park is also a stone's throw from the Glen Carlin neighborhood, another beautiful setting for an afternoon stroll with the family. 06/29/2010

Best Cities 2010: Arlington, VA - Parenting.com Congratulations Arlington, County Virginia!  Parenting Magazine just ranked Arlington as the best place in the Whole Country to raise a family.  No arguments here.  As a parent and resident in Arlington County, I can vouch that our public schools do live up to the hype.  Our North Arlington Mom's club, MONA,  is one of the greatest resources for everything from parenting to vacation tips and more and is so strong it practically has the clout of the Better Business Bureau if a mom posts a bad review of a business; we have a wonderful variety of parks, including two spray parks for our scorching summer days.  Kids during the summer have a variety of camps to choose from, and even procrastinating parents can usually find something for the kid... 06/27/2010

Originally known as Abington Height, the Vista on Courthouse (townhouses) is situated at 12th North Court and Courthouse Road in Arlington Virginia. The townhouse duplex style townhouse condos feature 213 condo units. With units featuring 2, 3 and 4 bedroom plans, other amenities are also provided for. Such as vast outdoor private terraces, hardwood floors, 9 foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, ultra-luxurious soaking tubs in the bathrooms, granite vanity countertops in the bathrooms, two-toned interior paint, recessed, energy-efficient lighting and pendant bar lighting, a granite kitchen countertops and other high-end advancements. Along with a private fitness center, a theater ad game room, a ground-level pool with sun deck, a grand courtyard plaza entrance, a beautifully land... 06/25/2010

Crystal City is centered along a stretch of Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1), just south of The Pentagon, just east of Pentagon City, and within walking distance to the west of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Characterized as one of many "urban villages" by Arlington County, Crystal City is almost exclusively populated by high-rise apartment buildings, corporate offices, hotels, and numerous shops and restaurants. There is also an extensive network of underground shopping areas and connecting corridors beneath Crystal City. Crystal City has a station on the Washington Metro Blue and Yellow Lines, and on the Virginia Railway Express commuter train system. See more Crystal City 3 BR less $500k. (all data current as of 6/25/2010) Related posts Condos in Arlington Map of Brompton... 06/25/2010

3 or more bedrooms in Crystal City for less than $1.5 million Crystal City is centered along a stretch of Jefferson Davis Highway(U.S. 1), just south of The Pentagon, just east of Pentagon City, and within walking distance to the west of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Characterized as one of many "urban villages" by Arlington County,Crystal City consists of a dramatic streetscape of office buildings, hotels, high-rise apartment buildings, shops and restaurants - all shaded by trees and linked by brick sidewalks. The layout of Crystal City was considered avant-garde back when it was built, with superblocks bounded by arterial and circulating roads, and with pedestrian traffic and the businesses serving it relocated from the streets to the pedestrian tunnels. However, as of 20... 06/25/2010

Unincorporated Rosslyn offers great views and beautiful landscapes in Arlington County, Virginia. The area sits in view of the Potomac River, The Arlington Cemetary, and Washington, D.C. Rosslyn is also home to the United States Marine Corps War Memorial and Freedom Park. The name Rosslyn came from a local farm behind the shore. The farm was known as Ross Lynn, owned by William and Carolyn Ross. In the 1860's Rosslyn's largest development was a large brewery. It was changed to the Cherry Crush Bottling Co. after prohibition. When electric trolleys were introduced the real estate business picked up. Some of the more prominent businesses of Rosslyn include the "ABC" T.V. Affiliate, and the Art Institute of Washington. In the 1960's Rosslyn had a development growth with the opening of the... 06/25/2010

Shirlington is a small village in Arlington County, Virginia. The name Shirlington comes from "Shirley" Hwy. and "Arlington". Shirlington mostly consist of  residential areas but does have some great stores and restaurants. It is known for some of it's great entertainment.  The Village at Shirlington opened in 1944 and offers convenient shopping and dining. Restaurants include, Johnny Rockets, Caribou Coffee, Cake Love, and many more. Some of the other businesses located in Shirlington include, WETA-TV, WETA-Radio, The Signature Theatre, and USPTO offices. For a small town environment with great shopping, dining and entertainment, Shirlington is a wonderful place to live or visit. Homes for sale in and around Shirlington See more Shirlington. (all data current as of 6/25/2010) Related ... 06/25/2010

In south Arlington County lies Fairlington, a neighborhood made up of townhouse apartments. Most of these townhouses were built in the 1940's. It was constructed during World War II and paid for by the Defense Homes Corporation. The name "Fairlington" was created by combining the county names where it is located, Fairfax and Arlington. Fairlington's history goes back as far as 1756 when the area was owned by John Carlyle, a friend of President George Washington. From 1861-1870 the land was under military occupation. By the 1960's it was owned by Hartford Insurance. In 1972 the buildings in the area were changed to apartments. In 1998 Fairlington was listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places by 1999. With beautiful architecture and an area wit... 06/25/2010

Crystal City, Virginia lies along the Potomac River. With breathtaking views of our country's capital and within walking distance of many restaurants, hotels, high-rise apartments and The National Airport, it is a convenient place to work and live. A large part of Crystal City lies underground. You can shop and dine all at the underground which is great on rainy days. The Crystal Underground Mall opened in 1976. The mall is unique with the different types of stores it has to offer. Some of these include Jeleff's Women's Store, Drug Fair, antique glass shops, gourmet grocery stores and craft stores. There are many government offices located in the area including, satellite offices for the Pentagon, the United States Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency. Not lacking... 06/25/2010

Clarendon is located in Arlington County, Virginia. In 1900 Clarendon was planned on a hill on Wilson Blvd. (formerly Georgetown Falls Foad). Once streetcars came to the area in the early 20th century this part of Arlington County was very busy with travelers. The streetcars were in service until the 1930's. In 1920 the town was up to be considered for incorporation but was soon shot down by the courts. However, it was elected for one of Arlington County's post offices. The Clarendon Metro Station opened in the 80's and offerred the Clarendon area a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, bars, office space, and apartments. Events are also held in Clarendon, such as "Clarendon Day", which includes live music, rides, food, jewelry, clothing and much more. Other events include CSC Invitationa... 06/25/2010

The Court House neighborhood in Arlington County, Virginia is a beautiful part of Arlington that has high-rise living and business. The Court House area lies between Clarendon Metro Station and Rosslyn Station. It houses the jail, police headquarters, and the Government Administrative Complex. Courth House also holds it's place in history. The Union seized the area in 1861 during the Civil War. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Woodbury once called Courthouse it's home, and today the fort's location has been replaced with Woodbury Heights as a tribute. Court House, although small offers unique and beautiful housing. Homes for sale in and around Court House Metro See more Court House Metro. (all data current as of 6/25/2010) Related posts A shopper's dr... 06/25/2010

President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took a break from their meetings yesterday to head over to 1725 Wilson Blvd in Arlington, Va to grab lunch at Ray's Hell Burgers. If you are into Burgers this is the place to go. It's cash only so that's good to know before you head there. It's pretty busy so you may not find the atmosphere "relaxing" but if you're lookin' for a messy, teriffic burger in Arlington, Va. this is a great find. Five Guys proponents may still feel theirs is the best but competion is good. Yes? Looking for some great eats? A couple of my favorites in Arlington are: Lost Dog Pizza on Washington Blvd Lebanese Taverna on Washington Blvd Argias on Broadway just over the border in Falls church city. Always lookin' for new places to check out so if you've... 06/25/2010

Arlington VA Restaurants - World Cup Fever! In case you were in a deep hole miles below the earth's surface yesterday, the United States beat Algeria 1-0 and are advancing to the round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup. It was hard to miss the collective exuberence that erupted out on to the streets in forms of ecstatic cheers. Here in Crystal City, much of that cheer came from Crystal City Sports Pub. This Arlington VA restaurant has been a Crystal City staple since 1994. They serve up an awesome menu, featuring everything from Shrimp Po' Boy sandwiches to southwest chicken egg rolls to a delicious Sunday brunch. Above all, it's a prime place to catch a game. Case and point: Yesterday. When Landon Donovan put one in the back of the net with less than three minutes remaining, Crystal City Spo... 06/24/2010

Happy iPhone 4 Release Day! Are you somewhere in a metropolitan area, seeing tents scattered around the sidewalk? Are you walking to work and see sleep-deprived geeks laying outside a Radio Shack, Best Buy or Apple Store? It's that time again. It's June 24--the release day for Apple's iPhone 4. It's the day where many Apple junkies are left with a smile, and other phone users are left perplexed and often judging. In case you haven't heard, here are the iPhone 4's features: FaceTime - New video chat capabilities, with two built in cameras. Retina display - Four times the pixel count as past iPhones. Multitasking - Now you can listen to Pandora or run multiple applications at the same time. HD Video Recording and Editing 5 Megapixel Camera with LED flash Whether you're getting your new iP... 06/24/2010

Arlington VA Homes- Three Simple Stories of Simple Renovations Ask your spouse and they'll confirm... it's the little things that can make a big difference. The same applies for selling Arlington VA homes. Here are a few stories from over the years in which simple renovations ultimately sold a home. As an Arlington VA home seller, it can take a bit of a spark and some open ears to ultimately get the home sold: 1) "Nice Kitchen... Nice Sale." My clients put $7,000 in to renovating their kitchen and ultimately received $30,000 more for their house. They went to IKEA and bought some very simple cabinets and hardware that were easy to install. They also purchased some new appliances. At the end of the day, their simple purchases led to nearly $23,000 in additional profit. 2) "A Better Bathr... 06/23/2010