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Alexandria, VA Real Estate News

By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
If you're just getting in the market for real estate, chances are you're hearing a lot of unfamiliar terms these days, especially on the mortgage side of things.  Real estate introduces you to entirely new language.  One filled with lots of words that are thrown around by your mortgage lender, REALTOR, and even your friends and family, who may sometimes make the assumption that you know what they are discussing.   Don't be afraid to pull back for a second and say "Hey, I have no idea what you are talking about."  Just as George Washington coming back to the present day would need many things to be explained to him, when you start your home search you'll be encountering uncharted territory and can make use of a glossary.   Never is this more true than with all the abbreviations and acron...
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By Tamara Inzunza, Close-In Alexandria and Arlington Living
(Realty One Group Capital)
Just Sold - Bank Owned Two Bedroom/Two Full Bath Condo in the Palazzo At Park Center located in Alexandria, Virginia.
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Six Old Town homes were open to the public today for the beginning of Historic Garden Week in Virginia. During the April 19-27 festivities, visitors across the Commonwealth will step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’ s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks. Three dozen separate tours will present a rich mosaic of formal gardens, walled gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, water gardens, and even secret gardens. Visitors interested in architecture and interior decorating will have the opportunity to see renovated historic properties as well as contemporary residences. (Photography is NOT permitted in private houses and gardens.) 300 South Lee Street sits on land once used as a storage yard for lumber for James Green’s ‘Cabinet Manufactory’ dating to 193...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
On January 24th 2008, after a year long competition, Alexandria was recognized as a “One Hundred Best Communities for Young People” by the America’s Promise Alliance.  The Alliance was founded in 1997 by General Colin Powell and is committed to children and the fundamental resources they need to succeed.  The Alliance is a catalyst for community-based efforts to demonstrate how children receive what are known as the 5 Promises:                                               CARING ADULTS       SAFE PLACE       A HEALTHY START       EFFECTIVE EDUCATION       OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP OTHERS Alexandria’s commitment to creating partnerships and collaborations to address youth issues was sparked by the Early Childhood Commission and Youth Policy which, in turn, established an Early Childhood Dev...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Named as one of the Top 10 Cities (as part of the greater Washington Metropolitan area) in the U.S. for dogs, Alexandria is home to 20 dog parks, 6 specialty pet boutiques, 3 pet bakeries, 2 organic pet food stores, a luxury pet spa, and at least one doggie happy hour.     Dogs are front and center at Halloween parades, December’s Scottish Walk, St. Patrick’s Day Fun, Yappy Hours, numerous adoption days and the Annual Canine Games in Chinquapin Park.   In fact, the local animal shelter, run by the Animal Welfare League, is named after former city manager, Vola Lawson. Charlie             To find outPound or Pedigree, Alexandria is A Dog Friendly Place to Be! more about 4 specialty pet boutiques in Old Town and Del Ray visit us at: 
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
riving home tonight I saw what I had been looking for these past few weeks.  With Mother Nature at her finicky best, our few temptingly warm days have been followed by freeze warnings (well almost).   Not to be deterred, the bravest souls in shorts and flip flops have raised defiant fists to the weather gods but the one sure sign still eluded me.  But then tonight, there it was - Del Ray stalwarts were flocking to the open patio at Fireflies.    Maybe another place beat them to the punch on another night but since I didn’t see it, Fireflies goes down on my calendar as the first restaurant in Del Ray to open its patio for the 2008 season.           Learn more about Fireflies at: The Surest Sign of Spring - Tables and Customers on the Sidewalks of Alexandria
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
The Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Alexandria has broken ground on a new $15 million dollar recreation center in a public housing area with an unfortunate history of violence and drugs.     Standing on the same site as the previous rec center, the new Charles Houston Center will feature green technology, an outdoor swimming pool, new gymnasium, dance room, fitness room, boxing room, children’s game room, computer lab, senior center, preschool program and community meeting rooms.  An open space/pedestrian area at the main entrance will feature a public art project to honor Charles Houston’s contribution to the Civil Rights struggle in Alexandria.Learn more about the Charles Houston Center at:$15 Million Recreation Center - WHO Will Be Using It?
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
The Del Ray Farmer’s Market opened its 2008 season with musicians, sign-ups for local events, ever faithful vendors and eager customers. Intermittent rain showers eventually took their toll on the musicians who needed to keep instruments dry but for everyone else, the opening signaled the start of classic Saturday mornings, Del Ray style. Ready to join us? First, throw on a pair of presentable pants, sandals and a t-shirt. Hats are optional. Then, gather the newspaper, a dog if possible, a reusable bag or basket, sunglasses and head for the parking lot at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford that turns into the Del Ray Farmer’s Market every April thru October.  Want to know more about Saturday mornings, Del Ray style?  Visit:   Del Ray Farmer’s Market Opens 2008 Season with Happy Custom...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Name: Monks (with an ’s’) Age: 4 going on 5 Weight: 200lbs (I eat less than you think) Folks Who Take Care of Me: Denise and Dave Siblings: None Sleeping Arrangements: My own futon Likes: Belly rubs, cheese, Puppy Pops from the Dairy Godmother, kitty cats, most everybody in the neighborhood. Dislikes: Fruits and vegetables and walking fast. Profile: Slow moving, patient and obedient, I am very good with children, extremely loyal, friendly, highly intelligent and easy to train (or so they tell me).      Would you like to know more about me?  Check out: MONKS is the 200lb Gentle Giant of Del Ray’s East Howell Avenue
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Alexandria, Virginia, then you are no doubt hungry for data and statistics about the market.  Just watching prices of particular homes and activity here and there is not enough since it only provides anecdotal evidence about what's going on in the market.   So, after you finish with appetizers and side dishes, take a bite out of the main course of statistics that I'm serving up today about the overall Alexandria Virginia housing market. MAIN COURSE OF STATISTICS ON ALEXANDRIA MARKET:  Alexandria sales were down over 40% in March 2008 from the previous year and just over half as money homes sold this March as sold 2 years ago in March 2006.   The good news is that sales are picking up a bit of steam from January and February.  While J...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
You've heard about the Alexandria community of Cameron Station. Perhaps you've seen pictures online. Or even read about it right here on my blog:Northern Virginia Neighborhoods: An Introduction to Cameron Station, AlexandriaCameron Station Market Update: Summer Sales in Premier Alexandria Community Sales in Cameron Station, AlexandriaCatch a Cool Cameron Station Condo While You Can! November Update on Cameron Station SalesCameron Station Real Estate in 2008 Now, I present a brief video driving tour of Cameron Station filmed on this beautiful Spring day. It's the next best thing to actually being there yourself. DISCLAIMER: Don't try this at home. Videotaping while driving can be dangerous to yourself and others, and possibly result in a fatal automobile accident. Trust the driving to a ...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
There's no doubt that home sales in Northern Virginia have slowed significantly in the early part of 2008 compared to sales for the same time period in 2007.  The first quarter of 2008 saw far fewer sales than first quarter 2007 -- approximately a 36% decrease in the number of sales from over 4,500 in 1st Quarter 2007 to under 3,000 in 1st Quarter 2008. Despite these numbers, there are some indications that the 2008 Northern Virginia housing market may be ramping up.   Consider the following: For Northern Virginia (which for these purposes includes Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Alexandria City, Arlington County, and Falls Church City), the number of sales in each month of 2008 has been steadily increasing as a percentage of the number of sales made in 2007. JANUARY 2008      716 SALES  ...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Let’s Meat on the Avenue, at 2403 Mt. Vernon Avenue, opened its doors on Saturday morning, April 12, at 8:00am. The first customer walked through the door at 8:02am and the butcher case was empty by 12:02pm! Steve Gatward, Del Ray resident, shop owner, and butcher extraordinaire was both apologetic and ecstatic. Apologetic that his inventory was not up to full capacity but ecstatic with the reaction from the community. I dropped by the shop about 10:30am and as I asked questions and snapped pictures, I kept hearing the same comment over and over - “We’re so glad you are here.” Deterred neither by the line or by the dwindling items in the meat case, local residents are singing the praises of this latest addition to the walkability quotient in Del Ray. Steve comes to us by way of England ...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
When you choose a REALTOR to help you buy or sell a home, the most important criteria is finding someone with the necessary education, marketing expertise, and negotiating skills to help represent you in the best manner possible. You also want someone whose personality jives with your own. Are you analytical and just want to see the numbers? Do you get emotional and sentimental about your home? How's your sense of humor? During the next 45 to 60 days, or longer, you very likely will have more contact with your chosen REALTOR than you will with your mother (shame on you!) and certainly more than with your 3rd cousin twice removed. It is important that your personalities are compatible. Thus, I always recommend interviewing more than one agent, or at least doing your research online and r...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
The City of Alexandria announced that the Department of Planning and Zoning has begun the process of nominating the Uptown/Parker-Gray neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places.  A community meeting to discuss the National Register Process and findings of historic research will be held on Monday, February 4, 2008 from 7-9p.m. at the Jefferson-Houston School, 1501 Cameron Street. Bordered on the north by First Street, on the south by Cameron, on the east by Columbus and on the west by Buchannon/Oronoco and parts of West Street, the area ultimately known as Parker-Gray was sparsely settled and and primarily rural throughout the Colonial, Federal and Antebellum periods.  Few structures survive from those eras but one of the most interesting would have been Alexandria’s gun p...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
Can't you just picture Elvis strolling around town guitar in hand singing this line to all the sellers who have overpriced their homes? In fact, if the real estate market were indeed personified as the late great Elvis Presley, the lyrics of Treat Me Nice would make perfect sense in today's buyer's market: When I walk through that door Baby be polite You're gonna make me sore If you don't greet me right Don't you ever kiss me once, kiss me twice Treat me nice. I know that you've been told It's not fair to tease So if you come on cold I'm really gonna freeze If you don't want me to be cold as ice Treat me nice.Treat me nice, adjust your price. You get the idea.I've written numerous blog posts about the importance of pricing right:Will the Sellers Come Down on the Price? Come on Down! You...
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By Christopher Lotte, Central Ohio Real Estate Agent, 614-390-9243
(Coldwell Banker)
Alexandria, VA Subdivisions 22304 Zip codeI have been working on a list of real estate subdivisions for Alexandria, Virginia in the 22304 Zip code. These are the subdivisions that start with A-O.  Please let me know if I have missed any good ones....|Parkside At Alexandria |Pavilion On The Park |Picketts Ridge |Place One |Plaza |Quaker Park Estates |Reynolds Prospect |Seminary Heights |Seminary Hills Estates |Seminary Ridge |Seminary Valley |Sentinel Of Landmark |Stevenson Square |Tarleton |Templeton Of Alexandria |Townes At Cameron Parke |Townes Of Hillwood |Varsity Park |Vauxcleuse |Wakefield |Wapleton |Watergate At Landmark | Also if anybody knows any good places to get a comprehensive list of subdivisions for Alexandria, Virginia or any / all cities for our Alexandria VA Real Estate...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
Do you select the home that you like or do you eliminate the ones that you don't? People often ask me "How many homes will we have to look at to find the right one?"  There's no standard answer to this question since it varies from client to client.  I've had several clients look at just 2 or 3 homes and find the one that they ultimately purchased.  One of my clients went to see a single home, placed an offer and moved in within a month.  (Granted she had looked at dozens and dozens of homes online, but only physically visited one.)  That's a rarity, but a REALTOR's dream, especially with today's gas prices.  Then there are clients who want to see every single home on the market in their price range. I'd say that the average homebuyer steps foot into between 8 to 12 homes before making ...
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By Christopher Lotte, Central Ohio Real Estate Agent, 614-390-9243
(Coldwell Banker)
Alexandria, VA Subdivisions 22304 Zip codeI have been working on a list of real estate subdivisions for Alexandria, Virginia in the 22304 Zip code. These are the subdivisions that start with A-O.  Please let me know if I have missed any good ones....Alexandria Knolls |Alexandria Overlook |Belle Wood |Brigadoon |Brookville |Cameron Knolls |Cameron Station |Canterbury Square |Carlton Place |Coopers Grove |Delta |Duke Gardens |Edsall Bluff |Exchange At Van Dorn |Forty Six Hundred |Greenhouse |Hallmark |Highpointe |Hillwood |Holland Towne |Kings Hundred |Lands Of Quaker Village |Lofts |Marlboro Estates |Mill Stream |Oak Grove |Oakland Hall |Olympus |Olympus At Landmark |Olympus Condo Also if anybody knows any good places to get a comprehensive list of subdivisions for Alexandria, Virginia o...
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