Archive for July, 2008
July 31, 2008
It turns out that a makeover might not really solve all your problems; not one, but two “Extreme Makeover” homes have gone into foreclosure. [Zillowblog.com]- Is Bethesda Boring? [Silver Spring Singular]
- Former Fannie Mae chief Frank Raines and his soon-to-be-ex have been doing their bit for the DC economy. [Open House Blog]
- Wondering what the deal is with home staging? Here’s a pretty good overview. [WashingtonPost.com]
- It all boils down to this: “Successful Sellers Know How to Think Like Buyers”. [WashingtonPost.com]
Image: The Atlanta-area “Extreme Makeover” home that went into foreclosure.
July 31, 2008
Last night at our Red Carpet Event we talked prices. In June and July, homes were generally selling between 96% and 97% of list, but there are some outliers. In Montgomery County, Germantown homes sold at 98.2% of their list price in June and July. In Fairfax County, Springfield prices held tough at 98% of list, while list prices in Great Falls were much softer, with sales going for 92.9% of list. The average price in Great Falls was much higher, at over $1.3 million, and it’s typical to see more price negotiation on expensive homes.
Our next home-buying class is on August 20th, and you can RSVP here. Slides from last night are here.
Full stats are below, and we even broke out home type in Northwest DC, just for fun.
Fairfax County Home Sales, June 1- Jul 27, 2008
| City |
# Deals |
Final v. List |
Average Price |
| Alexandria |
370 |
97.3% |
$417,840 |
| Annandale |
114 |
97.8% |
$380,832 |
| Burke |
121 |
98.3% |
$417,641 |
| Centreville |
171 |
98.2% |
$355,980 |
| Chantilly |
60 |
97.4% |
$380,923 |
| Clifton |
20 |
96.7% |
$605,195 |
| Fairfax |
251 |
97.3% |
$471,935 |
| Fairfax Station |
26 |
97.2% |
$803,123 |
| Falls Church |
170 |
97.1% |
$451,977 |
| Great Falls |
21 |
92.9% |
$1,300,095 |
| Herndon |
242 |
97.2% |
$353,687 |
| Lorton |
73 |
96.5% |
$425,168 |
| Mclean |
127 |
95.9% |
$1,108,685 |
| Oak Hill |
23 |
96.7% |
$698,065 |
| Oakton |
41 |
96.9% |
$679,861 |
| Reston |
160 |
97.4% |
$432,643 |
| Springfield |
265 |
98.0% |
$392,698 |
| Vienna |
153 |
97.0% |
$673,187 |
Montgomery County Home Sales, June 1- Jul 27, 2008
| City |
# Deals |
Final v. List |
Average Price |
| Bethesda |
192 |
97.4% |
$856,114 |
| Boyds |
14 |
98.5% |
$515,834 |
| Brookeville |
11 |
92.8% |
$753,773 |
| Burtonsville |
13 |
97.1% |
$314,662 |
| Chevy Chase |
53 |
96.5% |
$1,067,040 |
| Clarksburg |
23 |
97.7% |
$431,516 |
| Damascus |
15 |
97.5% |
$428,864 |
| Derwood |
13 |
95.9% |
$445,923 |
| Gaithersburg |
167 |
97.2% |
$380,022 |
| Germantown |
158 |
98.2% |
$338,095 |
| Kensington |
25 |
96.4% |
$544,941 |
| Montgomery Village |
42 |
97.8% |
$289,400 |
| North Bethesda |
10 |
97.3% |
$539,050 |
| North Potomac |
23 |
96.4% |
$635,978 |
| Olney |
36 |
97.3% |
$459,133 |
| Poolesville |
5 |
94.8% |
$1,103,680 |
| Potomac |
99 |
96.8% |
$1,155,437 |
| Rockville |
220 |
96.7% |
$522,156 |
| Silver Spring |
327 |
96.9% |
$391,311 |
| Takoma Park |
26 |
97.8% |
$477,735 |
District of Columbia Home Sales, June 1- Jul 27, 2008
| Area |
# Deals |
Final v. List |
Average Price |
| Northwest DC |
653 |
97.7% |
$654,738 |
| Northeast DC |
126 |
96.8% |
$381,235 |
| Southwest DC |
84 |
96.7% |
$429,979 |
| Southeast DC |
21 |
98.9% |
$298,457 |
Sales by Type, District of Columbia Northwest, June 1- Jul 27, 2008
| Type |
# Deals |
Final v. List |
Average Price |
| Attach/Row Hse |
128 |
97.0% |
$576,702 |
| Detached |
124 |
97.8% |
$1,218,205 |
| Duplex |
4 |
99.8% |
$596,500 |
| Garden 1-4 Floors |
100 |
98.5% |
$396,227 |
| Hi-Rise 9+ Floors |
88 |
97.0% |
$459,783 |
| Mid-Rise 5-8 Floors |
117 |
97.7% |
$480,774 |
| Other |
5 |
94.9% |
$285,800 |
| Semi-Detached |
49 |
98.1% |
$699,349 |
| Townhouse |
34 |
98.2% |
$797,134 |
July 29, 2008
Montgomery Extra has a list of the past year’s worth of foreclosures in Montgomery County. [WashingtonPost.com]- …And we all know how well our current government deals with inadequate/aging levees. [AOL News Channel]
- Want to see what Anacostia looked like in 1921? [And Now, Anacostia]
- DCist.com has an update on the state of funding for the proposed additions to the Metro line.
- “Bones” was here! [Penn Quarter Living]
The Washington Monument is just one of several landmarks that are at risk because of the aging levee system that is supposed to be protecting them. (Photo courtesy of AOL News)
July 28, 2008
The Loudoun Times-Mirror recently released the issues agenda set by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for the next 4 years. County staffers will be reporting back to the Board in September with ways to implement the goals and initiatives set forth in the agenda. The Times has the complete list, but some of the items included:
TRANSPORTATION GOAL: To build and operate a safe, reliable, high-performing and multi-model transportation network while promoting fuel saving practices like ride sharing, telecommuting and flex time (staggered workday hours).
Initiatives
1. Advocacy and partnership
- Continue lobbying state and federal agencies for funding
- Engage owners of Greenway to change toll structure
2. Modes of transportation
- Continue and expedite current transportation improvement projects
- Make improvements to Waxpool and Church roads corridor
- Make improvements to Route 606
ENERGY GOAL: Promote energy efficiency in government, residents and businesses while saving local tax dollars and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Initiatives
1. Green the county fleet
- Replace old vehicles with fuel efficient ones
- Convert to bio-diesel
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL: Promote a positive, proactive and welcoming business environment that would grow the commercial tax base and help relieve the tax burden on residents
Initiatives
1. Increase the commercial tax base at a greater velocity
2. Work with universities and colleges to bring higher education to county
BUDGET GOAL: For the Board of Supervisors to lead the budget process and to conduct fundamental expenditure and revenue reviews in order to relieve the residents of the tax burden, put the county in a better fiscal position and balance the service needs of the community.
Initiatives
1. Look at cost saving
2. Diversify revenue sources
3. Look at expenditures
FINANCE GOAL: Board of Supervisors to lead the creation of a budget process that delivers all those essential services that people should expect from their government, while taking as little from the taxpayers as possible.
It’s a big job, but somebody’s got to do it.
July 28, 2008
There is an area in the 20194 ZIP where the Reston/Herndon border blurs, and it can be difficult to tell whether the homes there belong to Reston or Herndon. I lived in a townhouse several years ago that was located in Reston (and I know this because I was required to join the Reston Association as well as pay cluster dues), but that area of 20194 would sometimes pop up as a Herndon address in the MLS.
Why does this matter? Because there are some people who are determined to obtain a Reston address. If you happen to be one of those people, don’t automatically write off a house in 20194 that appears to be in Herndon, because that information is not always accurate. Be sure to check with your agent, because you might otherwise miss out on an opportunity to live in a house you love in a desirable neighborhood.
Having said all that, today’s featured property is in the 20194 ZIP but appears to be in Herndon. Based on what I know of the area, the house is actually in Reston but is not in a zone that falls under the Reston Association’s covenants. What this means is that you get a Reston address without having to abide by the Association’s strict rules or being required to buy into the Association’s amenities. There are actually several neighborhoods like this in Reston, including Shaker Grove (where this property is located), Fox Mill Woods in 20191, and Crippen’s Corner (also in 20194). Reston’s amenities are available to anyone outside of Reston who wants to buy into them, but I think you pay a higher price. The Reston Association website would not allow me to access information about resident dues, but you can find non-resident fee information here.
Address: 11881 Shaker Meadows Ct, Herndon, VA 20194
Price: $1,249,000 5 bd/6 ba; sq. ft. unavailable
Lot size: .83 acres
Days on Redfin: 61
Interior: Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances; sunroom and conservatory; walk-out basement with rec room, full bath, an exercise room, media room, and bonus room that can be used for guests or as a den. Architectural details include dual staircases and Palladian windows.
Exterior: Brickfront and sides; deck overlooks stream and wooded parkland; landscaped front and back.
Recent Sweet Digs Posts
New Development in Loudoun
Walk This Way: Georgetown (20007)
July 24, 2008
If you’re a real estate geek like I am, this is your lucky week. First, Walk Score revealed its list of the country’s most walkable neighborhoods and introduced us to the site’s real estate tile, where you can punch in any address and get a list of stores/restaurants/attractions within walking distance. Now, the Loudoun Times-Mirror is reporting that Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) has released an incredibly helpful website (www.localdecisions.org) designed to help Loudoun residents figure out exactly where new residential and commercial properties are going to be built. You can search by type of property as well as its approval status (proposed, approved, rejected) or you can opt to see them all on one page. You can also search by zip. In addition, the website allows visitors to comment on specific projects, and provides links to supervisors’ emails in case there are further questions or concerns.
I have to admit, it’s a little scary seeing all the past, future, and proposed projects all at once (not to mention, it’s almost impossible to wade through). In case you hadn’t noticed, Loudoun has been pretty busy building itself. If you visit, be prepared to sift through all 38,000 projects, with more coming in the future since the site will be updated quarterly. A spokesman for the company said that PEC plans to add the 8 other counties in Virginia’s northern Piedmont region, so be sure to check back if you live somewhere that is not currently covered.
July 24, 2008
The main entrance of the National Museum of the American Indian (Photo courtesy of National Geographic)
Have a great weekend!
DC
Friday, 7/25
NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC, Jamie Coon, a member of the Creek and Seminole tribes, performs a blend of soulful rhythms and pop melodies with guitarists Rafael Barajas and Eric Sampson. 5:30 p.m., Outdoor Welcome Plaza, National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth and Independence SW. Free. 202-633-1000.
Saturday, 7/26
RHYTHM AND BLUES CONCERT, Let it Flow and Dazz Band perform. 8 p.m., Fort Dupont Park, Minnesota Avenue and Randle Circle SE. Free. 202-426-5961.
Sunday, 7/27
AFRICAN DIASPORA FILMS,” Susana Baca: Memoria Viva,” 11 a.m.; “Sara Gomez: An Afro-Cuban Filmmaker,” noon;” Cape Verde: My Love,” 2 p.m.; “As Old as My Tongue,” 4 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. $9 per film; reservations recommended. 202-783-7370.
ALEXANDRIA/ARLINGTON
Friday, 7/25
FRIENDSHIP FIREHOUSE MUSEUM, built in 1855, remodeled in 1871 and restored in 1992. Exhibit includes leather water buckets, axes, sections of old rubber hose, firefighting equipment and ceremonial objects such as parade uniforms, capes and banners. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Friendship Firehouse, 107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. Free. 703-705-9462.
Saturday, 7/26
“THE SPY AND THE NATURE CENTER,” a nature center staff member discusses how former FBI agent Robert Hanssen unsuccessfully tried to use the Long Branch Nature Center as a pickup site for money dropped off by the Russian intelligence agency. Hanssen was convicted of selling classified information to the Soviets. 3:30-4:30 p.m., 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington. $4; registration required. 703-228-4747.
Sunday, 7/27
GEORGETOWN MARKET, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, china, books and art. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington. 301-689-1992.
FAIRFAX COUNTY
Friday, 7/25
VIENNA BIG-BAND JAZZ MUSIC, by the U.S. Navy Commodores ensemble. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. 6:30 p.m., Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Ave. E. Free. 703-255-6360.
Saturday, 7/26
FAIRFAX OUTDOOR CONCERT, Jennifer Daniels and Naked Blue. 6-8:30 p.m., Fairfax Corner Shopping Center, Fairfax Corner Avenue and Monument Drive. Free. 703-227-0894 or http://www.fairfaxcorner.com.
Sunday, 7/27
ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE FESTIVAL 2008, Bob Marley tribute by Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley and others. 2 p.m., Wolf Trap National Park, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna. In-house, $42; lawn, $25. Tickets, 877-965-3872; information, 703-255-1868 or http://www.wolftrap.org..
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Friday, 7/25
JAZZ CONCERT, Student musicians perform at 7 p.m., followed at 8:30 p.m. by professional musicians, including guitarist Steve Herberman, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian music bassist Pepe Gonzalez, trumpet player Alex Norris and vocalists Alison Crockett and Christine Crerar. St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Rd., Rockville. $20; in advance, $15; age 12 and younger, $5. 410-349-1082 or http://www.instantseats.com.
Saturday, 7/26
NATIONAL PARK SEMINARY TOUR, a guided walking tour of the National Park Seminary Historic District. Extensive walking on outdoor paths with steps and rough areas. Tour signs will be posted on Linden Lane, visit the Web site for detailed directions. Save Our Seminary at Forest Glen is dedicated to the preservation, history and future of the historic district. 1 p.m., National Park Seminary Historic District, Linden Avenue,Silver Spring. $5. 301-654-3924, 301-589-1715 or http://www.saveourseminary.org.
Sunday, 7/27
YOUR INNER FARMER, Animal and farm lovers are invited to celebrate county agricultural heritage this weekend with the 19th annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Visitors can pet farm animals, pick seasonal produce, see an alpaca breeding farm, take a hayride, enjoy crafts, experience historical reenactments and sites, meet a beekeeper, taste local wine and ride ponies. The tour will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 14 farms in Boyds, Dickerson, Germantown, Laytonsville, Mount Airy, Poolesville, Rockville and Silver Spring. Most events are free; prices vary at some locations. Some farms will participate only on Saturday. 301-590-2823, http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/farmtour.
July 23, 2008
A view of Georgetown from the rooftop of the Kennedy Center (Photo credit)
Kicking off my “Walk This Way” series and coming in at no. 10 on the list of most walkable DC communities (per Walk Score, which gave it a 90), Georgetown offers both surprisingly affordable condos as well as the high-end residences its known for. I’ve picked 3 properties that represent 3 different price points, and used Walk Score to give you an idea of what each property is close to. Regardless of what you can afford in Georgetown, one thing is for sure: Wherever you live, you’ll never be bored.
2111 Wisconsin Ave. Northwest, #301
Type: Condo
Community: Observatory of Georgetown
Price: $349,000 (Original list price: $359,000)
1 bd/1 ba; Sq. ft.: 700; $/sq. ft.: $499
Walk score: 97 (walker’s paradise)
Walk to: Whole Foods (0.2 mi); Starbucks (0.14 mi); Georgetown University (0.04 mi)
Set back from Wisconsin Ave. at the end of a long, formal driveway, The Observatory of Georgetown is a 162-unit building with an occupancy level of 75%. In addition to being close to all of Glover Park and Observatory Circle retail, services and restaurants, the building is also just a few blocks away from M St., and is close to Rock Creek Park and the Vice President’s residence. The Georgetown shuttle bus, Metro Bus, and Circulator all have stops right in front of the building. Underground parking is available.
Residents enjoy a 24-hour reception desk, in-unit service, swimming pool, sun deck, 24-hour exercise room, fax and copy service, and security access control. This particular unit offers maple laminate floors, a Southern exposure, a balcony view of the pool, and a washer/dryer. Pets of up to 20 lbs. are allowed.
2700 P St. Northwest
Type: Semi-detached
Community: East Village
Price: $774,000 (Original list price: $815,000)
2 bd/1.5 ba; Lot size: 826 sq. ft.
Walk score: 83 (very walkable)
Walk to: Starbucks (0.36 mi); 7-Eleven (0.03 mi); Bridge Street Books (0.3 mi)
This classic Federal-style, semi-detached home built in 1900 features hardwoods, a fully renovated kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, master suite with beamed ceilings and Jacuzzi tub, an attic loft, and a finished lower level with a half-bath. French doors lead out to a South-facing, fenced-in garden with slate patio. The property is convenient to all of Georgetown, the West End, Dupont, Rock Creek Park, and the Metro.
3030 K St. Northwest, #201
Type: Condo
Community: Washington Harbour
Price: $1,095,000
2 bd/2.5 ba; Sq. ft.: 2382; $/sq. ft.: $460
Walk score: 97 (walker’s paradise)
Walk to: Safeway (0.39 Mi); Starbucks (0.03 Mi); Georgetown Cinema (0.06 Mi). On-site restaurants include Sequoia, Tony & Joe’s, and Harbour Café.
Washington Harbour is renowned for its restaurants, shopping, and spectacular views of the Potomac and nearby monuments. The complex features luxury living and office spaces, as well as a public boardwalk, a fountain court, and a small riverfront park. Boat tours launch from here from spring through fall.
The buyer of this waterfront unit will enjoy a fully renovated, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters. The purchase price includes a 1-car garage, and a 2nd space can be rented. It’s a full-service building, which residents clearly pay for…to the tune of the nearly $3100 monthly condo fee.
Next week: No. 9, Friendship Heights
July 23, 2008
A few weeks ago, I featured an Arlington residence in my weekly “Mind Your Manors” post. But what happens if you don’t have $8.85 million to spend? What if you have only, say, $775,000 that you’re willing to part with?
For that price, both ZIPs explored this week will afford you a detached home in an established, mature community. Both homes are also a short walk to a park and to restaurants and grocery stores. They are about 2.5 miles apart from each other, and are close to the Ballston Metro station. I’ve included the walkability scores for both as provided by WalkScore.com; you can visit the website for more specific information. Happy hunting!
805 Randolph St, South Arlington, 22204
Subdivision: Alcova Heights
Price: $775,000
Type: Brick front, split foyer
4 bd/3 ba
Lot size: 9577 sq. ft.
Interior: Updated kitchen with new appliances and granite counters; refinished hardwoods; fireplace in living room; formal dining room. Lower level has a library, 2nd master bedroom, rec room and a laundry room.
Exterior: Patio with landscaping and remote control awning. Walk to Alcova Heights Park.
Walkscore: 51 (somewhat walkable)
For more information, visit the Alcova Heights Citizens Association online.
1618 Randolph St, North Arlington, 22207
Subdivision: Cherrydale
Price: $775,000
Type: Tudor
6 bd/3 ba
Lot size: 0.26 acres
Interior: Den/office; rec room; in-law suite; hardwoods; laundry room; workshop; attic.
Exterior: Fenced yard; brick barbeque; brick paved patio. Walk to Oak Grove Park.
Walkscore: 66 (somewhat walkable)
For more information about Cherrydale, visit the Citizens Association online.
Image: Ground-level view of the Ballston Metro station.
