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Alexandria, VA Real Estate News

By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
The Federal Reserve cut rates again last week but with seemingly little impact. Fear of inflation - driven by the cost of oil - seems to be the biggest factor in the interest rate market with 30 year conventional conforming loans at 6% with 0 points as are FHA 30 year fixed rate loans. The 30 year FHA plus loan (up to $729,000+) is holding at 6.25%.        What do you need to know about FHA loans?  SeeMortgage Update: The Price of Oil Is Driving Interest Rate Activity and Second Appraisals for FHA Loans
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
The 2008 Zagat guide for the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas features 8 new listings for Alexandria restaurants for an overall total of 47. Nina and Tim Zagat, fanatic New York “foodies” started the first guide in 1979 as a hobby involving 200 friends and friends of friends. Today more than 300,000 individuals contribute to the surveys for 15 U.S. cities and 6 cities around the globe. Zagat is considered the world’s leading provider of consumer survey-based information on where to eat, drink, stay and play worldwide. As The New York Times said, the Zagat Survey is “a necessity second only to a valid credit card!” So, what are Alexandrian’s raving about? In alphabetical order:To find out what 8 Alexandria restaurants were added to the Zagat list, go to:Alexandria Has 8 ...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
On Monday, tourists and residents alike lined an 80 year old parade route to honor the birthday of Alexandria’s most famous resident, George Washington.   The Larson family with Gatsby, their flat coated retriever getting ready for the parade (look closely, he really is there.) With clear skies and balmy winds (at least for the first half of the day), onlookers were treated to local marching bands, lamas decked out in red, white and blue, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local officials, Abe Lincoln and Civil War re-enactors (we don’t mind mixing eras), Shriner’s and well, just about anyone else who decided they wanted to be part of the festivities. Read more about this annual George Washington parade:Alexandria Celebrates George Washington with a Hometown Parade 
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Home made desserts, stick to the rib casseroles, and hoppin john (that’s Southern talk for rice and blackeyed peas) were just some of the offerings at the Town of Potomac’s New Year’s Day Pot Luck.  The Town of Potomac - the predecessor to our modern day Del Ray - has kicked off a year long series of events to celebrate the town’s 100 birthday and New Year’s Day was just the beginning.  Del Ray’s historic fire station was destination central and residents, old and new, gathered to share stories, sign up for volunteer efforts and tour the fire house.  As one father of three said, “Thank you, my kids are thrilled to be here!” Elected officials on hand included Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, a long time Del Ray resident, Councilman Tim Lovain and Virginia House of Delegate’s Adam Ebbin.  Ma...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
What started as a personal quest for “appropriately scaled and eco-friendly furniture” in his Rosemont bungalow, has turned into a sleek new home decor shop on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue for Daryl Wakeley. After years as a magazine designer, Daryl’s finely honed aesthetic is now focused on building a collection of decidedly interesting and luxurious home goods.Located in the center bay of a long vacant commercial building renovated to accommodate three shops, Bungalow Homewares Gallery is a perfect addition to the neighborhood. Bungalow juxtaposes industrial chic with , among other things, sheets and towels made of organic cotton in sweat shop free conditions, Ethiopian bed covers made by a women’s cooperative; cork branch votive holders; and vintage rice winnowing baskets.For pictures...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, and running from April to about October, First Thursday’s are a time for Del Ray residents to stroll, talk, taste, shop, play and simply enjoy living in this great neighborhood.               To learn more about 1st Thursdays and see more pictures, visit:Del Ray’s First Thursday is for Kids and Canines 
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
All you had to do was wear a hat. Two feet or four, old or young, hip or totally retro - all hats, and their wearers, were welcome to march in today’s “Hat Parade”. Part of the ongoing centennial celebration of what used to be known as the Town of Potomac, the parade included a float, “old timey” cars, the TC Williams Marching Band, the Alexandria Police Department, a Color Guard and fire engines.For more pictures and information, visit:Del Ray’s Centennial Celebration Continues with “Hats on Parade” 
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
HOT SPOTS IN A COOLER MARKETALEXANDRIA HOME SALESAPRIL 2008  In April 2008, there were 150 home sales in the City of Alexandria.   This was a precipitous drop from the 204 sales made during the same month of 2007.  Sales prices ranged from $131,500 up to $1,650,000.  The good news for Alexandria home sellers is that homes are selling relatively quickly, averaging just 60 days on the market!  Additionally, while buyers are negotiating lower prices from the original asking price, the average net sales price of $474,678 for the month of April 2008 equates to Alexandria sellers getting 93.9% of their original listing price. As is the case in any market, there are hot spots, hotter spots, and some cool ones.  Here's a graph showing the neighborhoods and condo communities with the most sales ...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
This news just in... Alexandria, Virginia was one of six cities recognized by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors as doing a great job to promote affordable housing opportunities.  See the NAR press release here. The other cities designated as 2008 Ambassador cities are Allentown, PA, Asheville, NC, Bowling Green, KY, Irvine, CA, and Richmond, VA. Despite the recent decline in home values, the skyrocketing home prices over the last decade have caused issues of affordability throughout Northern Virginia and within the City of Alexandria.   According to the press release, Alexandria instituted a program of Homeownership/Workforce Housing and Foreclosure Prevention by partnering with the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS to address affordabl...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
All you had to do was wear a hat. Two feet or four, old or young, hip or totally retro - all hats, and their wearers, were welcome to march in today’s “Hat Parade”. Part of the ongoing centennial celebration of what used to be known as the Town of Potomac, the parade included a float, “old timey” cars, the TC Williams Marching Band, the Alexandria Police Department, a Color Guard and fire engines. For more pictures and information, visit:Del Ray’s Centennial Celebration Continues with “Hats on Parade”
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
All you had to do was wear a hat. Two feet or four, old or young, hip or totally retro - all hats, and their wearers, were welcome to march in today’s “Hat Parade”. Part of the ongoing centennial celebration of what used to be known as the Town of Potomac, the parade included a float, “old timey” cars, the TC Williams Marching Band, the Alexandria Police Department, a Color Guard and fire engines.To see more pictures check out:Del Ray’s Centennial Celebration Continues with “Hats on Parade”
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
In real estate, negotiating skills, market knowledge, and transactional expertise, education and experience matter a lot.How about personality?If you are working with a REALTOR to help you purchase a home or to sell your current home (or both), chances are that you'll be spending a lot of time meeting and talking to that REALTOR during the next 30, 60, 90 (or heaven forbid, longer) days.  In fact, you may spend more time with your REALTOR during this period than anyone else except perhaps your spouse and/or children.Personality mattered when you chose your wedding photographer, didn't it?  And he only spent about 8 hours with you!  So, how about the personality, energy, creativity, and overall spunk of the person who's by your side during one of the arguably most stressful financial tra...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
If you've found my blog while searching around the internet, you may have come to a particular article that I wrote about some aspect of real estate.  Perhaps you read a market report about sales in Northern Virginia or information about available inventory in a particular Alexandria neighborhood.  You may have read an article about the selling and marketing your home for sale. Looking to sell your home in Northern Virginia or D.C.?   You need all the information you can get your hands on.  In over a year of blogging about real estate in the Northern Virginia and D.C. area, I've written many articles that form a useful guide for homeowners who are getting ready to select a REALTOR and sell their home.  Rather than having you sift through my entire blog looking for the ones that may pert...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
If you've found my blog while searching around the internet, you may have come to a particular article that I wrote about some aspect of real estate.  Perhaps you read a market report about sales in Northern Virginia or information about available inventory in a particular Alexandria neighborhood.  You may have read an article about the home buying process.  Looking to purchase a home?  Getting started with your home search?  You need all the information you can get your hands on.  In over a year of blogging about real estate in the Northern Virginia and D.C. area, I've written many articles that form a useful guide for homebuyers who are just getting started.  Rather than having you sift through my entire blog looking for the ones that may pertain to your questions and desire for real...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
onight marked the return of First Thursday’s on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue with a special emphasis on Kids and Canines. Community Partners for Children was collecting diapers and baby items and the Alexandria Animal Shelter took in old towels, sheets and blankets. Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, and running from April to about October, First Thursday’s are a time for Del Ray residents to stroll, talk, taste, shop, play and simply enjoy living in this great neighborhood.             Want to see fire throwers?  Check out: Del Ray’s First Thursday is for Kids and Canines  
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Ten years ago when developers were planning Old Town Greens, a mix of 145 townhomes and 128 stacked townhouses at the very southern end of Potomac Yards, they envisioned a community that would entice singles and two-income adult families. And why not? Washington was one stop light away on the George Washington Parkway, Reagan National Airport was a 10 minute cab ride, shops, and dining were just blocks away in Old Town and Del Ray. Convenience and location were key words. Additional amenities and improved transportation options have added to the convenience of this area but the demographic has changed. In the first four years after the development welcomed its initial home owners, a baby boom swept the community and the under-five population went from three to well over 60. Six years l...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
What started as a personal quest for “appropriately scaled and eco-friendly furniture” in his Rosemont bungalow, has turned into a sleek new home decor shop on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue for Daryl Wakeley. After years as a magazine designer, Daryl’s finely honed aesthetic is now focused on building a collection of decidedly interesting and luxurious home goods. Located in the center bay of a long vacant commercial building renovated to accommodate three shops, Bungalow Homewares Gallery is a perfect addition to the neighborhood. Bungalow juxtaposes industrial chic with , among other things, sheets and towels made of organic cotton in sweat shop free conditions, Ethiopian bed covers made by a women’s cooperative; cork branch votive holders; and vintage rice winnowing baskets.     To le...
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
Ever heard the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure“? Well, never is that more true than during Alexandria’s city wide spring cleanup running this year from April 5 to April 26. Every Saturday in April, residents in designated zip codes are invited to clean out their closets, basements, attics, garages, etc. , and set the results curbside for FREE pickup by the city’s refuse collection. “Acceptable” trash includes appliances, steel pipes, furniture, mattresses, brush, tree limbs and tires.Want to know more about "trashing" in Alexandria?  Visit us at:Alexandria’s Annual Spring Clean Up is a Scavenger Hunter’s Paradise
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By Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES )
NRT, the parent company of Coldwell Banker, announced today that it was ranked as the NO. 1 Residential Real Estate Brokerage Firm in the U.S. by REAL Trends 500, a leading provider of trends and research for the residential real estate service industry. This is the 11th consecutive year in which NRT has earned the top spot nationwide for both closed sales volume and closed sales transaction sides. NRT recorded $174.2 billion in closed sales volume and 326,323 in transaction sides.* I can’t tell you how proud I am to be a part of the Coldwell Banker family. It may sound corny but when you ask me to help you buy or sell a house, you are really asking a whole team of professionals to make your dreams come true.For more about what makes Coldwell Banker special, visit us at:       Looking ...
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By Brian Block, Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate
(RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President)
Whether you are in the market to buy a home or to sell your current home, it is important to keep abreast of market statistics (or at least to work with a knowledgeable REALTOR who does).  Newspapers, national magazines, and television news report on regional and national trends, but don't do a very good job of explaining the local real estate market.The number of new housing starts nationwide or the percentage increase in foreclosures in the entire state have very little, if any, bearing on how quickly your Arlington condo will sell, or how much negotiating room there is with the seller of an Old Town Alexandria townhouse.  Two statistics that warrant close examination are:the average number of days a home stays on the market in a particular area before a contract is ratified between s...
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