Archive for July, 2007
Testing 1..2……P5000
July 28th, 2007 Categories: The Road Less Taken
I purchased a new digital camera yesterday and took some practice pics of my marigolds.
Nikon CoolPix P5000…see what you think.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Why It’s Important For Your Loan Officer to Attend Your Closing.
July 26th, 2007 Categories: Buyers, Mortgages & Loans
I had a closing today with two clients I’ve been working with for a few years planning their first home buying experience after they got out of law school.
They were lucky enough to find a listing that offered a free 1/4 point buy down on their loan for the first year.
As we sat in closing today reviewing the HUD-1, everything looked find to me, the closing agent and my clients. Until I saw one of my favorite loan officers, Peter Blizniak, pulling out his file and comparing some numbers. I leaned over and asked him if the buy down was included.
He was already checking. I looked across the table and told the closing agent to hold on a minute.
Next Peter ran out of the room to make some phone calls. That’s when I told the closing agent that it looked like the loan papers were not correct and we needed a break.
The short of it was– the loan company’s computer system didn’t pick up this special offer that was only offered for a few months. Within 20 minutes we had the new loan documents saving my clients over $2,000.
Buying real estate is personal. I believe that the people you hire to help you buy your next home should not be just anyone or anything– they should be people that you like and trust and people who are going to be more than a phone call away— they are going to be in the room—- from beginning to end.
In this age of Internet everything– don’t forget to make relationships with professionals you’ve met, looked into their eyes and shook their hand- they just may save you some money in ways you never thing of.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
You May Qualify To Save $600 on Your Arlington County Property Taxes
July 25th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Local Real Esate Sales Numbers & Things, Real Estate News
The Arlington County Board is continuing its Grant Programs for another year- saving certain property owners some money on their annual property taxes. There are two different programs and you may qualify for either one but not both.
With the recent raise in property taxes over the past 5 years, this is a great program for those who qualify.
The Homeowner Grant Program
The Homeowner Grant Program provides a $600 grant plus $75 for each dependent if you qualify. Homeowners are eligible if:
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- Combined household income does not exceed $77,407
- Assets do not exceed $340,000 (doe not include your home & retirement accounts)
- All owners reside in the home as their sole residence, and
- They own and live in their Arlington home as of December 31st 2006.
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The Tax grant is not automatic and you have to apply by filing an application by DECEMBER 31, 2007.
The Real Estate Tax Relief Program
The Real Estate Tax Relief Program reduces or eliminates payment of real estate taxes for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Homeowners may qualify if:
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All homeowners (excluding spouse) are 65 or older or permanently disabled
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Household income does not exceed $95,515
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Assets do not exceed $540,000 (doe not include your home)
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All owners reside in the home as their sole residence, and
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They own and live in their Arlington home as of December 31st, 1006.
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The tax relief is also not automatic and you must apply by filing an application by AUGUST 15, 2007.
For more information, you can contact Arlington’s Dept of Human Services
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- by calling 703–228–1350, or
- visit in person at the County’s offices at 3033 Wilson Blvd. Suite 300A or,
- visit their web site Arlington Tax Relief.
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These are two different programs with TWO DIFFERENT DEADLINES. The people that work for the county are very helpful. Don’t hesitate to call or visit them to ask for help with the application.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Shirlington Village: Premier Address NOT on the Orange Line
July 23rd, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Buyers, Condos, Neighborhoods, Shirlington
Living on metro’s orange line is sexy, trendy and the “in” thing to do. The first words from the condo buyers I work with is: I want to live on the metro line. Of course the metro line they want is the orange line.
The orange line is great- from Rossyln to Ballston– it’s where everyone THINKS they want to live. And many people do.
There has been and continues to be many new development projects in the orange line corridor. Many that I will be talking about in months and years to come. BUT– if you work downtown and NOT on the orange line– commuting may not be as easy as you think because it usually involves a transfer. If that’s your situation, then it’s time to consider other options.
Your other options are the blue and yellow lines.
If you want Arlington, VA– that means your options for “walk-to-the-metro” are limited on the blue and yellow lines. Pentagon City & Crystal City is mostly rental apartments. The Ellipse is up and coming and stay tuned for my thoughts on that development. But it’s not exactly “walk-to-metro.” The Bella Vista condo is a high rise condo right in Pentagon City. Although it’s not in a real “walkable” neighborhood.
Shirlington is Arlington’s urban village to consider. It is a close-in, walkable village located just south of the Pentagon right off I395, Shirley Highway. It is considered Arlington’s Art Center and the home of WETA, Washington’s PBS Station, Signature Theater & Classika Theater. In addition to it’s art focus, there are great restaurants, The Energy Club gym, the W&OD bike path, dog parks, Shirlington library, a movie theater and annual street festivals like Movies Under the Stars and Octoberfest.
Anchored in the middle of all this activity is Shirlington’s new condominium: Shirlington Village. Built as part of Shirlington’s recent expansion, it is a 161 unit high-rise condo located across the street from the bike path on South Arlington Mill Drive.
It’s 161 units include one to four bedroom flats and lofts some with dens, ranging from 781 to 2,500 square feet. A little more spacious than your average orange line condo– with all the amenities found in any condo built in the last five years: roof-top pool, work-out room, business center, lounge with big-screen tv and 24–hour concierge.
There weren’t any short-cuts taken on each unit’s features: hardwood floors, high-end appliances, granite counter tops, ceramic tiled bathrooms. Each unit has a balcony or sun room and many of the first floor units have separate entrances onto South Arlington Mill Drive. If you are fortunate to live on the northeast side of the building- you even have a view of the Washington Monument. Exposures are either north or south– each unit I’ve been in has lots of light. In fact, my clients who moved there in January sometimes complain that there is too much light- if that’s even possible! But they love living there.
Coming this fall, Harris Teeter Grocery is opening right across from the entrance.
Each owner is deeded one or two parking spots in the underground garage in the building with other reserved spots in the shared multi-level garage next door. There are extra storage units and it’s a pet-friendly building.
When this condo opened late in 2006, many units were immediately listed to sale from investors who were looking to flip their property. When many of the units didn’t sell, they were rented. So, while there is currently only one unit for sale: a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with den unit on the 8th floor listed for $535,000– I expect more units to come on the market later this year when those leases are up. Keep your eyes open.
One thing that this building has that your average orange line condo doesn’t have? Competition. It is the only high rise condo in the neighborhood. There was suppose to be another condo – IO Piazza– but it’s been rumored to turn rental and all the listings on the MLS have magically disappeared! I could be wrong– so check their web site for more updated info.
Sure there are other condo communities in the neighborhood– Windgate, Fairlington, Park Fairfax, The Heatherlea- but all these were built or sold as condos in the 1970s-1980s. The other newest condo, on Four Mile Run– West Shirlington– is a conversion project of garden style units and not as conveniently located as Shirlington Village.
Now if you are commuting downtown– Arlington county is building a new bus depot at the other end of Shirlington to improve bus service to Shirlington. It is one stop away from the Pentagon metro and the yellow or blue metro line.
If you’re in the market for an Arlington condo– don’t limit your options.
Explore the south side– you just might be surprised.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Frequently Asked Question #1: What is the difference between a Condominimum & a Townhouse?
July 22nd, 2007 Categories: Buyers, Condos, Frequently Asked Questions, Real Estate News
Condominium is a type of ownership while a townhouse is a type of architecture.All around Arlington & Alexandria many of the townhouses are condo ownership. Park Fairfax, Fairlington, Windgate & Arlington Village are good examples of townhouse communities that are also condos.
Condo Ownership
Condominium is a type of ownership where you own “wall-to-wall” of a particular unit and share ownership with other unit owners for the common areas of the property.
In addition to your mortgage payment, you pay a condo fee that contributes to the overall budget of maintaining the common areas of the property like the pool, lawn care, parking lots. In addition, your condo fee helps pay for the master insurance policy, management company costs, reserve funds for general repair and replacement of items like the roof, sidewalks, parking lot pavement.
Your condo is run by an elected condo board made up of other owners who volunteer their time to manage the condo’s budget, vote on the condo’s rules and management issues.
There are advantages and disadvantages to owning a condo. One major advantage is that you have a reduced amount of maintenance to worry about. The condo takes care of your roof, sidewalks, and any outside maintenance of the property. One disadvantage that most people object is the requirement to follow a set of rules. Most rules are reasonable but make sure you know what they are BEFORE you buy any condo.
Fee Simple Ownership
Fee simple ownership is the type of ownership where you own the entire building and the land that it stands on. You own and are taxed on a plot of land and its improvement (your home).
Your home may belong to a homeowners association where you pay a fee in order to maintain common areas like pool, community center, private trash or snow removal.
Your home owners fee is significantly less than a condo fee– but you have an increased amount of home maintenance to manage. Homeowners associations also have a set of rules to follow– so READ your homeowners association documents BEFORE you purchase a home or townhouse in a homeowners association.
Virginia’s Condominium/Home Owners Association Laws
Virginia Law requires that any potential owner receive a complete set of condo or home owners’ association documents. As a potential buyer, you should receive these documents within 14 days of ratifying your contract. Certain information is required in these docs:
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- Latest financial statement of the association
- Any violations of the current unit owner
- Complete set of the most current rules and regulations
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The complete checklist of what is required for condos and a home in an association can be found on the state’s web site. The buyer then has three days to read and review these documents. Anytime during this time, the buyer can void their contract without losing their earnest money deposit. While the owner can’t change the rules, they are required to fix any violations found by the association and any payments owned to the association.
Which is Better to Own?
There is no right answer here. It depends on your situation. In Arlington and Alexandria, there are whole condo neighborhoods– like Shirlington. So it’s not that easy for your condo to lose value. Many people think that owning a condo is owning “cheaper” real estate. Not true– at least in Virginia.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to do their own maintenance and plan on hiring someone to do all the work around the house– like mowing the lawn or outdoor repairs; or are someone who has a busy lifestyle and just doesn’t have time to take care of all the home maintenance involved with owning a home, then owning a condo is an option to consider.
If you are someone who who loves everything about owning a home–like mowing the lawn or just tinkering around the house– fee simple ownership is the way to go.
When you are considering buying property, it’s important to understand the different type of ownership in property. The other type not covered here is Co-Op ownership– maybe in the future– but there aren’t many co-ops in Northern Virginia. If you are interested in this type of ownership– visit the Virginia Community Association Network provide below.
Other sources of info:
Virginia Community Association Network
Arlington County Condo, Homeowner & Tenant Associations
Fairfax County Condo & Homeowners Associations
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Selling Your Home in Virginia Is Going To Get More Expensive
July 16th, 2007 Categories: Commuting, Local Real Esate Sales Numbers & Things, Real Estate News, Sellers
Last week the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) voted to increase seven taxes in Northern Virginia to raise $300 million in tax revenues for local transportation projects.
The most important tax for residents selling their home is an increase in the Grantor’s Tax from $1 per $1,000 of your sales price to $5 per $1,000 of your sales price. The other taxes relate to vehicle registration, new car tax and various taxes on cars. Here are the all tax increases:
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40 cents per $100 increase in the real estate Grantor’s tax
2 percent increase in the rental car tax
2 percent increase in the hotel/motel occupancy tax
$10 increase in the vehicle safety inspection fee
1 percent initial vehicle registration fee (for new car purchases or those moving into the region)
5 percent sales tax on auto repairs
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$10 regional auto registration fee
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This new tax is slated to take effect January 1, 2008. It will be challenged in court– so stay tuned!
What is the Grantor’s Tax?
The Grantor’s Tax or Transfer Tax is the tax a seller pays to the county at closing. It currently is $1/$1,000 of the sales price of your home. For the average Arlington home– $739,000 the tax will increase from $739 to $3,695. It is a one time tax and only paid when you sell your home.
Why Did NVTA Raise the Tax?
Governor Kaine, as part of his legislative agenda, promoted a new transportation bill – the first in 21 years. The 21 year debate continued in the Virginia General Assembly on whether to increase taxes to raise funding for transportation projects. With most of the debate coming from the delegates outside the areas where transportation are critical (i.e, Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area) the bill was once again doomed. As a compromise, the General Assembly passed authority to the NVTA to raise local taxes for their own road projects. Board members from Loudon County and Manassas are questioning the General Assembly’s authority to pass its ability to raise taxes to the NVTA and may be taking it to court.
What Is the NVTA?
The NVTA was created as part of the transportation plan passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Kaine. It is a 14–member panel made up of nine elected officials from the Northern Virginia jurisdiction, two members appointed by the House of Delegates, one appointed the Senate and two by the governor.
Arlington County Board Member Christopher Zimmerman is Arlington’s designated official on the panel and it’s chairman.
The purpose of this panel is to identify transportation projects in the Northern Virginia region and raise up to $300M/yr in tax revenue to fund its project. The idea here is causation taxing– tax the people who are living with the problem. Only they should pay for the issue– not the people in the whole state. Maybe its time for Northern Virginia to follow the lead from West Virginia and split from Richmond?
Good News/Bad News
The good news is that the politicians in Richmond have moved forward in addressing the issue of our congested roads in Northern Virginia. I commend Governor Kaine for working out a compromise that our past governors didn’t have the backbone to do.
The bad news is that only the local area is paying for it. We here in Northern Virginia are so suffocated with the traffic gridlock that we are almost grateful our elected officials are finally going to do something that most of us are willing to accept this extra tax burden while the rest of the state’s residents escape any changes. The traffic in Northern Virginia effects everything we do– our whole quality of life. The NVTA has managed to fine a way to raise $300M in tax revenue without raising daily taxes like the sales tax, gas tax or income tax.
Where is the Money Going?
$300 million is a lot of money. The large projects sited to by funded with this money is short. But it’s a start:
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- $28M for improvements to the Fairfax County Parkway
- $15M to widen the Prince William Parkway from four lanes to six lanes between Hoadly Road & Old Bridge Road
- $11M for improves bus service between the Braddock Road metro stop in Alexandria and the Crystal City/Potomac Yard corridor
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I am a big fan of mass transit– and if the politicians don’t focus on increasing the metro line or the VRE– our transportation issues will continue no matter how wide our road are.
What Does This Mean to Me?
If you are selling your home in Northern Virginia– you can save some money if you close before January 1, 2008. It’s important to price is aggressively to sell before the end of the year.
If you are buying a home in Northern Virginia– and can close before January 1, 2008– it’s a negotiating tool for offer.
This isn’t over– so stay tuned.
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
It’s Summertime - Come Watch a Free Outdoor Movie at Shirlington
July 10th, 2007 Categories: Blue Plate Specials, Shirlington
It’s time for the 4th annual Movies Under The Stars Outdoor Movie Festival at the Village at Shirlington in South Arlington, VA. Starting this Wednesday, July 11th and continuing each Wednesday until August 1st, it’s a great way to spend a summer evening.
This year’s movies are some of the best from 2006, even a few Oscar winners:
- July 11th: Happy Feet
- July 18th: Dreamgirls
- July 25th: The Devils Wears Prada
- August 1st: Night at the Museum
The movies start at dark- around 8:45 pm. There will be chairs set up near Guapos and even some popcorn, but you can bring your own beach chair & treats. It’s a great night out for all the family– four-legged ones included!
This year’s movies are sponsored by MIX 107.3 so come a little early for some giveaways.
The new free parking garage is open– it’s located behind the Shirlington Library on South Stafford Street. Main entrance is off South Arlington Mill Drive.
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Bike Arlington- 2007 Bike Maps Available from Arlington County- FREE
July 7th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Commuting, Going Green, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
Arlington County issued its new 2007 edition of the county’s bike map. Order yours today from Arlington’s Commuterpage.com They’re FREE. Learn more about Bike Arlington.
Arlington’s continues to be committed to its Going Green efforts with its master plan to maintain, improve & expand the county’s bike path and biking events- such as Bike-to-Work. The Arlington County Board’s goal is to make Arlington a “bikable community.”
Arlington County has 46 miles of shared-use off street trails, 24 miles of bike lanes and 43 miles of on-street connecting bicycle routes. That’s pretty good for a county that is just 26 square acres. The network is extensive. You can get to anywhere in the county by bike. The big bike plan is all part of Arlington’s continued support of Urban Villages where you can live and work close to all the things you need like shops and restaurants and other services. The bike network in Arlington have been voted one of the top five in the country and the best on the east coast.
This new map is a must-have for any bike rider. One side of the map shows all the local Arlington paths:
- W&OD Trail
- Mt Vernon Trail
- Custis Trail
- Bluemont Junction Trail
As well as connecting on-street routes and on-street bicycle lanes the map also highligh 
ts difficult crossings, steep hills and other amenities such as Bicycle Repair Shops, drinking fountains & public restrooms. An added bonus is connecting paths to bikes paths in DC along the National Mall, the C&O Canal & Capital Crescent Trail. And that’s just one side of the map!
When you view the other side of the map, there’s a special treat for the weekend cyclist: Arlington County Bicycle Tours:
- East Falls Church/Westover Tour
- Potomac Overlook Tour
- Heart of Arlington Tour
- Lubber Run/Barcroft Tour
- Arlington Ridge/Aurora Highlands Tour
- Grand Tour of Arlington
- Arlington Visual Art Tour
Not only do you get a map of each tour, you also get a brief description of eac
h tour, the level of difficulty and sites along the way. As well as tips about bike safety, the rules of the trails & local laws.
If you own a bicycle– this map is a must. If you haven’t ventured out on one of Arlington’s bike paths– I highly recommend the Mt. Vernon trail starting at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Go for a ride along the Potomac to Gravelly Point and watch the planes land at National airport. If you’re really adventurous, head to Old Town Alexandria for lunch. But where ever you go, enjoy the ride.
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Six GREAT Places In & Around Arlington Where The Tourists Never Go
July 6th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Around the City of Alexandria, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
After 20 years of living in DC, I’ve uncovered the Best Spots In Town, where you won’t find out-of-towners. I’ve lived in the DC area for more than 20 years now starting out in Rossyln, then in Arlington, then moving to Herndon, back to Arlington and finally landing in Shirlington more than 15 years ago. I love Arlington. I couldn’t stay away. It’s my home. In case you don’t know, Arlington, VA is located just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. It has some of the best views of the DC monuments and the best place to see the fireworks on the 4th of July- or the orange-pink sun rising over the Capital in the hot August sky. At one time Arlington was even part of DC. DC is shaped like a diamond- except for that little part in the south west corner, that is Arlington. Over the years- I’ve done the tourist thing- because whenever someone comes to visit- you HAVE do to the tourist thing:
The Monuments, The Air & Space Museum, American History Museum And of course the Cherry Blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial
…just to name a few of the things that you cram into a 3 day visit. After 20 years, I’ve found places in the area where the tourists never go. It is these places that make living in DC so unique. It’s a beautiful city and area- there is some much to do and see. If you live here, and are looking for something different, off the beaten path, here are seven of my favorite places where the tourist never go.
Great Falls Park:
Just outside Arlington, there is an 800 acre national park where you can lose any feeling of being in an urban city. Great Falls Park is about 15 miles from DC at the point where the Potomac river crashed through the Mather Gorge. There really is a great falls & a great history here. The locals escape to this park to rock climb, kayak, hike or picnic. A day at this park is not an ordinary walk in the woods. There is a Virginia side and a Maryland side. I’ve been on both sides. Virginia is my favorite side for taking pictures. If you follow the walking path, you’ll get to see the falls from all different angles. As you descend into the woods, and admire the falls from one of its many cliffs, don’t be surprised to look to your right to watch a mountain climber - I can never figure out where they come from, but they always end up at the top.
Gravelly Park:
Located at the north end of National airport’s main runway, Gravelly Park is one of the many treasures off the George Washington Parkway. The only way to get to the park by car is to exit the airport. It’s the first parking lot on the right. It’s a big parking lot- but be careful of the bikers cutting across it to pick up the bike path to the airport. If you go there during a weekday, you’ll find cabbies parked there having lunch. If you’re on a bike, you can’t miss it because you pass it as you head to the airport- next to the soccer field. What’s great about this park? You can sit there all day and watch the planes land and take off. You’re so close you can almost touch them. Some days the planes are taking off from the runway about 160 yards away, some days the planes land. It’s popular with the locals. People just sit on the grass, eating whatever they brought and watch the planes. It you’re up for a walk, you can pick up the bike path and take a stroll along the Potomac.
Quarter Deck Restaurant:
I lived in Rossyln when I first moved to the DC in 1985. I was young, adventurous and the only person I knew was a woman I worked with who happen to also live in my building. She showed me around- and one of the places she introduced me to was a neighborhood restaurant a few blocks behind the Iwo Jima Memorial off 14th street. It’s called the Quarter Deck. It wasn’t until years later that I learned that this is an Arlington treasure. It’s not a fancy place, an expensive place or even a big place. What most people would think of as “a little hole in the wall” But if you want a place to hang out with friends on a summer evening or Saturday afternoon- the Quarter Deck is the place. And what is it known for? Crabs- yes- even in Virginia, we love our crabs. 
It was here where I first heard of something called Old Bay (it’s a seasoning BTW). Being born and bread in New York City, I knew nothing from eating crabs. It’s really an art. I’ll never forget my first order of crabs. The waiter puts brown paper over the table, leaves a empty pail and some wooden hammers on the table. Was I getting a meal or playing some 3D drinking game of PAC MAN? Then the crabs came- seasoned with Old Bay, cooked in beer and just dumped on the table. I have never been able to master the art of eating crabs- so its really messy and fun. But- I’m seen it for myself, there are people that can break a crab with one crack and get to all the meat inside- not me- but that’s ok. Crabs are not something you eat when you’re hungry-it’s something to do when you want to spend time with people you care about. So get a group of friends together, order up a bunch of crabs and some beer- and teach someone (or learn) how to crack a crab. If you plan a trip to the Quarter Deck- be sure to make reservations- ’cause you many not find a tourist- but you sure are going to find lots of locals.
The Italian Store:
What I miss about New York is the neighborhood Italian deli. I found it here. Located in the Lyon Village shopping center at the corner of Lee highway and Spout Run, The Italian Store is an area staple. I used to get home sick when I moved here- let’s face it, DC is no NY. DC is great- don’t get me wrong- but I miss certain things about NY- like Italian things. I used to go in the Italian store- just to get the smell of home. Well DC is my home now- but the Italian Store is still the place I go when I want to make a real Italian meal. I can get thinly sliced prosciutto, home made macaroni- ok pasta- dried sausage- and just about anything Italian. It’s most often written up as having the best pizza- this is true- but when I go, it’s an Italian hero for me. Whether it’s pizza by the slice (something not found often here in DC) or a sandwich, take a number and watch Italian TV- because this place gets busy, especially on weekends.
George Washington Parkway Overlooks:The George Washington Parkway wraps around the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
Starting in Mt. Vernon- the home of George Washington, the Parkway is a scenic drive through Old Town Alexandria, along the Potomac River across from DC. As you drive- if you sneak a peak to your right, you’ll see all the great Washington Monuments. While I don’t recommend doing this unless you’re the passenger, you’ll see the Jefferson, Lincoln & even Washington looking down at you.
The Mt Vernon Bike Path weaves its way along the Parkway & intertwines with the other bike paths in Arlington until it gets to the Teddy Roosevelt Park, where you lose the bike path it’s view of the DC skyline.
The Parkway, however, continues along the Potomac River. As the parkway turns north away from the monuments it heads to its end at the Beltway. In between the Teddy Roosevelt Park and the exit for the CIA- there are two small parking lots where you can pull off the parkway and stop. Here you will find another great view of DC not seen by the regular tourist. It’s the view from one of the cliffs- yes cliffs of Arlington- looking down the river you’ll see Georgetown, & Lincoln. Best viewing is before the tree are in full bloom in the summer.
So here I leave you with just a few of my favorite places in and around Arlington. I hope you get a chance to visit them and enjoy them as much as I do.
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