Archive for September, 2007
The First Weekend of Fall- A Busy Time for All of Us
September 28th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Around the City of Alexandria, Buyers, Clarendon, Listings
Fall brings a lot of outdoor events here in the DC area. Because a DC fall is one of the best-kept secrets not often shared with the tourists: the weather is fine. Enjoy something outside this weekend.
The biggest Arlington event will take place on Saturday. Clarendon Day, a big ol’ street fair is open from noon–7pm. Lots of food, shopping, music and events for the kids. Fun for all.
Enjoy the fair on Saturday, while on Sunday, visit me during my open house from 1pm to 4pm at 5928 Lomack Court in Alexandria City. The home sits on a wonderfully landscaped 1/2 acre lot. So you’ll still get to enjoy the outdoors. Sit by the waterfall and envision this as your next home.
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Harris Teeter Finally Shows Signs of Opening
September 27th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Shirlington
The Harris Teeter sign in Shirlington went up in the past week. They are starting to stock the store with bays and racks for actual food!
I stopped in to talk to some employees taking applications for jobs – they were kind enough to tell me that it’s scheduled to open on October 24, 2007. It’s a Friday.
The store itself is not planned to be a large store. It is two levels and will have a pharmacy. It’s a new concept for them, it’s a neighborhood store. Which is a good idea, since it’s right in the middle of the neighborhood. A neighborhood that is really looking forward to have a grocery store that is walkable.
Just one more restaurant is scheduled to open as part of the Shirlington expansion. Siagonique. And from the looks of the construction going on, it has a way to go. One of the workers told me they had no opening date yet & they are behind schedule.
There is a new office building under construction and still plans for an extended stay hotel. The office building should be completed for the spring. The extended stay hotel? Still in the planning stages.
A few of the old stores remain up for rent: the old Pica Deli; and there are rumors that Charlie Chang’s isn’t coming back after that space’s renovation. Arlington County is also working on an expanded bus station on Quincy Street.
The “new and improved” Shirlington Village really is as advertised. It’s taken on a whole new feel and is no longer just a place to go to catch a movie and something to eat. There is a whole new community with the Shirlington Village condo and the Delancy Street Apartments now local residents in addition to the Windsor apartments.
I’ve lived in the neighborhood for more than 15 years now and love this new face.
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Cakelove Opens to Some Shirlington Lovin’
September 26th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Going Green, Shirlington, The Native Tourist
The Shirlington expansion is almost complete with the opening of Cakelove today. What a great addition to the neighborhood!
Cakes from scratch. That’s their slogan. I’m glad. When you’re going to invest in a good sugar rush– its nice to know that you are getting the real thing.
A friend and I stopped in after lunch today. They are still working on the customer area- no tables or chairs yet, simply buy and go- but it looks like the kitchen is up and running at full force. There were cupcakes, some cakes & tarts. Not the full menu yet- but it was only their first day. Still no sign up, only a notice in the window telling the neighborhood that it’s open. In addition to what the offer everyday, they take special orders for wedding cakes and other important events in our lives. Everything looks yummy.
It’s perfectly located next to the Shirlington Library and Signature theater. And– something you can say only in Arlington– it’s at the corner of Campbell & Campbell. If they don’t put table and chairs in the shop, there is the pomenode outside the library where you can sit and enjoy your treat.
I will visit again- if only to see if they deliver on their promise of eclairs and scones and cheesecakes and all those other goodies that will need some lovin’.
Cakelove is own and operated by Warren Brown– lawyer turned baker. He also hosts Sugar Rush on the Food Network. He’s a busy guy. This is his third Cakelove– the first in Virginia. The DC location is completely wind-powered. So not only are they sweet- they’re green! I hope they follow that trend in Shirlington.
To Warren and all the rest of the Cakelove team, welcome to the neighborhood. You’re going to be a big hit!
Cakelove
4150 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703.933.0099
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Bloggers Are In A World of Their Own
September 25th, 2007 Categories: The Road Less Taken
It’s been a few months now since I started this real estate blog. I told my coaches at The Tomato that I love it because it keeps me engaged, even in the slow times, in real estate.
It’s opened a whole new world to me. And I love learning new things. I find myself reading my favorite blogs in the morning, instead of the Washington Post. I really understand that this thing called social networking is not just about MySpace or Facebook.
It’s also introduced me to people I’ve gotten to know inside my computer- just by the constant reading of their blogs or the dialog we start with comments.
One of my favorites is Bloodhound. So I was saddened today to find that Lanni Anglin of Austin Texas– a frequent contributor to Bloodhound and author of her own blog, lost her brother is a deadly car accident.
A young mother is now a widow left to raise her children in a strange new world.
The real estate bloggers have quickly gathered the wagons around its own. So if you are wondering what this little widget is on my sidebar– this is it.
Real estate can be a real cut-throat business. We are all in competition with each other. However, when you are in this business for a few years, you get over the competitive nature of the business long enough to realize we are all kinard spirits just trying to stay in business for ourselves. Around the office, I’m often heard saying “We have to take care of each other.” Because if we don’t…who will?
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Welcome Home Jeff!
September 23rd, 2007 Categories: Buyers, The Road Less Taken
Jeff is home. I’m so glad.
Living in the DC area we have a different attachment to the war in Iraq. We have a large military community. It’s not uncommon to see men and women in all sorts of uniforms on the metro, in the grocery store, as our neighbors and even as our clients. So when one of them comes home, we thank god and pray that the others are not far behind.
I have learned a lot from the military community. Mainly: you have to separate your politics from the people that serve in the military. They are doing their job, everyday and without question. They serve so people like us remain free to question our leaders.
I met Jeff & his lovely wife Cheryl over the Internet. Jeff has been serving overseas for a few years and his next assignment was going to be at the Pentagon. Cheryl & I had an email conversation for months. I sent her just about every listing in their price range, I found them some temporary housing that accepted pets until we found them their next home; kept her abreast about the market, the area & different neighborhoods they might want to live.
When we met it seemed like we were old friends. We soon became that. I was little nervous when I Cheryl because she had every listing I ever sent her sorted in binders by neighborhoods. How could I be more organized than that? I felt like Julie Andrews when she’s trying to entertain 7 kids in a thunderstorm for the first time. This time breaking out in song wasn’t going to solve the problem.
Over the next few weeks we spend almost everyday together slowly going through all the houses that were on the market. We narrowed in on a neighborhood they liked and found a home. It was large enough to fit all the treasures they collected in their world travels. They barely knew me, but trusted me enough to leave things to me when they went to visit family as they waited to close on their new home and their furnishings to be shipped from overseas.
We closed, they settled in. I brought them pizza on moving day. I met the parents.
This is what we as realtors mean when we tell you we are your REALTORS for life. We may not see you everyday, but we see you in the important times in your life. And we help you get through them.
Last year Jeff was told he was going to Iraq. He was not with the ground forces, so a year meant a year.
It’s odd to me the communications we have now than in past wars. There’s email and phone calls and video and snail mail really works. I can walk into a Post Office, give them this address that has too many lines in it to be anywhere you ever want to be and it finds him on the other side of the world. I sent him girl scout cookies– which was a big hit with his staff, and some books to read. Cheryl kept us all informed.
When I emailed her last week to ask when Jeff would be home. She told me he was home.
A year goes by fast to those of us on this side of the world.
I’m glad he’s home and he’s safe. I can’t wait to buy him a beer and thank him for serving.
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Congratulations John & Katelyn
September 21st, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, Buyers, Condos, Del Ray, Neighborhoods, Old Town Alexandria
Why wait 30 days for something you can do in 20? It was Labor Day weekend and a tough negotiation- but we did it, quickly and without many major issues. Mostly because you both have been great to work with. Also much thanks to a great listing agent, Amanda Jordan with Re/Max Allegiance we all got through it all.
So congratulations to Katelyn & John on their new home. It’s a great condo and one of the best values around. You just can’t get any closer to a metro stop.
John– you can now look out onto your kingdom each morning. And on that clear day- you can enjoy your view of the Washington Monument.
Katelyn– John will have the whole placed moved and set up by the time you get back from your business trip. That’s the best way to move, have someone else do it. You’ll get home just in time you figure out how to use those fancy new appliances. Next time you call out “Honey, I’m home” it will be. 
Colecroft Station condo is located right across from the Braddock Road Metro. Located between Old Town Alexandria & Del Ray and built in 1990, it was constructed in the style of Italian Renaissance. There are 156 units of one, two and three bedroom units all with balconies or a patio for the first floor units. The amenities include a fitness room, party room and secured underground parking.
The area around the metro is still underdeveloped compared to Arlington Metro area development- but Alexandria has plans. Plans that I’ll talk about in a future post.
This is my biggest pleasure with working with buyers. Guiding them through the maze of home-ownership and finally handing over the keys to their new home.
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All The World’s A Stage
September 12th, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, The Road Less Taken
And all the homes are players in it.
Seen in Braddock Heights in Alexandria. I just had to stop to take a picture on this beautiful front lawn. This is one home that would sell best in the summertime, but its not even on the market. It’s what happens when you sell real estate for a while….
You know you’re a real estate agent when…. you look at a home and instantly start to stage it for sale.
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September 11 Remembered
September 11th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, The Road Less Taken
The Pentagon psychically sits in Arlington. The Fairlington Fire Department was the first on site September 11, 2001. All the rest of the Arlington Fire Department followed before anyone else could get through the traffic congestion of people running for their lives.
I was home, still unemployed after the Worldcom collapse– looking for a job and debating about entering real estate. Not only did I watch it on TV, I felt it as a fighter jet flew over my home chasing who knew what at the time. Someone once told me that Columbia Pike was used to guide the plane into the Pentagon.
But that was then.
This is now. It happened unannounced, simple, no major law passed, no requirement, no tax breaks to do it. It started with simple American flags hanging from over-passes. Next, Arlington County put out a simple press release encouraging our tall buildings to join it. Now it’s a tradition. Stand tall, Arlington, be proud. We have the tallest buildings in the immediate area because of DC’s building height restriction.
Do it to remember. Do it to send the message:
NEVER AGAIN.
Every year starting a few days before September 11th, the buildings in Arlington hang a huge American flag from their rooftops. And the interesting thing is the flags face DC & the Pentagon. Expect for the Arlington County buildings where the flags face the courthouse. Arlington has other events around the county remembering September 11th. But this one is the most powerful for me. You don’t have to attend an event, you don’t have to be invited to a special Pentagon ceremony, you just have to go outside to remember.
Arlington is sending a message to all the planes flying into National Airport, we stand tall against those who harm us. Never again.
So, as you travel around Arlington today and hear the bells toll– one for each person lost. And, as you see a military man or woman in uniform, enlisted or officer on the metro, or in line for lunch- thank them for getting up to go to work each day and serving all of us.
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Air Force Memorial- It’s Time To Indulge My Photography Habit
September 10th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Columbia Pike, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
Tomorrow is September 11.
An anniversary of sorts. One that is special here in Washington, DC and especially in Arlington. I’m going to have a special post for tomorrow. As I was going around the county this past Saturday to take pictures for that post, I stopped by the Air Force Memorial.
I had worked all day with this real estate thing and didn’t start to take pictures until late in the day. Just in time to catch the light hitting this wonderful memorial. It’s new since September 11, 2001. I watched it being built and thought– man this thing is ugly! You can see it from almost anywhere now that it is built. I must pass it a few times a day- but never stopped, parked and walked through the park surrounding it. I often remind myself to take the time to be a tourist in my own town. Something my father taught me growing up in New York City.
The Air Force Memorial sits on a hill next to the Navy Annex. Weird that a Air Force memorial is next to the Navy– but hey- this is DC, you take your memorial space where you can get it…and, well, the Air Force doesn’t have it’s own annex. This hill overlooks the Pentagon towards the east and north and the rest of DC everywhere else. I never realized what a beautiful view there is from this hill. Beautiful except for September 11th.
But the Air Force Memorial is there now– it’s powerful to walk through it. Three strong metal structures shooting up toward the sky like the Blue Angels. Ten feet tall bronze honor guard. It feels like it’s protecting the Pentagon somehow. Standing tall and strong. Sending the message– never again.
This memorial is one of those places here in DC where every picture you take looks like a postcard. It gives you the false impression that you just may know what you’re doing with a camera. So I hope you like my little indulgence today- because it was an honor to walk through this memorial– remembering all those people that get up every morning and go to work to protect us all. Because it’s their job.
Thank you.
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Broker’s Open: Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Living in The City of Alexandria, VA
September 9th, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, Going Green, Home Improvements, Listings, Neighborhoods
Join me at my Broker’s Open on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 5928 Lomack Court, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Edwin Schnedl, AIA a well-known architect in Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia, completely redesigned and rebuilt this home to make it more livable and energy efficient. Schnedl studied under Frank Lloyd Wright & was greatly influenced by his use of light, color & natural materials by setting of the house in its natural environment. The architect opened this home with large windows to permit serene and tranquil views of the rear yard; the interior is integrated with the exterior and thus making nature part of everyday life.
Mr. Schnedl’s Design Features:
- A front walkway with no steps leading to the front door, making it easy for a stroller or a wheel chair
- Brick entry floor has a sand base to reduce wet tracks into the rest of the house
- Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting in the kitchen, breakfast area, dining and family rooms
- A raised ceiling in the living-dining-kitchen area maximizes daylight
- Insulated casement windows throughout the house allow for easy cleaning of both sides from the inside
- No gutters because the rain falls from the roof on gravel surfaces with buried drain tiles to drain any water
- Low maintenance cedar shakes cover the exterior of the house. The exterior finish blends into natural surroundings.
- Passive solar power: Wide overhangs on the south side of the house maximizes sunlight in the winter and provide shade in the summer. Windows on the north side allow for maximum light year around.
- The clerestory window in the kitchen provides indirect light in the kitchen area
- Throughout the house natural, unpainted wood is used for window trim, railings, much more.
- Stained glass panels in the entry hallway.
Even More Home Features:
- Wood-burning fireplace in the living room.
- The kitchen opening to the dining room and breakfast area, has slide out shutters to the dining room, a large double pantry, a new refrigerator and microwave, and top-of-the-line dishwasher.
- Main level hall bathroom has been completely redone in 2007.
- Main level master bedroom has a master bathroom, also designed by Schnedl; a large cedar walk-in closet; a built-in display cabinet and shelves; a double sliding glass door to a private deck with a hot tub.
- The lower level family room is above ground and has two offices area with large windows permitting plenty of light into these rooms
- Another complete renovated bathroom is found on the lower level with double sink and granite counter.
- Garage with automatic door opener.
- Carport with door to the front, but open to the backyard, ideal for outdoor entertaining.
- Two decks
- Tool shed
- 1/2 acre corner lot on a cul-de-sac.
The Outdoor Space
A discussion of this home is not complete without exploring the outdoor space. As with any Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, the surrounding environment is part of the enjoyment of living in this home.
Walk-out onto your deck from the master bedroom to the hot tub or step down to the seating area to listen to the waterfall. There are two pools of water, stone terracing, shade gardens, stone walkways, 2 Zen gardens and privacy screening. All of it treed with tall oaks, beech poplar & several maple trees. In the springtime you will enjoy the blooms of hundreds of daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, over 2 dozen azaleas, & several dogwoods & three Japanese maples. These features were designed and built by landscape designed David Van Scoyoc.
The Location
5928 Lomack Court is conveniently located on a corner 1/2 acre lot inside the beltway. It sits next to Holmes Run Park and bike trial- yet it is walkable to two shopping areas. There is easy access to I395. Centrally located to the Pentagon, Skyline, Shirlington, Landmark, Alexandria Hospital & National Airport.
If you can’t make it to my Broker’s Open on Tuesday or my Open House next Sunday, September 16, 2007 from 1–4pm, call or contact me for an appointment to see this very unique home.
This home is being offered at $750,000.
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