Archive for the 'Around the City of Alexandria' Category
This Goes In The: What the….? File
February 1st, 2008 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, The Road Less Taken
I was over shopping at Target today in Potomac Yards and did a double take when I noticed all the fire hydrants in the parking lot have an antenna attached to them.
I know there has to be some good explanation for it- but I couldn’t find it.
Living in the DC area where I do– just a short distance from the Pentagon you get used to seeing things you can’t explain. You hope that it all has something to do with Homeland Security and not big brother. I’m still convinced that the Air Force Memorial is there to protect the Pentagon.
But this one has me stumped. I think it may be for police radios.
I wonder how many other people notice the antenna on the local fire hydrant.
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It’s 2008: What Are Your Plans?
January 7th, 2008 Categories: Around Arlington County, Around the City of Alexandria, Buyers, Life in the District, Outside The Beltway, The Road Less Taken
The first week of 2008 has come and gone and I find myself busy with work. Which surprises me because it’s Janaury for gosh sakes. No one likes to buy real estate in January. But that’s really not what’s happening. There are people out there buying real estate. I think it’s smart to buy real estate in January in a cold state. Just like it’s good to buy real estate in August in Florida. Turns out there is little competition with other buyers.
Now, you might be thinking– what competition? There are no buyers out there anyway. Well– I have learned the secret rule of real estate: As soon as you want a property– so does someone else. If you are someone planning to buy real estate, don’t wait forever: there are other buyers out there.
I don’t know what is going to happen in the DC real estate market in 2008. I can only speculate. But as someone who works in the business everyday– I don’t see many changes in this market.
- Interest rates are still reasonably low: still around 6%
- Inventory of homes is good: there is a lot to chose from
- Sellers still want to sell their homes: people want to get on with their lives
So: what are your plans for your life in 2008? Is this the year you take that step to advance it? or is it just going to be more of the same. Come on, open the door to the rest of your life.
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Boo!
October 31st, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, Blue Plate Specials
The window display at Foxglove Florist on Quaker Lane.
Halloween is a big party night here in DC for kids of all ages. Whether you are going to Georgetown, a private party, or the local pub– please don’t drink and drive. Even though there is a taxi strike in DC– Sober ride will still pick you up in DC and drop you off in Virginia or Maryland.
1–800–200–TAXI (1–800–200–8294) use it- it’s free.
Now, if you are going to over do it on chocolate- you are on your own! 
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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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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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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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Good Fences Makes Good Neighbors
September 5th, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, Buyers, Condos, Sellers, Shirlington
They are putting a new fence up in Windgate. I live in Windgate. It’s been 15 years now and I don’t think this fence has ever been replaced. So it’s a good thing that we’re getting a new one. It’s even better that I don’t have to pay a special assessment to do it.
The fence stretched from Windgate III to the back of the property where Windgate II resides. It’s taken four months to get two condo boards to approve this one project– so I hope we don’t have to do it again for another 20 years.
One day last spring after one of the few heavy rains we experienced this year, the fence came down. It seemed that no one was paying attention to it, that it needed some attention and care and just fell down.
Getting everyones attention.
Of course, only part of it came down– the one near my townhouse. The fence separates us from the Arlington County Yard. Arlington County tries to be a good neighbor– we don’t hear trucks coming and going all night, they finally got their mulch pile under control after many meetings with their neighbors. But that was a long time ago. We complained, they listened and fixed the problem. I have no real complaints about Arlington County’s maintenance yard being our neighbor. I do have a huge complaint that they don’t see it as their responsibility to have a fence separating our condo community from their maintenance yard. Instead– putting up that fence is our cost. But putting up this fence has kept Arlington County a good neighbor. So its all good.
As I came home every night last week, I watched the progress of this fence. It got me thinking about this fence, how it’s needed, how it creates boundaries even though we know what those boundaries are and we have no dispute with our neighbor.
Real Estate Agents Make Good Fences
It made me think that sometimes as agents we are fences, creating boundaries to separate out the emotion of selling or buying property. When we work agent-to-agent– we help the buyer and seller stay good neighbors through the process of selling a home.
I was working on a deal last week– one that could have been very stressful for everyone involved. Instead, because the agents saw the ultimate goal here was to sell a property to someone who wanted to buy it, we were able to work through issues with relocation companies, a seller two time-zones away, closing dates less than 30 days, and trying to get it all agreed to before a long holiday weekend. Late Friday, we had a deal.
I couldn’t help but think what would have happened if the buyer wasn’t represented with a buyer’s agent. There were issues that came up during the negotiations that would have confused, frustrated and angered a buyer working on their own. I’m glad my clients had me as their agent. They are a nice couple who will be getting married soon. They were open to my advice and trusted what I was telling them and weren’t afraid to ask questions. They didn’t give up. They continued to counter until we found the seller’s sweet spot. And while the listing agent didn’t and couldn’t tell us what that number was, she keep on telling us to counter with another offer.
So I’m glad we were there to create the boundary between the buyer and the seller and make the sale of this condo in Alexandria a possibility.
Related Posts:
5 Reasons to Use a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing New Construction
FAQ #3: What is a Buyer’s Agent & Why Should I Hire One?
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Coming Soon in Alexandria, Virginia
September 1st, 2007 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, Listings, Neighborhoods
I haven’t been posting much this week, because I’ve been busy getting a listing ready for market. So keep you eyes out for this beauty inside the beltway in Alexandria City.
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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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