Archive for the 'Neighborhoods' Category
Shirlington Crest: What Housing Slump?
June 11th, 2008 Categories: Buyers, Nauck, Neighborhoods, Shirlington
While buyers are out there sitting on their futures, there are people seem to be ignoring all the media stories and buying up Shirlington Crest.
The sales office opened the end of 2006– with what they called “pre-sales” and now the sales office is in full force. The first phase is already sold out and people are flocking to get one of the best deals in Arlington.
Stanley Martin was finally able to break ground a few weeks ago after getting all the needed permits from Arlington County– and the development is starting to take shape.
The prices for these townhomes are good. When first announced in late 2005, the townhomes were expected to be priced in the $700,000s. When the plans were finally released, they were expected to sell in the mid-$600,000s. But I have to applaud Stanley Martin for not ignoring market conditions and settling on a base price starting in the $560s—$580s for the first phase. That is a fabulous price for a new 2–car garage in Arlington– not one you will find anywhere else. I expect prices in start increasing as they continue to sell into the second and third phases.
Sure- there is no metro in walking distance- but there is a new bus station with a short ride to the Pentagon metro. And it is walk-able to Shirlington Village- which is proving to be one of Arlington’s more popular urban villages.
If you take a walk through the models that are now open– you will find that the townhomes themselves are not big– about 1800 sq ft of living space (not including the garage). But that’s consistent with the other homes in the area– only Windgate end unit townhomes are larger- but there aren’t garages in Windgate and they are townhome condos. (Still a great place to live– I know– I live there!) One unquie feature of these townhome is the roof terrace– not something you will find anywhere in the neighborhodd.
If you walk through the models– don’t fall in love with “the Barn”– an end unit that has a gambrel roof- they ditched that model in favor for a modified version on the other popular end unit model. And thank goodness for that! Another smart move by Stanley Martin. (That unit is for sale btw- for a steal!)
Do’s & Don’ts To Know BEFORE You Buy
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Time To Get Answers: Tuesday April 22, 2008 Buyer Seminar
April 20th, 2008 Categories: Around Arlington County, Buyers, Mortgages & Loans, Nauck, Neighborhoods, Real Estate News, Shirlington
Save the date– this coming Tuesday, April 22, 2008– AFTER WORK!
My office has gotten together to sponsor a buyer seminar– GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
Put down the Washington Post Real Estate Section for the night and talk to real estate people who are on the front line of today’s market.
* Learn why FHA is not your grandmother’s mortgage anymore
* Talk to a Loan Officer– no commitments
* Learn the state of the Arlington Market
* Is buying a Short Sale or Foreclosure property really for you?
* What happens AFTER I found the home of my dreams?
There is a reason why it’s called a BUYER’S MARKET! IT’s THE TIME TO BUY!!!
OK– that’s all the slogans I’m going to use.
This is a real seminar for people who have thinking of buying a home at sometime in their lives. We’re going to be there to answer your questions. There is no hard sell.
It’s an opportunity for you to speak with real professionals who are working in the front lines of this market.
Got a place to sell? Come by to find out what’s going on in the market. We’ll answer your questions. We won’t turn anyone away.
And– we’ll have snacks!
So come out on Tuesday night– make the time. There’s plenty of free parking. And when they ask you how you heard about this– tell them I sent you. Or meet me to see that I’m a real person!
WHERE:
North Fairlington Community Center
3005 S. Abingdon Street
Arlington, VA 22206
TIME:
6:30–8:30PM
Make the commitment: call (703–772–5555) or email to RSVP.
BUT– don’t let that stop you. Come anyway.
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OPEN SUNDAY 1-4 PM: 3243 Sherman Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
February 29th, 2008 Categories: Listings, Neighborhoods, Outside The Beltway
We’ve lowered the price and the owner is ready for an offer. So - come take a second look at this one-of-a-kind split level home in Fairfax.
The signature feature of this home is it’s 400 sqft. Great Room which is an addition to the original home. Anchored by a wood-burning fireplace & built-in shelving it holds many warm memories for the owner. It’s hosted the owner’s own 18 piece Big Band, super bowl parties, Christmas dinners, birthday parties and all those memories that one builds in a lifetime.
It’s time for the owner to move on, he’s ready for an offer from someone who can appreciate the features of this home and not worry that it doesn’t have granite counter tops. That’s something easily added by the next owner.
I’ve already written about the great features of this home. But now its time for you to see it for yourself. Come out on Sunday - take a look at a home that shows pride in ownership, has been well taken care of and is a great place to live. If you can’t make the open house, please visit my virtual tour, or contact me for a private showing or for more information.
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Just When You Thought Ballston Was Complete: A New Project
February 28th, 2008 Categories: Around Arlington County, Ballston, Buyers, Neighborhoods
Arlington County announced a new development project on the corner of North Glebe & Wilson Blvd. Also known as old the Bob Peck site, the new project will include:
- 400,000 square feet of office space,
- 36,000 square feet of retail space,
- 90 units of affordable housing,
- 28 town homes.
I drove around there today and realized that it’s very big space– almost 5 acres. That’s pricey real estate across from the metro $26 Million to be exact when the Peck family sold it to JBG in 2006. That’s a little more than $5M/acre!
There were also two old homes boarded up on Wakefield and another small apartment building that appear to be part of the project as is the Staples, according to the press release.
These new buildings will compliment the Ballston Mall and the other new building that emerge in recent years. One-by-one Arlington has lost it’s old landmarks. The latest, Bob Peck, was a car dealership with its 1950s retro entrance, has been around even longer. The Washington Post had a nostalgic send off when the dealership closed in 2006.
It was a time when Arlington was almost a small town– part of the post WWII boom. If you ever get a chance to watch an Arlington Historical Society show on cable access- you will hear some of those residents talk about growing up in Arlington. It sounded like a real Leave It To Beaver neighborhood.
Today its a whole another Arlington. As I roam Arlington showing property I can see the many layers of Arlington. There are the farm houses that have been here since the early 1900s, the Sears Bungalows from the 1920s-30s, the colonial developments from post-WWII boom, 70s decay, 80s revitalization up until the high-tech buildings of today.
I guess when the Bob Peck Dealership went up in the 1950s, there was someone that said- gee, with all this development I’m going to have to ride my horses all the way out in Bailey’s Crossroads.
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3243 Sherman Street Offered For Sale: Open Sunday 1-4PM
February 13th, 2008 Categories: Listings, Neighborhoods, Outside The Beltway
Located in beautiful Mosby Woods, a subdivision with old-town charm and pristinely kept single-family homes, 3243 Sherman Street offers space, design and features not evenly matched by its lovely neighboring homes.
With a fantastic floor plan perfect for entertaining and relaxing at home, its almost 3,000 square feet is more than enough space for a growing family. This house is a wonderful place to call home.
Some of the unparalleled features of this home include the following:
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400 square foot Great Room anchored by a wood-burning fireplace & built-in shelving. All en-wrapped with two walls of Anderson windows and enhanced with track-lighting, recessed lights & ceiling fan. -
Attached extra long garage with work bench, extra storage and access to both the kitchen & back yard
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16’x13’ Eat-in Kitchen with ample counter & cabinet space, separate pantry & picture window & pass through to dining room
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Refinished hardwood floors on the main level -
Master Bedroom with walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom & private balcony
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Unmatched storage with additional built-in storage throughout the home & under the home storage
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Energy-efficient windows throughout
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Second, third & forth bedroom all at least 11’x 9’ with space-saver closets
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Walk-out basement hosting a 16’x18 recreation room & a second wood-burning fireplace & 18’x17’ utility room -
Low-maintenance backyard with mature trees, deck and patio
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A quick drive to all major commuter routes: I66, I495, Rt. 50/29, Rt. 123, Lee Highway- yet no highway noise
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Close to the Vienna Metro
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Convenient to all shopping in Fairfax City, Tysons, Fair Oaks, Fair Lakes, Fairfax Corner & Wegmans.
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Priced $30K below 2007 Tax Assessment
Come experience the convenience, space and style of 3243 Sherman Street for yourself. Come visit me at my open house this Sunday from 1-4pm. Or view my virtual tour anytime.
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The Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden in Arlington, VA
October 10th, 2007 Categories: Around Arlington County, Ballston, Neighborhoods, The Native Tourist
It’s almost mid-October and it was 92 degrees today here in the DC area. We broke a record set back in the 1930s. I can’t even imagine what it was like to live in 92 degrees in the 1930s. It was the time before air-conditioning. So hot was hot- there was no escape.
I know what the houses were like in the 1930s because we still have many of them around. It was before WWII, FDR was president & the term “urban sprawl” wasn’t even a concept, let alone the common place it is here today. Yes, life was different in the 1930s.
So instead of searching for the beautiful color of the changing leaves, I went to the Bon Air Rose Garden today. The roses where still in bloom and the leaves at still green. I love this little park. It’s maintained by the county and has a loyal following. I’m glad that Arlington County has given us a rose garden.
The smell of roses just fill the air. The bike path passes right through it. There are rows and rows of roses. A few tennis courts, basketball & volleyball courts, a tot lot and lawns with picnic tables to sit.
The Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden sits off of Wilson Blvd on North Jefferson Street. I wonder what it would be like to live in the houses across the street from this rose garden. As you leave for work each day- you can really stop to smell the roses.
So while I wait for the leaves to change and fall to arrive– I hope you will enjoy my visit to the rose garden.
There is another rose garden in the DC area more people have heard about- it sits behind the gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I was fortunate to visit that rose garden once. I was disappoint. It’s nothing like Arlington’s rose garden. But much more historic for sure and visited by people more famous than me.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
Stanley Martin: A Builder With A New Approach
October 7th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Buyers, Neighborhoods, Shirlington
During 2006, I started seeing construction equipment on the hill overlooking Shirlington. Then the fence went up. When the fence goes up– I know something is coming. A quick search on the Arlington County website revealed the plans for a whole new development of garaged townhomes– 171 of them! I had no idea that the small garden apartments, Green Valley, was sitting on that kind of lot!
Shirlington Crest
Shirlington Crest is an ambitious project by local builder, Stanley Martin. There hasn’t been much information available other than us locals watching the hills clear over these past weeks and months, a stone entrance erected and more construction equipment arrived. I received emails with information of pre-construction sales. Still not a whole lot of emails- just teaser information.
Just from being a realtor, I know Shirlington Crest is going to be a community of luxury garage townhomes, with large master suites, great looking kitchens, open floor plans and maybe even a fireplace.
When the news first hit the Arlington County website sometime in 2006– it was clear that these townhomes were going to be priced in the low $700,000s. But now that pre-construction sales have started, & we’re in a different market, Stanley Martin isn’t committing to a price, only to say that they are in the $600s. I’m sure if you are a buyer, a price list would be available. Smart.
Their website hasn’t been updated to reflect the emails I’m getting with a few of the details: Shirlington Crest and three other communities are open for sales, the builder will pay the closing costs up to $15,000 on the townhouses & $20,000 on the single family homes and it this offer ends on October 31, 2007.
Why the Shirlington Crest Project is Ambitious
This is the first large scale project on this kind to go up in Shirlington since the Village at Shirlington Condominium & West Village at Shirlington- but those are condos. They are the first townhouses built since the Windgate townhouses in the 1980s. But even Windgate is a condo. So– this is the largest non-condo project to go up in Shirlington since Fort Barnard Heights in the 1940s.
If you are familiar with the area, you would also know that there were single family homes build up Glebe Road in Nauck in the 1990s & a few other townhome projects over the past few years. Most recently, Bowman’s Hill Towns. Technically– that’s not Shirlington. Or maybe Shirlington Crest is technically not being built in Shirlington? Who’s to say? Shirlington ends at Four-Mile Run after which the Nauck neighborhood begins. Nauck also has plans for expansion- but that’s for another few posts.
Arlington County seems to think that giving these townhomes the Shirlington name will make them more attractive. Maybe it will. Maybe it won’t. Whatever it’s named, right now it’s still across the street from the cement factory. Aside from the cement factory, the location has other great things going for it: it’s next to the W&OD Bike Path, walkable to Shirlington, close to I395 & easy access to other commuter routes and we can’t forget to mention the Weenie Beenie.
I’m interested to see what happens with this project. I want nothing more for it to succeed. I think it will do wonders for the neighborhood. If you are interested in buying, give me a call, because you are going to need a buyer’s agent.
Stanley Martin Is A Builder With A Fresh Approach
In addition to this townhome community, Stanley Martin is starting two other new projects inside the beltway.
- Beauregard Station in Alexandria: “Quaint community” of 41 townhomes priced in the $600s
- The Courtyards at Falls Gate in Falls Church: “An exclusive enclave of 19 homesites” priced in the $800s
AND– just this past week, Stanley Martin began marketing it’s new “Build on your own lot” program- where they are seeking out “tear down” homes all over Arlington, Falls Church and anywhere else in the metro DC area and will built a custom home for any buyer willing to wait for it.
When all the other builders are running from this slower market and announcing falling profits, Stanley Martin has turned inside the beltway, where things are not as slow. And instead of developing large-scale neighborhoods, they scaled down their business to smaller communities and even custom homes.
Will it work? I think they may be onto something. And bravo to Stanley Martin for remaining committed to the DC area. They have not been frightened away and turned everything into a rental apartment. They’ve looked at the market, adjusted their business plan and are moving forward.
It’s the experienced builders like this who have and WILL survive a slow market.
| Discussion: 6 Comments »
Wilson Blvd & Oakland Street: The Start of Something Big?
October 2nd, 2007 Categories: Arlington Urban Villages, Around Arlington County, Ballston, Condos, Neighborhoods, Virginia Square
I was driving down Wilson Blvd on Saturday heading to pick up clients and had a “WOW” reaction when I saw the tearing down of this building on the corner of Wilson Blvd & Oakland Street. I often see the cranes going up and the buildings being built– but rarely get to see the destruction that precedes the new birth.
While there is no sign up yet on what’s to come, it appears to be the home of a new residential building– The Amelia Residences at Virginia Square.
Originally scheduled as am 8–story building with 108 unit condominium, 147 underground parking spaces and 3500 square feet of retail at street level, it is now simply called a “residence.” In Developer speak that means that there is a possibility that is won’t be offered as a condo- but as rental apartments instead. The developer is Dittmar- which is a long-time local builder with a solid reputation. Even Arlington County’s press release from 2004 would not commit to condos.
This is a great location– between Ballston & Virginia Square Metros. Virginia Square is the home of the George Mason Law School and still one of the least developed areas of the Orange Line Corridor.
3801 Wilson Blvd– keep you eyes on it.
| Discussion: 4 Comments »
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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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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