I was watching Good morning America this morning and they were reporting on some new housing statistics. The number of homes for sale in the hardest his areas is down 50% from this time last year. Good News. The reporter attributed this to the incredible interest rates, the lower home prices and the first time home buyer credit. IMHO alot of the credit goes to the credit. Alot of people that would not have bought were motivated by the credit. In some areas it's alot of money in others it's a small part part of the purchase but either way it's a serious psychological motivator. Who doesn't want a tax credit? I've certainly seen this come into play in my area (Arlington, Va., Mclean, Va, Falls Church, Va). I've already heard from people that are going to buy in the new year because of the... 12/09/2009

The Hyde Park Condominiums of Arlington, Virginia, are located at 4141 North Henderson Road and boasts that they are the Ballston communities' first condominium. After over a decade of discussion and debate regarding land use near the Ballston Metrorail's Orange Line, the Ballston Sector Plan was finally established in 1980; which ultimately set the framework for what is now the Ballston urban metropolis. Today, the Hyde Park Condominiums serve as an attractive and important gateway into Ballston's North Glebe Road intersection where the condos are conveniently located between both North Quincy and North Henderson Street. The Hyde Park condos can be conveniently accessed from Interstate 66 and Route 50 and are located directly next to a Harris Tetter grocery store and the Ballston Commo... 12/08/2009

In a word, terrible. Washington, DC, was recently named the second worst traffic city, right after Los Angeles. According to one study, drivers here wasted 62 hours in traffic annually. As a result, as you might imagine, property values tend to be higher in easy commute areas, or said another way, the closer you are to major employment centers, the more expensive the housing is likely to be. In particular, being close to a metro stop is likely to drive up home prices significantly. How can you investigate what your commute will be like once you relocate? Click here to continue reading the post. 12/06/2009

The Shirlington Report ~ November 2009 ~  It was a busy month for settlements of Shirlington real estate with 33 units reaching that milestone, presumably in part due to November 30th being the deadline of the original 1st Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.  New condo listings hitting the market in November were down by almost half from October at 18, the normal seasonal slowdown appears to on track, bringing total amount of active listings to 47 which matched the previous month's number.  New this month, contingent offers with unresolved contingencies have been separated from those units fully under contract.  Surprisingly, not a single unit in the market report area is in that full contract status; either it settled in November or is working with a relatively fresh offer, which further suppor... 12/04/2009

             The Arlington Report for YTD November 2009       Model      # Sold             Sales Range             Ave. Price      Ave. Subsidy     A  Lower        1                 $300,000              $300,000          $9,750     B  Upper        8       $260,000 - $295,000      $281,375         $3,795     C  Lower        6*      $275,000 - $293,000      $284,167          $1,667     L  Lower        1*                $345,000              $345,000           $ 0     M  Upper       4*      $300,000 - $311,000       $306,250         $4,831   *Excludes a short sale due to the distressed nature of the sale Data source: MRIS settled transactions 1/01/2009 - 10/31/2009, deemed reliable, but not guaranteed Compliments of AJ & Jodee HeidmannYOUR Resident Specialists for The Arlington The YTD N... 12/02/2009

The rental market in Shirlington appears to have entered it's normal fall/holiday slowdown versus the summer to early fall time frame.  It doesn't appear that an unusually large landlords are making the decision to sell, as absentee sales have not ticked up appreciably on a percentage basis in the past few months.  Due to the close proximity to Downtown DC and the restaurant & nightlife / cultural opportunities / shopping of the expanded Shirlington, the area remains a desirable area for those individuals looking for a rental home                                UNITS        APPLICATIONMONTH     RENTED       REGISTERED        ACTIVE       AVE RENT        RENT RANGE OCT            18                6                   22            $1,685        $1225-2400SEPT           17                ... 12/01/2009

I posted some October Statistics for 22205 a week or so ago. Here is some information from our neighbors in 22207. These statistics come from the multiple listing system so are only as accurate as the posted stats and will not include FSBOs or unlisted transfers. Total Sales: 2008-$17,862,476 2009-$28,749,242 This is a whopper of an increase of 60.95% Average sold price: 2008-$776,629 2009-$756,629 A relatively low decrease of 2.58% Median Sold Price: 2008-$709,000 2009-$662,500 A decrease of 6.56% 23 homes were sold in October of 2008, and 38 in 2009. An increase of 66.52% Perhaps a takeaway from this is that a modest decrease in prices has resulted in a significant increase in sales. At the end of October there were 161 active listings. 149 were residential houses and 10 were condos. ... 11/29/2009

The Federal Government just released a study showing a link between copper corrosion in home on pipes and wiring, and drywall imported from China during the housing boom.  The consumer product safety commission also found a possible link between higher-than-normal levels of hydrogen sulfide gas emitted from the wallboard coupled with formaldehyde, which is commonly found in new houses. Fortunately, there haven't been any instances of Chinese drywall being used in our area, but there are problems that have been reported in Northern Virginia. The suspect building materials, found mostly in new homes in the southern part of the country, have previously been found by state and federal agencies to give off "volatile sulfur compounds" and produce a rotten-egg odor. Homeowners have complained ... 11/24/2009

Of the thousands of condominiums located throughout Arlington Virginia, the Turnberry Towers stand apart as an ultra-luxurious, 25-story high rise condominium in the heart of downtown Rosslyn. The Turnberry Towers feature cutting edge security and privacy, direct entry elevators, a multi-level garage, and even private garages for cars and motorcycles both. The amenities at Turnberry Towers also set a new standard for condo dwellers in luxury, class and style.  These in vogue facilities include a cafe, a surround sound entertainment media room, multiple social rooms, private spa and fitness centers with an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour valet, as well as a 24-houe concierge. Finally, Turnberry Towers boasts outdoor balconies, gourmet kitchens, 10 foot ceilings, custom made hard floor... 11/19/2009

Located at 3625 North 10th in Arlington Virginia, the Monroe was completed in 2007 and is located in the heart of Arlington's Ballston community; inset among several high-rise condos located a 1/2 block from the at Virginia Square Metro Station on the Orange Line near the Ballston Common Mall. The Ballston community in Arlington is an urban landscape that is home to a gamut of modern apartment and condominium complexes, the Ballston Common Mall, the Ballston business district, and a hip (if not commercial) variety of restaurants and bars to boot. Fitting in with the cityscape, the Monroe is a high-rise condominium building that has 79 units, some as large as 1,800 sq feet, and includes amenities such as a gym, a library and community room, rooftop deck, a courtyard, concierge and a full... 11/19/2009

Two words: Retirement Community. The Jefferson is a Sunrise Senior Living Community. It consists of two high-rise condominium towers within a block of the Ballston Commons Mall and Ballston metro, and as such they get plenty of hits from buyers looking for affordable options along the Orange Line in North Arlington. So why are these condos so cheap? First, you must be 55 or older to purchase there, and all units come with not only a condo fee (about $100-150/month for a 1BR), but a hefty Service Fee which is mandatory for all residents. Service Fees start at approximately $1925/month for a 1BR and can go up to over $3700 for a 2BR/den and even more for larger units. Continue reading the post here. 11/16/2009

The Bromptons Condominiums at Rosslyn, located at 1662 Quinn Street in Arlington Virginia, are large, brick-front residences located directly between the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro Stations. The Bromptons condos can be found off of a quiet side street in Rosslyn compared to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding business district. Many of the units feature wall-to-wall windows as well as two large Bay windows, 10 foot high ceilings, granite kitchen counter tops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, a patio or balcony, and a fireplace! Each home features a two car garage and some homes have up to four complete floors with the master bedroom covering an entire level. In addition, the Bromptons is located within a few minutes (walking distance) of Key Middle School and Swanson ... 11/12/2009

This is my very first post.  I'm exctied to be joining such a wonderful community.  Thanks to my awesome coach, Jeremy Blanton.  He is a great guy, with the cutest little girl. I am a Coldwell Banker Agent in the Arlington office and will be mainly blogging about Arlington and it's neighborhoods. 11/11/2009

The Shirlington Report ~ October 2009 ~  It was a busy month for Shirlington real estate with 50 new condo listings hitting the market in October, 23 of 30 units under contract getting ratified within the month, and 34 units making it to the settlement table.  Early contract activity in the month was skewed towards lower priced properties, presumably 1st time home buyers trying to get in under the original deadline for the tax credit, while activity in the latter half of the month was geared to higher priced units.                              The normal seasonal slowdown appears to have started, with only 8 new contracts being ratified in first third of November and even fewer contracts expected once we get to Thanksgiving week.  The unknown aspect this year is the extension & expansio... 11/11/2009

Is it still a hot market in Northern Virginia? One might argue that based on this deal it is. We listed this quaint little 'cottage type' property (3 bedrooms, 3 bath, maybe 1900 sq ft) situated in one of Arlington's "finest" neighborhoods and during the first showing we had an offer in hand, a verbal offer and 3 phone calls. One of our offers was cash, no inspections or contingencies that also offered an escalation to over $50,000 beyond asking price of $764,900.00. We ratified an offer within hours of putting the sign up! There wasnt even a picture on the listing in MLS so all I can offer is this description which I wrote for the listing. "Great opportunity situated in the heart of sought after Country Club Hills. 3BR and 3BA with family room and Master BR on the main living area- cat... 11/10/2009

                                                                                       The Arlington Report for YTD October 2009       Model      # Sold             Sales Range             Ave. Price      Ave. Subsidy     A  Lower        1                 $300,000              $300,000          $9,750     B  Upper        8       $260,000 - $295,000      $281,375         $3,795     C  Lower        6*      $275,000 - $293,000      $284,167          $1,667     L  Lower        1*                $345,000              $345,000           $ 0     M  Upper       4*      $300,000 - $311,000       $306,250         $4,831  *Excludes a short sale due to the distressed nature of the sale Data source: MRIS settled transactions 1/01/2009 - 10/31/2009, deemed reliable, but not guaranteed Compliments of ... 11/04/2009

OK so you know it is special when others take note of what you are doing. Especially the New York times. Have you read their article titled An Oasis of Stability Amid a Downturn? It is a very well written article that sums up our area of Arlington VA take a look at an exerpt The 3.3-mile corridor extends from the high-rise riverside canyons of Rosslyn; through Courthouse, the seat of Arlington County’s government; to hip Clarendon; to Virginia Square with its branch campus of George Mason University; and finally to Ballston, a few square blocks of high-rise offices, hotels and residences and also a hub for science and technology. “The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor will continue to be the most sought-after area in Northern Virginia in the foreseeable future,” Cushman & Wakefield said at the ... 10/30/2009

Looking for a condo in Arlington Virginia?  This one is minutes from Rosslyn and Washinton DC.  The best location and best kept secret. Enjoy a close-in location, walking distance to Metro, shopping and restaurants, yet surrounded by grass and trees, adjacent to parks and bicycle trails, and close to major roads leading anywhere one might like to go.  Located minutes away from: Rosslyn, Virginia Georgetown and downtown Washington, DC George Washington Parkway, and I-66 Georgetown University George Washington University John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Pentagon Washington-Reagan Airport Clarendon Close to the following Shopping Malls: Ballston Common Mall Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Tysons Corner Center Offered at $270,000, this one bedroom, one bath condo at the Cardi... 10/27/2009

The annual Marine Corps Marathon is tomorrow at 8 AM in Arlington VA and then crosses the Potomac River into the District.  For those not used to it, you have to plan ahead to get around town.  There will be a lot of street closures from 4 AM to 1:30 PM.  A few years ago, I forgot about it and and had a flight to take from National airport.  So I thought I should share this.  There will be some terrific traffic backups due to re-routing traffic, detours and areas being cordoned off for the race.  Northern VA can become total gridlock when the race is on, and during the aftermath.  I'm sure there will be a lot of celebrations and tourists around during and after the race.  Plan ahead! Marine Corps Marathon Information Marine Corps Marathon Route Marine Corps Marathon Weekend Guide Street... 10/24/2009

Pentagon Row is a shopping "destination" located in Arlington, VA.   Stores include Harris Teeter, Bally Total Fitness and other specialty retailers there is also and...ice skating rinks (November through March) and many restaurants... The Annual Halloween Fest on Saturday, October 24 from 1-3pm! Free events include Trick or Treating, Balloon Art, Halloween Cookie Decorating at Sur la Table (1:30-3pm), Giveaways and more! For more information, please visit www.pentagonrow.com. This activity is Free! and will be held Rain or Shine. Pentagon RowCorner of Army Navy Drive and South Joyce StreetArlington, VA 22202  Date/Hours:Saturday, October 24, 2009 (1:00 PM-3:00 PM)Telephone:Information: (434) 977-9234Email:jpreusser@federalrealty.comWebsite:pentagonrow.com        SELL A HOME....CLICK HE... 10/18/2009