Buy Alexandria Real Estate: November 2009

Lessons in life can come from the most unlikely of sources.  You expect to learn from your parents, your teachers, your coaches, and your mentors.  You learn from your colleagues, your clients, your friends, and sometimes even your children.

But a Chicken Farmer?

Who would have expected that?

THE EVENT

Last week, I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the TEDx MidAtlantic event in Baltimore, Maryland.  If you ever have the chance to attend a TED or TEDx event, hop on it without delay.  What's TED and/or TEDx all about?  Here's a blurb from the website:

"TED conferences bring together the world’s leading thinkers and doers for a series of talks, presentations and performances. TED celebrates the convergence of Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED events have been called “The ultimate brain spa,” “Davos for optimists” and “A journey into the future, in the company of those creating it.”

What can you expect to see? Speakers at TED events – some of the world’s most fascinating, innovative and influential individuals – are challenged to give “the talk of their life” in 18 minutes or less. Attendees are as exceptional as the speakers. Sharing and connection happens from the stage or in the lounge. It’s the conversation that will change your life."

It was truly a remarkable day.  There were 20 speakers from all walks of life: a Nobel Prize winning chemist, the Chief Technology Officer of the U.S., an economic professor and economic blogger, a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, a neuroscientist studying the mystical effects of psychedelic mushrooms, a National Geographic photographer, the inventor of the first computer firewall, an actress from HBO's "The Wire", an Eastern European virtuoso guitarist, and more.

However, the most inspiring words of wisdom, came from, yes, a chicken farmer.

THE CHICKEN FARMER

Joel Salatin is "an American farmer, lecturer and author... He raises livestock using holistic methods of animal husbandry, free of potentially harmful chemicals, on his Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia."

During his talk, Joel discussed how his mission of organic farming and of wholesome, clean, and natural methods produce animals and produce that are beyond compare and much superior to foods from non-organic mass agricultural methods.  He claims that his chickens and eggs embody the true spirit and essence of "chickenness and eggness."

Joel Salatin is a down-to-Earth farmer and is someone who is very passionate about his philosophy, his mission, and his business.  His creed and his adherence to his mission have made him a success.

In the most quoted, retweeted, and inspiring line, Mr. Salatin simply said:

"If we devote ourselves to sacredness in our vocations, the world will rise to meet us."

(Click to watch Joel Salatin's speech to TEDxMidAtlantic)

THE LESSON FOR BUSINESS

Too often, professionals, whether lawyers, doctors, consultants, accountants, or real estate agents, treat their clients and their businesses as just a job, just another customer, client, or invoice.  People can see through this.  They can see when someone is just going through the motions waiting for the 5 o'clock bell to strike so they can go home.

Those business men & women who are truly successful, those people in life who are truly successful stick to their core guiding principles and are passionate about what it is they do.  This passion shines through.  This passion

Joel Salatin talks about having nobility and personal ministry in your profession.  He notes that "everyday we are writing a story that will be told about us."

He is SO right.

REAL ESTATE

If you know me, or even if we're meeting for the first time, you'll know that I am passionate about real estate.  I am not selling and helping people buy houses.  I do not view my clients as another sale, another job, another transaction.

I fully recognize, understand, and empathize with the reality that a home is not just a home.  It is not just an investment.  A home is not just lines and angles on a blueprint or a structure built atop dirt.  Rather, a home embodies the dreams, hopes, aspirations, and excitement of the people who are purchasing it.  When someone sells a home, they are parting with their memories, their stories, their successes and their failures.

A home is a sanctuary.

A home is an oasis.

A home is a place to make memories.

A home is a place for dreams to be realized.

A home is a realization of dreams.

A home is a protective castle.

A home is makes you a part of a community.

A home gives you a place for your children to play.

A home welcomes you after a long hard day.

A home is the center of your life.

A home is a sacred place.

That's what I sell.  I'm passionate about it.

And it makes me damn proud to be a REALTOR!

You've likely heard that the Homebuyer Tax Credit was extended last week.  The previous deadline was November 30th.  Now you have more time to get up to an $8000 tax credit for the purchase of your first home in Virginia or D.C. (or anywhere else for that matter) 

Current Virginia and D.C. homeowners also have the opportunity to get up to $6500 when they move up and purchase their next home.  The income limits have also been expanded.

Watch this video from RE/MAX International's CEO Margaret Kelly for some more information:

Need more information about the Homebuyer Tax Credit?

Download this Homebuyer Tax Credit Information Flyer courtesy of the Virginia Association of REALTORS.

Veteran's Day is coming up in just one week.  It's an important time to pause and say thanks to those who have served our country so valiantly.

To honor our United States veterans, some local restaurants will be providing free meals on Veteran’s Day (November 11th) to current and former service members.  Bring an ID card, DD Form 214, or something else identifying you as a Veteran (VFW/American Legion membership card). 

Here's some info on the free deals:

Applebee's (even accepting an old picture in uniform as proof of service)

http://www.applebees.com/vetsday/

Proof of Service: US Uniform Services ID Card, US Uniform Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veteran's Organization Card (VFW, American Legion), Photograph in uniform, Wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

McCormick & Schmick's

http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Appreciation-Day.aspx

The McCormick & Schmick's Veterans Appreciation Event is offered to veterans defined by the Veterans Administration, Title 38 US Code 101, which is "a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable."

Please present proper identification to your server when you are seated. Proper ID includes VA card, VFW card, American Legion card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID.

Note that in an effort to accomodate as many Veterans as possible, restaurants will not be able to seat parties larger than 6.

Golden Corral: The Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

Lowe's: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 6 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards.

Home Depot: The Home Depot is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 between November 6 and November 12, 2008, at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center locations.

Thanks you for your service and Welcome Home!

Are you wondering about Northern Virginia real estate and pondering what has sold recently?

Here's some information about the most expensive home sales in Northern Virginia (Arlington County, Alexandria City, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church City) for October 2009.  All information was obtained through MRIS.

Overall, there were 55 Northern Virginia home sales topping $1 million during the month of October 2009, on pace with the 54 sold in September but down from 76 in August 2009.

Currently, there are 798 homes on the market in Northern Virginia with list prices topping $1 million down from 845 that were on the market last month.

OCTOBER'S MOST EXPENSIVE SALES

Single Family Detached Homes:

• 8105 Spring Hill Farm Drive -- Sold on October 1st for $3,668,000
  This brand new construction home in the Spring Hill Farm neighborhood of McLean has 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half bathrooms.
  
  
• 1159 Crest Lane, McLean, Va 22101 -- Sold on October 26th for $3,500,000
  While it sold for almost $900K under the asking price, this 1999 home features breathtaking views of the Potomac River and is located on 2.4 wooded acres.  Besides 4 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms, the home has a domed rotunda foyer, first floor master suite and floor to ceiling windows.
  
  
• 7687 Ballestrade Court, McLean, VA 22102  -- Sold on October 8th for $3,300,000
  Built in 2006, this home sold for nearly $1 million under the asking price.  Comprising 10,500 square feet of living space, the McLean home has a movie theater, 5 fireplaces and a 3 car garage.  Located in The Reserve in McLean, this home has 5 bedrooms and 6 full and 2 half bathrooms.
  
  
• 214 River Park Drive, Great Falls, VA 22066  -- Sold October 30th for $3,000,000
  This custom residence built in 2008 has over 11,000 square feet of space, hand made cabinetry, wide plank walnut flooring, and designer tiles.  With 6 bedrooms, 7 full and 3 half baths, and 5 fireplaces on 1.72 acres, there's room to roam.
  
  
• 605 Deerfield Pond Court, Great Falls, VA 22066 -- Sold October 9th for $2,200,000.
  Situated on 1.75 acres, this home has fantastic views of landscaped grounds and multi-level terraces.  The 4 level, 14,000 square foot interior features an elevator, indoor pool, and main level owner's suite.  The room count weighs in at 6 bedrooms, 8 full and 2 half baths and 7 fireplaces!
  

CLICK TO SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA 

Townhouses: 

• 225 N. Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on October 22nd for $1,149,000.
  Located on Queens Row, this home built in 1998 sold for asking price.  It has an expanded gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel high-end appliances and about $200K in upgrades throughout the townhouse.  Right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, this one sold quickly.
  
  
• 1545 N. 22nd Street, Arlington, VA 22209 -- Sold on October 28th for $1,130,000.
  Palisades Park townhouses sell quickly and this one was no different spending a mere 8 days on the market. This home features Potomac River views from all 4 levels, 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half bathrooms, and 2 gas fireplaces.
  
  
• 468 S. Union Street #9B, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on October 27th for $1,100,000.
  Another Old Town Alexandria home in the Harborside waterfront community.  This townhouse has an elevator to all 3 floors and the chef's kitchen has a Thermador 6 burner gas range.  The Master suite has a deluxe bathroom and Jacuzzi and custom walk-in closets.
  
  
• 228 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on October 19th for $1,025,000.
  Also on Queens Row in Old Town Alexandria, this townhouse was built in 1998 and has 2 off-street parking spaces (a premium in Old Town).  The home overlooks the Potomac River and Founder's Park.
  

SEE AVAILABLE TOWNHOUSES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Condominiums: 

• 1101 S. Arlington Ridge Road #516, Arlington, Va 22202 -- Sold on October 23rd for $895,000.
  Located at The Representative condos near Pentagon City, this 3 bedroom 3 bathroom condo has 2,512 square feet of space and a terrific panoramic view of Washington D.C.  With 2 garage spaces and a 378 square foot wrapped balcony, this is a great condo.
  
  
• 1023 N. Royal Street #307, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on October 26th for $835,000.
  Right in Old Town Alexandria, this two level 3 bedroom 3 bathroom condo has a private top floor terrace, 1,633 square feet of space and 2 full sized garage parking spaces.
  
  
• 1530 Key Blvd. #906, Arlington, VA 22209 -- Sold on October 30th for $830,000.
  Another 2 level condo, this one at the Atrium Condo in Rosslyn features a panorama view of Georgetown, the Potomac River, and Key Bridge. 
  
  
• 1050 N. Stuart Street #900, Arlington, VA 22201 -- Sold on October 6th for $830,000.
  This corner penthouse at Ballston Park is another 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo comprising 1,984 square feet.  It has 2 balconies with views of Georgetown.  It also has a large den, marble foyer, and marble floors in the kitchen and baths.
  

SEE AVAILABLE CONDOMINIUMS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA 

Contact Brian Block, Managing Broker, REALTOR/Attorney, RE/MAX Allegiance: Licensed in Virginia & Washington D.C.  703-626-0715. If you are interested in purchasing or selling a property in Northern Virginia including Arlington County, Alexandria City, Annandale, Burke, D.C., Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Great Falls, Lorton, McLean, Springfield, Washington D.C., contact Brian today.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest.

Today at noon was the last time to enter the 1st Annual Block Real Estate Group Halloween Home Decorating Photo Contest. 

The contest was held on my Facebook Fan Page located at www.Facebook.com/blockrealestate

Drumroll please...

Here are the winners of the contest and their winning photos:

1st Place -- Jay Matsueda, Los Angeles, CA.   Congratulations! Jay wins an iPod Shuffle.

Jay submitted several photos from Halloween in California.  Jay's a musician and a musical photographer.  He's photographed some famous musicians and bands live at their concerts and for promotional shoots.  Check out Jay's work on his Facebook page.

2nd Place - Lori Schleinkofer, Waterford, NJ.  Congratulations Lori! Check out this spooky house:

3rd Place -- Debbie Malone, Lynchburg, VA.  Debbie's a RE/MAX REALTOR in Lynchburg.  Here's her photo:

See the rest of the photos on my Facebook page.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this fun contest.