Buy Alexandria Real Estate: July 2010

Washington D.C. is one of the best places in the country, dare I say, the world, for women to call home.

You might be thinking "WHAT?!!!?  I thought D.C. was an old-boys network... after all, with the military, lawyers, lobbyists, and the government, it's a man's town, isn't it?"

Crawl out of your shoebox.  This is not your grandfather's Washington D.C.!

Think about it.  There are 76 women in the House of Representatives and 17 in the Senate, and three of the last four Secretaries of State were women.  Like'em or hate'em, or somewhere in between, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi are two of the most powerful women in Washington (and the world).

There are many factors that make a city a great place for women.  According to Forbes Magazine,

"[j]ob opportunities, high earnings potential and a budget-friendly cost of living come into play in choosing a great city, not to mention employment rates (ideally high) as well as women's average weekly earnings. But it's also important for moms to look into other factors too, like health care."

ForbesWoman has ranked Washington D.C. as the #2 city in the country for working mothers -- a great place for women to work and raise their children.

D.C. also ranked as the number one place in the nation for women's salaries, and Forbes noted that the unemployment rate for women in Washington is also the lowest among the cities it ranked.

"For women looking for financial success in a bustling metro, the country's capitol is top-notch and also boasts an excellent school system," wrote Forbes.

So the D.C. area is (or should be) attracting women.  The attraction of women (and especially attractive women) attracts men, making the D.C. area a great place for both sexes!

If you're a woman or a man who's attracted to the D.C. area, let me help you find your next home here.

Brian Block, REALTOR
Undiscriminating real estate service for both sexes in the D.C. area since 2002

CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?

I'm pleased and honored to announce that I am running for the Board of Directors for the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS (NVAR).  With every activity I've ever been involved in, I've never wanted to just sit on the sidelines.  Whether it was high school sports, college activities, fraternal organizations, clubs, or the office, I've always strived for and attained leadership positions.

So, now after 8.5 years in the real estate industry, here I am running for a position on the Board of Directors at NVAR.  NVAR is one of the largest local associations of REALTORS in the country with approximately 11,000 members.

After passing the interview stage with the nominating committee, there are 14 folks running for a total of 6 openings on the Board.  I'm pleased to be among this distinguished group of candidates.

Hopefully, I can bring my voice and help represent the many agents and brokers that I know in making sure that their interests are heard in determining the future of our real estate industry here in Northern Virginia.

The elections run from September 3rd to October 6th. 

You can't vote yet, but the campaign is ON!

TO VOTE FOR

BRIAN BLOCK

FOR THE NVAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011

LEARN MORE AT:

WWW.VOTEBRIANBLOCK.COM

&

JOIN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VOTEBRIANBLOCK

If you're a member of NVAR, please help spread the word, and don't forget to vote starting September 3rd.

Yesterday when my wife and I took a walk after the short summer thunderstorm, we decided to walk along the trails in the Overlook community of Alexandria.  After all, from our condo building at Alexandria Knolls West, it's just a short way west on Edsall Road until the entrance to the Overlook neighborhood.

Our timing was perfect!  Look what we saw:

These deer were happily eating the grass as we enjoyed our walk and snapped a bunch of photos.  We came within 5 feet of the closest deer who didn't seem to be the least bit disturbed.  If we had food to offer, they probably would have eaten out of our hands.

In the background of the picture, you can see the townhouses of the Overlook neighborhood, and behind that the highrise condominiums at Watergate at Landmark.

Obviously, this deer did not read the sign!

Recently I sold one of the wonderful townhomes in Overlook: Huge Townhouse for Sale in Overlook community of Alexandria, Virginia.

Overlook is in a prime location:

• Overlook is conveniently located less than a mile from I-395, close to the Capital Beltway, and I-95.
  
• Only 1.5 miles to the Van Dorn Street metro stop, there are bus routes along Edsall Road that make transportation a breeze.
  
• With only 12 miles distance from Overlook to The White House, commuting to Washington D.C. is much easier than you might think. 
  
• Old Town Alexandria is only 5 miles away.

The townhomes in Overlook are large, have big windows, and were built between 1998 and 2000.  Here's an exterior photo of a row of Overlook townhouses (the one I sold recently is 2nd from the left):

Where'd the deer come from?  Adjacent to Overlook are walking trails and a small forest with a stream.  This is their natural habitat.

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN ALEXANDRIA

For more information about Overlook or other Alexandria neighborhoods, contact me at 703-626-0715.

Who says the market is sluggish?  The first time homebuyer tax credit may have ended, but first-time buyers are still buying in Northern Virginia.  Especially in certain price ranges -- like $250K-$350K -- that's a sweet spot.

Case in point:  This past Saturday, I listed for sale a great townhouse in Newington Station, a community in Springfield, Virginia, close to the VRE, I-95, and the new, huge National Geospatial Intelligence Agency headquarters building under construction.  Here's some info on the listing: A Stylish, Warm, Elegant Townhouse: 8353 Moline Place, Springfield, VA for Sale

Priced right -- $307,000, we ratified a contract today.  Two agents showed the house to their clients and whammo!

We didn't even have time to place these gorgeously designed brochures in the home.  Under contract in just 6 days!

Are you looking for the same results?

8353 Moline Place, Springfield, VA 22153

Welcome to 2871 Great Oak Court, Falls Church, VA 22042

Professionally presented by Brian Block, RE/MAX Allegiance

Competitively and perfectly priced at just $362,500

The Great Oak Square neighborhood was just featured in The Washington Post and we were quoted in the article,
 "In Great Oak Square, the roots go way back"

NOTE:  I recently sold 2853 Great Oak Court in 36 days for full price and the highest price in the Great Oak Square neighborhood in nearly 3 years!

Here's the next neighborhood gem:

Welcome to 2871 Great Oak Ct. in Falls Church, Virginia! Conveniently located inside the Beltway just 1 mile from the East Falls Church Metro Station, this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhome features clean lines and a practical floor plan: the perfect prescription for simplified suburban living.

On the main level, a spacious living room with double picture window leads to the kitchen, featuring Corian countertops, white cabinetry, and white appliances, including an updated refrigerator.

Adjacent, a separate dining area enjoys beautiful backyard views, and connects to a sunny space that can be used as a family room or an office.

From here, a patio door provides direct access to the fenced backyard with patio and lush landscaping. A shed provides additional storage.

Upstairs, a spacious master bedroom boasts "best-seat-in-the-house" views of the neighborhood; while a full bath and two bedrooms with backyard views complete the level. Neutral paint and flooring throughout make this home move-in ready!

A great find in a great location, with easy access to shopping, dining, the Beltway, and more!

Welcome home to Great Oak Court!

 View more photos of 2871 Great Oak Court, Falls Church, VA

Contact me today at  703-626-0715 for more information or a private showing.

Welcome to 8353 Moline Place, Springfield, VA 22153

Professionally presented by Brian Block, RE/MAX Allegiance

Competitively and perfectly priced at just $307,000

Since it just hit the market, you can be one of the first to see this gorgeous townhouse in Newington Station close to the VRE.  Through the door of this unassuming townhouse lies a renovated and upgraded spacious designer abode.

Conveniently located in Newington Station just minutes from I-95, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 half-bath townhome has an appealing artistic vibe that both excites and inspires. A brick and siding façade, newer tilt-in windows, and stunning bamboo floors are only a few of the things that make this home an extraordinary find.

On the main level, the living room with bay window opens to a dining room with glass sliders, creating a corridor of light that makes the home's bamboo floors sing! Both rooms are finished in tasteful two-tone paint and provide the ideal space for entertaining or enjoying views of the private back yard with winding foot path.

The kitchen, featuring granite countertops, newer white energy efficient appliances, and white cabinetry, resonates with polished simplicity.

On the upper level, the spacious master bedroom enjoys panoramic views of the neighborhood, while the updated master bath provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the day. Two more rooms, each with neutral carpet and reach-in closets, overlook the wooded area that lies just beyond the back yard. An additional full bath completes this level.

The finished lower level features a rec room with recessed lights, neutral carpet, and half bath. A separate laundry room/work area provides the additional functional space that makes this home the perfect fit!

The right home at the right price ... and all of this just minutes from I-95, the Fairfax County Parkway, and the VRE!

View more photos of 8353 Moline Court, Springfield, VA

Contact me today at 703-626-0715 for more information or a private showing.

When considering where to live and where to purchase your next home, one thing to take into account is the property tax rates of the county or city.  By no means is this the only or necessarily most important consideration, but you should certainly factor this information in when making your decision.

For your consideration, here's the new property tax rates effective July 1, 2010 for the local jurisdictions in Northern Virginia.

Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Northern Virginia Residential Real Estate Tax Rates
(all rates are per $100 of assessed value)

City of Alexandria           $0.978

Arlington County             $0.945 + $0.013 stormwater fee        

Town of Clifton                $1.09 + $0.015 stormwater fee

City of Fairfax                 $0.96

Fairfax County                $1.09 + $0.015 stormwater fee

City of Falls Church          $1.24

Town of Herndon             $1.3725

Loudoun County              $1.30

City of Manassas             $1.472

Manassas Park                $1.65

Prince William County       $1.236

Town of Vienna                $1.3498

So, for example, the yearly taxes on your $450,000 house would be as follows:

Alexandria:  $4,401     Fairfax County:  $4,972.50   Falls Church:  $5,580   Vienna:  $6,074.10

Hey Smarty Pants!

Do you think you're smart?  Let's call it educated since that's what we're really talking about since after all you can be educated and have some letters after your name and a diploma on your wall but not necessarily have smarts.

Anyways, if you have a college degree, you'll fit right in here in Northern Virginia.

I already knew that Washington is the nation's best-educated metropolitan area, both in terms of bachelor's and graduate degrees.  See my 2007 post, It's the Smart Move: Greater Washington D.C. has the Most Educated Populace in the Country

According to to a report in the Washington Post, the D.C. region claims 6 of the nation's 10 best-educated counties, and the top 3 are in Northern Virginia (and so is #7).

Arlington, Virginia may as well be called SmartTown, USA.  After all, 68% of adults have bachelor degrees in Arlington County -- more than 8% higher than the next highest jurisdiction.

Next up is the City of Alexandria with 59.9% of the adult population holding a bachelor's degree.

Following close behind, in third place is Fairfax County with 58.8% of adults being college-educated.

The rest of the top 10 best-educated counties in the United States are as follows:

Howard Co., Maryland; Montgomery Co., Maryland, New York (Manhattan); Loudoun Co, VA; Boulder, Colorado; Orange Co, North Carolina; and Marin Co., California.

If You're Smart, you'll fit in here in Northern Virginia. 

And smart people buy homes, don't they?

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN ARLINGTON

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN ALEXANDRIA

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN FAIRFAX COUNTY & THROUGHOUT NORTHERN VIRGINIA

With July 4th a few days behind us, you may have already gotten your fill of fireworks.  Children of all ages enjoy "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air" (well maybe it frightens the really young and the causes heart attacks in the really old, but you know what I mean).

If you haven't yet enjoyed your share of fireworks, you are in luck.  More fireworks are coming to Alexandria, Virginia.  Rather than competing with the fireworks in D.C. on the National Mall on Independence Day, Alexandria prefers to wait a week every year to hold their own celebration.  I always try to attend this celebration which has a fantastic fireworks display and smaller crowds and less traffic than the big shindig in D.C. on the 4th.

This Saturday, July 10th, the City of Alexandria will celebrate its 261st and the USA's 234th birthday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison Streets. Admission is free. 

The celebration includes fun for the entire family, including children's activities, community exhibits, a performance by the 257th Army Band, and birthday cake. There will be a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Kim Allen Kluge presenting "Jazz & the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra."

A grand fireworks display will close out the celebration at dusk.

Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food, such as ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, shaved ice and kettle corn will be available for purchase (all the healthy stuff) but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic supper. Just remember, no grilling allowed.

Here's a quick video I shot last year at the Alexandria "week after July 4th" fireworks event:

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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 June 2010.  All information was obtained through MRIS.

Overall, there were 134 Northern Virginia home sales topping $1 million during June 2010, more than double the 62 that sold in May 2010!  More than double!:  It seems that the luxury market in Northern Virginia is heating up (with the weather).

Currently, there are 805 homes on the market in Northern Virginia with list prices topping $1 million.

JUNE 2010'S MOST EXPENSIVE SALES

Single Family Detached Homes:

• 7029 Benjamin Street, McLean, VA 22101 -- Sold on June 11th for $3,603,350
  This brand new custom home has 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, 4 fireplaces all on a one+ acre lot in McLean.
  
  
• 895 Alvermar Ridge Drive, McLean, VA 22102 -- Sold on June 25th for $2,600,000
  A $2.6 million foreclosure!  This home features over 11,000 square feet of living space, gourmet kitchen, 2 master bedroom suites on over an acre in The Reserve in McLean.  It has a total of 7 bedrooms and 7 full bathrooms.
  
  
• 1174 Orlo Drive, McLean, VA 22102 -- Sold on June 18th for $2,510,000
  Located in the Woodlea Mill neighborhood in McLean, this 6,000 square foot brick colonial home features a two story marble foyer, gourmet kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, billiard room, and lots of special features.  The home was built in 2000.
  
  
• 7601 Swinks Court, McLean, VA 22102 -- Sold on June 24th for $2,506,500
  Another multi-million dollar foreclosure in McLean!  This large home is nearly 13,000 square feet and was built in 2007.
  
  
• 4005 Belle Rive Terrace, Alexandria, VA 22309 -- Sold on June 21st for $2,385,000
  The only non-McLean home to make the list in June, this one is located on a 2 acres with 360 feet of direct Potomac River frontage and has a private 300 foot boat dock.  With water views from every room, multiple decks, balcoonies and proches, this home makes a nice retreat!

CLICK TO SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA 

Townhouses: 

• 606 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 7th for $2,100,000
  June's most expensive townhouse was sold in Old Town Alexandria. This historic home was built in 1790 and features spectacualr gardens, period woodwork, six fireplaces and a temperature controlled wine cellar.
  
  
• 7218A Farm Meadow Court, McLean, VA 22101 -- Sold on June 30th for $1,685,000
  Located in popular Evans Farm, this large townhouse on a premium lot within the community features an elevartor that takes you to hardwood floors on all 4 levels, a gourmet kitchen with the granite and stainless steel appliances that you would expect, and custom designer touches throughout.
  
  
• 1423 Harvest Crossing Drive, McLean, VA 22101 -- Sold on June 21st for $1,630,000
  Another Evans Farm, McLean townhouse, this home has 3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a media room, wet bar, exercise room, and elevator.  All the bathrooms have granite counters in this 2003 townhouse.
  
  
• 1 Wilkes Street #50, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 25th for $1,299,000
  Built in 1996, this Harborside townhouse in Alexandria has great Potomac River views from every level.  The end unit townhouse has hardwood floors, two fireplaces, two parking spaces, and a boat slip.
  
  
• 500 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 22nd for $1,180,000
  2 blocks from the Potomac River, this 1973 townhouse in Old Town Alexandria has a renovated kitchen, wood floors on 3 levels, and a top fllor study with floor to ceiling bookcases.

SEARCH AVAILABLE TOWNHOUSES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Condominiums: 

• 1111 N. 19th Street #1607, Arlington, VA 22209 -- Sold on June 15th for $809,000
  This model condo at Waterview Residences in Rossyln came fully fuurnished and accessorized.  With 2 bedrooms and southern exposure, this luxury condominium sits atop the Hotel Palomar and affords the owner use of hotel services.  It's just 1 block to Rosslyn metro and just across the Key Bridge from Georgetown.
  
  
  
• 3835 N. 9th Street #808W, Arlington, VA 22203 -- Sold on June 9th for $755,000
  One of Lexington Square's few 3 bedroom condos, this 2,528 square foot unit features built-in bookcases, a gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, large pantry, and a master suite with spa tub.
  
  
• 888 N. Quincy Street #2001, Arlington, VA 22203 -- Sold on June 21st for $700,000
  Located ath The Residences at Liberty Center, this Penthouse corner unit has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with top of the line finishes throughout, including SubZero, Bosch, Miele appliances.  Right in the heart of Ballston.
  
  
• 1600 N. Oak Street #1626, Arlington, VA 22209 -- Sold on June 29th for $700,000
  While it was built in 1987, the Belvedere still offers some of the most luxury condos in Arlington.  This unit on the 16th floor has great views overlooking the Potomac River and the D.C. monuments from the large 13X9 open balcony.
  

SEARCH AVAILABLE CONDOMINIUMS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA 

In case you're keeping track, the pattern for most expensive homes in Northern Virginia usually follows a similar pattern:

Single family homes -- McLean    Townhouses -- Old Town Alexandria     Condos -- Arlington