real estate

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

You (likely) have a three-day weekend coming up.

In case you’ve slacked on marking your calendar, Monday, September 7 is Labor Day. In a year where it’s been incredibly difficult to remember exactly what day, week or month it is… yes, Monday is actually a holiday.

While things still remain a bit different here in 2020, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Among them, you and yours can spend the day outdoors, checking out one of Arlington’s stellar parks or trails. If you’re looking for a recommendation, the 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion Trail is always a winner.

And, of course, with D.C. right up the road, you can hit the National Zoo, a museum or exhibit. D.C.’s tourism site put together a handy list for those looking for an adventure.

If the adventure you seek involves real estate, the time-tested and expert-filled team at Arlington Realty Inc. is ready to roll on your behalf. Until then, have a wonderful holiday weekend! And now on to this week’s Just Reduced figures.

As of August 31, there are 156 detached homes, 40 townhouses and 264 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 45 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Ask Eli: Arlington’s Free Green Home Choice Program

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: Do you have any recommendations or resources to help us improve our home’s energy efficiency?

Answer: Last year, Arlington released its Community Energy Plan, setting forth the goal of becoming Carbon Neutral by 2050. To support that mission, Arlington offers the Green Home Choice Program (GHC), which is a free program that helps homeowners, builders and designers create a more energy efficient and environmentally conscious home. I spoke with Helen Reinecke-Wilt, who manages and personally oversees each project, about the program and its benefits.

What You Get?

Helen and her team provide a free consultation/audit and a detailed, customized guide with the materials and construction requirements that will ensure your home is healthier and more efficient. After the work is complete, you are eligible for an official Green Home Certification from Arlington County, which is similar to LEED Certification common in many commercial buildings (offices and apartments).

Who Qualifies?

Small and big budgets alike! The program is available to everybody from homeowners interested in making small, energy-conscious improvements to builders designing a custom home. If you are building a home, it’s a great idea to have your builder work with Helen and her team! The earlier you involve the GHC program, the more they can do for you.

Benefits

  • New homes that are GHC-certified use 42% less energy than non-certified new homes, which equates to a savings of $1600 per year on utilities.
  • Renovated homes that are GHC-certified use 55% less energy per square foot with an average utility savings of $600 per year.
  • Studies have shown (and here) that 90% of home buyers consider a home’s energy efficiency “very important” in their search criteria and are willing to pay a premium for more efficient homes. The lack of certified green homes means that your new or renovated home will stand out in the market.
  • Healthier air, a more durable home and lower utilities.
  • Eligible for StormwaterWise grant money.
  • Satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing positively to a healthier, more sustainable community.

Cost

The consultation/audit and guidance come at no cost. Depending on the scope of the project, the upgraded construction materials and methods generally add an extra $10k-$20k to the project, however, in many cases builders or homeowners already plan to use similar materials so the added cost is less.

To receive the official Green Home Choice Certification, there’s a $1,500 fee to test your homes efficiency to make sure it meets the requirements to be certified. In my opinion, builders and homeowners will see a significant ROI on this investment, especially for new homes which currently have an average price of nearly $1.9M. Over 350 homes in Arlington have been certified, but many people use the GHC guidance and choose not to complete the certification.

Helen and her team understand that not everybody has the resources to invest tens of thousands of dollars into a GHC certified home and want to make smaller/cheaper, yet effective improvements to their home’s energy efficiency. She prides herself on being able to make these types of recommendations for homeowners after doing an audit of their existing home so don’t shy away from working with her just because you aren’t building a new house or undergoing major renovations!

Thank you Helen and the Green Home Choice team for your contributions to a cleaner, more sustainable community! If you’re interested in working with their team, you can get started by reaching out to them at [email protected] or 703-228-4792.

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local real estate, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. #10C Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 390-9460.

Listing of the Day: 5226 36th Street N. 

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Address: 5226 36th Street N.
Neighborhood: Rock Hill
Listed: $1,350,000

This renovated Craftsman is a rarity. The landscaping is one of kind. A wide foyer flanked with windows makes a perfect entrance. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining.

The hardwood floors give a warm comforting feel. The front living room with a fireplace leads to the dining space. The gourmet kitchen with stainless steel Bosch appliances, granite countertop and stool seating space is inviting for chats and cooking. The family room with window wall and sliding door to deck is a perfect setting. The front hall also leads to a half bath and then to the primary bedroom suite.

Deluxe bath with tasteful improvements, granite counter and dual sink. The bedroom has a sliding door to deck or head into a chic home office or dressing room closet. Head up the stairs to the 2 large bedrooms and updated hall bathroom with granite counters.

The lower level has a fourth bedroom, full bath, utility and storage room, laundry room and door out. Full size rec room with doors to a covered patio. Deck has stairs to back yard oasis that is private and fully fenced. 2 zoned HVAC system. East Falls Church Metro is 2 miles away.

Listed by:
Geoff Clopton
RLAH Real Estate
301-351-3772 ©
202-518-8781 (o)
[email protected]
www.rlahre.com
Facebook @GeoffCloptonRealEstate

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Andors Real Estate Group.

This has been an August unlike any other in Arlington! Our market has introduced and absorbed double its volume over August of 2019.

Demand from the spring was simply delayed, it did not disappear. The real, continuing story is the increase in available condo inventory, now up 70% from eight weeks ago. Mortgage rates continue their historic lows, sitting at 2.91% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

In related mortgage news, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who purchase mortgages from banks and repackage them for investors, have levied a hefty new fee on refinances! The fee was supposed to go into effect on September 1 has been delayed until December 1 and is hotly contested. Called an “adverse market” fee, it is supposed to help Fannie and Freddie’s ability to continue to support those negatively impacted by COVID-19 and may have their loans on forbearance or in default. At 0.5% of the loan balance, this is a large additional cost and massively changes the calculation of the amount of time in which a refinance ultimately pays off.

Bottom line — if you’ve been holding out, hoping for lower rates before you refinance, you should give strong consideration to act now before the fee starts being assessed.

This past week in Arlington, sellers listed some 97 properties for sale while buyers ratified 61 contracts. 33 of the ratified contracts were on homes listed just within the past week!

There are currently 415 homes for sale in Arlington, 23 more than last week. 129 are detached homes, 32 are townhouses/semi-detached, and 254 are condos. Average days on market (DOM) for currently available homes is 50 and median DOM is 29. The median list price of currently available properties is $710,000, while the average is $910,401.

Last year for the same week, sellers listed 43 homes and buyers ratified 31 contracts.

Click hereto search currently available Arlington real estate. Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at (703) 203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight homes that are new this week that I think you might like to check out.

Listing of the Day: 2406 N. Ottawa Street

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Address: 2406 N. Ottawa Street
Neighborhood: Norwood
Listed: $1,050,000
Open: Sunday, August 30 from 1-4 p.m.

Move right in to this 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial, well sited on a cul-de-sac lot in the Nottingham, Williamsburg, Yorktown district: Recent architectural shingle roof, HVAC, gas water heater, driveway, stone walkway and large patio, remodeled family room and laundry room, insulated attic, attic fan, yard drainage system.

Desirable details include fresh paint, closet organizers in 11 closets, ceiling fans, door hardware, LED recessed lighting, wood burning fireplace, New Orleans grilling patio off breakfast room, and family room opening to patio and yard for daily living and socially distanced entertaining.

Big kitchen with ample cabinets, generous countertops, and space to perfect new cooking and baking skills; deep pantry; breakfast area doubles as at home education space; large living room with room for second office and ideal lighting for Zoom calls (nod to Flood Czar); five big bedrooms upstairs, each with multiple closets with organizers; primary bedroom has seating or desk space, updated private bathroom; linen closets in the hall and second bathroom plus pull down stairs to large, floored attic for storage. Fifth bedroom has built in bookcases and is used as a home office.

Delightful outdoor space with large yard and separate alley entry, storage off carport for bikes and toys, and a big, recent garden shed for sports, gardening and camping equipment. Lush landscaping with many perennials and space for vegetable and fruit gardening.

Great location near Lee Harrison Center, shops and restaurants along Lee Highway, Overlee Pool, Tuckahoe Park, The Greenway, bike path and easy commutes from Washington to Tysons.

Nothing to do but move in!

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
McEnearney Associates
703-967-4391
[email protected]
3D virtual tour at BetsyTwigg.com

Listing of the Day: 444 W Broad Street #506

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/10

Address: 444 W Broad Street #506 
Neighborhood: City of Falls Church
Listed: $530,000 
www.506Spectrum.com

Enjoy the convenient perks of living at The Spectrum in the heart of the City of Falls Church, home to this contemporary two bed, two bath condominium.

As soon as you walk through the door, you will notice high ceilings, pendant and recessed lights and wood flooring. Enjoy the open kitchen with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, a natural gas stove and an open island. A quick glance beyond the kitchen to the living room reveals a wall of windows leading to the balcony with beautiful verdant views.

The living room is flanked by two bedrooms, both having full en-suite baths and walk-in closets. A stacked washer and dryer and storage closets complete this home, although you will additionally own a storage unit on the same floor within the building. This lovely condo includes two assigned parking spaces in the downstairs garage. The Spectrum building also features a modern fitness center, private event space with billiards, courtyard and a rooftop patio.

Take advantage of numerous eateries, shops, W&OD Trail access and the popular weekly farmers market all within a short stroll.

Your opportunity to live in quaint Falls Church City has arrived! Fondly nicknamed “The Little City” with a footprint of just two square miles, Falls Church City was settled in 1699 and continues to be one of the smallest municipalities by area in the nation. Now it’s your turn to claim your very own piece of this special place.

Listed by:
Donna Hamaker
Buck & Associates
2519 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
703-582-7779
[email protected]
www.DonnaHamaker.com

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

You’re likely going to see some adorable pooches crowding your social media feeds today.

That’s because it’s National Dog Day!

In addition to the human friends we’ve made throughout the years, we’ve certainly made some four-legged ones as well. After all, when our human clients settle into a new home, sometimes they have a dog (or two, or three… or more) that are settling into their new adobe with them. (And, P.S., yes, we absolutely love our cat, bird, hamster, fish, guinea pig and horse residents, too, y’all.)

We’ve seen it time and time again — Dog and/or pet policies and regulations can certainly make or break a deal.

So, when you’re ready to em-BARK (pun obviously intended) on your real estate journey, the team at Arlington Realty will always put your (and Fido’s) needs and desires first.

Now on to this week’s Just Reduced figures.

As of August 24, there are 162 detached homes, 41 townhouses and 257 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 40 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week:

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Listing of the Day: 3818 Randolph Court

By ARLnow.com Sponsor
1/9

Address: 3818 Randolph Court
Neighborhood: Chain Bridge Terrace
Listed: $1,750,000
Open: Sunday, August 30 from 2-4 p.m.

With over 5,700 square feet of well designed space and a 5,300 square foot lot, this brick, end townhouse lives like a single family home.

The light filled home offers an elevator to each level, a big kitchen to perfect cooking and baking skills, a complete in-law or distance learning suite with kitchenette and French doors to a private patio. The fifth bedroom has office built-ins and the perfect Zoom setting, while the den off the primary bedroom is an ideal second work space.

Each of the five bedrooms has an en suite bathroom, large closets and spots for desks. Fireplaces in the traditional living room, family room and primary bedroom are flanked by built-ins, and architectural moldings throughout distinguish the home. French doors from the family room open to the deck and patio with hot tub, burbling fountain, and extensive play, grilling and gardening areas. A home gym on the lower level is media-ready and doubles as a studio. The attached two car garage has additional storage for sports and gardening equipment.

Blocks from Fort Ethan Allen park with its acres of lawns, dog park and the Madison Community Center and an easy commute to Washington via nearby Chain Bridge or to Tysons by way of Route 123. Bike lanes on Old Glebe Road and Military Road and ART buses lead to Metro Stations. Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown schools.

Chain Bridge Terrace is a quiet cul-de-sac with well landscaped grounds surrounded by trees. Whether working from home or commuting to work, this townhouse provides space, style, and convenience. Virtual tour at betsytwigg.com.

Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
McEnearney Associates
703-967-4391
[email protected]
BetsyTwigg.com

Ask Eli: Arlington Condo Mid-Year Real Estate Review

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!

Question: How did Arlington’s real estate market perform in the first half of 2020?

Answer: What a wild year it’s been for real estate. After a huge 2019 (SFH/TH review, Condo review), the 2020 market took off in January with prices and competition up sharply. When Coronavirus hit, that momentum tapered off for a couple of months but prices remained steady because of low interest rates and low supply. The Arlington housing supply was down about 400 listings from March-June, but listing activity is surging to historically high levels in July and August, which is traditionally when we see the spring market momentum slow down.

Let’s take a look at how the condo market performed in the first half of 2020 using some awesome charts developed by my new partner, the wonderful Alli Torban. We took a similar look at single-family detached and townhouses last week.

Note that all of the data used in these charts is based on sales that went under contract from January-June in order to provide the most accurate reflection of the market during the first 6 months. I don’t like using the date a home sold/closed for analysis like this because closing date often lags 30-60 days behind agreement of sale (contract). I also removed sales of condos in 900 N. Taylor Street (The Jefferson), an age-restricted community.

Average and median price continued to rise, but not by nearly as much as last year. The total condos transacted in the first six months of 2020 dropped significantly to 484 from a previous 5-year low of 614, established in 2019.

The Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor, made up of 2201, 22203 and 22209 is by far the busiest condo market in Arlington and 22204 offers the most affordable options, by a significant margin.

The volume of one and two bedroom condo sales was nearly equal during the first six months, but I’ve seen a shift over the last few years in buyer demand over the last few years towards two-bedrooms.

(more…)

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Looking for a home? There are plenty of houses and condos open for viewing this weekend.

Check out the Arlington Realty website for a full list of homes for sale and open houses in Arlington. Here are a few highlights:

3841 Military Road
6 BD/6 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Compass
Listed: $1,850,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3000 12th Street S.
5 BD/4 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Re/Max Allegiance
Listed: $1,350,000
Open: Sunday 2-4 p.m.

 

3802 N. Richmond Street
4 BD/4 BA,1 half bath villa/townhouse
Agent: Weichert Realtors
Listed: $1,100,000
Open: Sunday 1-4 p.m.

 

4723 16th Street N.
4 BD/2 BA, 1 half bath single-family home
Agent: Compass
Listed: $915,000
Open: Saturday 2-4 p.m.

 

5700 19th Street N.
3 BD/2 BA single-family home
Agent: McEnearney Associates
Listed: $800,000
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

1800 Wilson Boulevard #235
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Samson Properties
Listed: $699,900
Open: Sunday 1-3 p.m.

 

2100 Lee Highway #309
2 BD/2 BA condo
Agent: Exp Realty, Llc.
Listed: $520,000
Open: Saturday 1-3 p.m.

Just Listed in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Just Listed highlights Arlington properties that just came on the market within the past week. This feature is written and sponsored by Andors Real Estate Group.

Inventory ticked up again this week, but buyers are certainly doing their part.

We’ve been ratifying more contracts weekly in Arlington that last year for most of the summer, keeping inventory in check week over week, though it has climbed steadily, up 22% in the past seven weeks. With mortgage rates expected to stay at historical lows for the foreseeable future, buyer demand isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!

PICK OF THE WEEK — The Andors Real Estate Group is proud to present 2410 S. Ives Street, Arlington, VA 22202 — $875,000. This storybook 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom all-brick Cape Cod with an enormous detached 2-car garage backs to a super convenient alley! You’re sure to love the immaculate, manicured landscape and hardscape for maximum curb appeal, including a private stone patio for outdoor entertaining. No mosquitos in the screened in porch just off the kitchen! Super convenient to Crystal City and Pentagon City Metro, Amazon’s HQ2, shopping, dining and much, much more. Open Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

This past week in Arlington, sellers listed some 83 properties for sale while buyers ratified 68 contracts. 38 of the ratified contracts were on homes listed just within the past week!

There are currently 392 homes for sale in Arlington, 22 more than last week. 135 are detached homes, 34 are townhouses/semi-detached, and 223 are condos. Average days on market (DOM) is 49 and median DOM is 30.

The median list price of currently available properties is $779,400, while the average is $937,625.

Last year for the same week, sellers listed 59 homes and buyers ratified 47 contracts. We’ve had a number of weeks this summer where our numbers are higher for these metrics than last year. This increased activity on both the buy and sell side of the equation are a delayed cycle from a suppressed spring.

Click here to search currently available Arlington real estate. Call the Andors Real Estate Group today at (703) 203-1117 to talk more about buying or selling Arlington real estate. Below are eight homes that are new this week that I think you might like to check out.

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