Freezin' for a Reason, this Weekend at Lake Anne, Reston, VA

If you haven't gotten out to enjoy the beautiful weather in Northern Virginia this week, you might want to head over to the  Lake Anne Plaza waterfront  tomorrow, 2/4/2012, from 1-3 p.m. and join in the 5th Annual Freezin' for A Reason. This event benefits Camp Sunshine.

The Polar Dip will take place at 2:00 p.m. I just looked at the weather and itFreezing looks like it will be overcast, but close to 50 degrees!

Participants are asked to register and the registration costs $100, again to benefit Camp Sunshine. Spectators can, of course, watch the fun for free. There will be activities and a post-dip celebration. There a number of great restaurants, a coffee shop, a drug store and more great places to pick up drinks and food while you are waiting for the big dip.

If you aren't familiar with Camp Sunshine, it is a camp for children with life-threatening diseases and their families. 

Best of luck to all the Polar Dip participants...bring warm clothes for when you get out!

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

7 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • February 03 2012 02:59PM

Clean Out That Closet and Make a Dream Come True

It is time for the annual Diva Central Dress Drive sponsored by the Reston Community Center, Reston, Virginia.

The drive, which runs from January 9 through February 25, 2012 collects dresses, shoes, jewelry, hand bags, shawls and accessories. Donations should be in good condition and no more than 5 years old (2007 or more recent). It is requested that they be dry cleaned prior to donating, but if that is not possible, the donation will still be accepted, just notify RCC at drop-off.

Donations can be made at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston VA 20191.

The big event, Diva Central,  will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne location (1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, 20190). Any high school student who is in need of a prom dress can come in and select the dress of their choice (one per student), as well as all the accessories.

They are still looking for volunteers to help with the drive and event. If you are available, call Kenny Burrows, RCC's Teen Program Director, 703-476-4500.

Donations to the Diva Central event are tax deductible.

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

3 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • February 03 2012 08:25AM

December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20194

Here is a report on the market activity for Reston, VA, 20194 zip code, for December 2011.

20194 December 2011 v. December 2010 Sales

December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20194 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20191 Market Report and for the 20190 Market Report).

While consumer confidence is slowly regaining its foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December which could mean that consumers were spending their time and money on retail, rather than real estate, purchases.

3 Bedroom Townhouses continued to be the most popular homes sold in 20194 with the Average sold price up from the December 2010 average of $479,000 to the December 2011 average of $510,557, a 6.59% increase.

Detached, 4 Bedrooms+ homes saw the greatest price decline with the average sales price in December 2010 being $846,000 and the December 2011 average price at $706,875. This was a decrease in average price of -16.45%. It was a relatively few number of homes, 4 in 2011 and 5 in 2010, that impacted this average price.

The inventory in the 20194 zip code continues to be tight. Assuming more buyers get into the market this spring, it could create more favorable condtions for sellers than we have seen in a while.

If you are interested in finding out more about properties available in the 20194 zip code, text, call or email me at 571-643-4902, hollyweatherwax@mris.com.



 

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 11:33AM

December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20190

Here is the December 2011 market activity report for Reston, VA, 20190 zip code (North of the Toll Road, south of  Baron Cameron Avenue, includes Lake Anne and the Reston Town Center).
Market Report Reston, VA 20190 December 2011

December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20190 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20194 Market Report and for the 20191 Market Report).
 
While consumer confidence is slowly regaining its foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December which could mean that consumers were spending their time and money on retail, rather than real estate, purchases.

Condominium sales made up the bulk of home purchases in the 20190 zip code for December of 2011, with 12 units sold. This was down from December of 2010, when 23 units sold. The average sold price, however was up 12.75%, from $335,726 to $378,544.

The 20190 zip code had only 2 detached homes sell in December. While this number looks very low, only 3 detached homes sold in December of 2010. This zip code has a large number of condominiums and townhouses relative to the number of detached homes. The average price, insignificant when only factoring two homes, does not help at all given that the 2 homes sold were atypical detached homes: a 2 bedroom ($160,000) and a 3 bedroom ($210,000).

In the Lake Anne/Reston Town Center area, 7 townhouses sold last month, compared to 10 in December 2010. The prices trends are not clear, given that they were significantly up in some categories and significantly down in others. 

In December 2011, the 20190 zip code had 7 townhouses sold,2 detached homes and 12 condominiums. These numbers were significantly lower than in December 2010 when there were 10 townhouses, 3 detached homes and 23 condos sold, indicating that demand was down in December 2011.

If you are interested in finding out more about properties in the 20190 zip code, text me, call me or email me at 571-643-4902 or hollyweatherwax@mris.com.

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 11:33AM

December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20191

Here is a market report for Reston, VA, 20191 (South of the Toll Road), for December 2011.


Market Report for 2011, December 2011

December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20191 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20194 Market Report and for the 20190 Market Report).
 
While consumer confidence is slowly regaining a foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December, which could mean that consumers were spending their time and money on retail and car, rather than real estate, purchases.

In South Reston, 3 Bedroom Townhouses continued to be the most popular homes sold with the Average sold price slightly down from the December 2010 average of $346,200 to the December 2011 average of $342,389, a 1.10% decrease. In December of 2010, 21 townhouses were sold, while this December 14 were sold.

The average price for a detached, 4 Bedrooms+ home sale was up in South Reston, the number of units sold was down significantly. In 2010 the average sold price was $504,429. In 2011, the average sales price was $573,333 which was an increase of 13.66%. December 2011 saw the sale of only  4 detached homes, compared with the sale of 15 detached homes in December 2010.

Condominium sale prices were up 10.13% with an average sale price in December 2011 of $186,429 as compared to the December 2010 average of $169,284. Last year, 13 condos were sold as compared to only 7 this year in the month of December.

Overall, the numbers were down, acrosss the board. In December 2011, the 20191 zip code had 14 townhouses sold, 4 detached homes and 7 condominiums. These numbers were significantly lower than in December 2010 when there were 21 townhouses, 15 detached homes and 13 condos sold.

If you are interested in finding out more about properties in the 20191 zip code, text me, call me or email me at 571-643-4902 or hollyweatherwax@mris.com.

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 11:32AM

Looking For Things To Do in Northern Virginia?

Northern Virginia is a great place to live!  There are things to do all over the Washington D.C. metro area. From NOVA (as we Virginians call it), it is an easy jaunt to Maryland or D.C.  We have access to museums, monuments, theaters, events (and great shopping) throughout the area.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, The Washington Post is a greatLake Anne Farmers Market place to start. Each Friday they publish a Weekend section that provides theater, art, music, movies and local event information. This pullout section is a great resource.

If you are not a paper subscriber, you can get most of this information on-line at the Going Out Guide site. Go to this site to make your weekend plans and find out what is happening in and around the Northern Virginia area.

Make plans to do some fun things this weekend and use the Going Out Guide to help you make those plans.

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 07:55AM

An Important Consideration for Any Home Buyer

As a Realtor, one of the skills I bring to the table is helping my clients determine the investment value of their purchase.handshake

This doesn't always work the way that we expect (the bursting real estate bubble caught almost everyone by surprise), but it is something that every purchaser should consider.

There is more to evaluating an investment, than just how quickly your equity will grow. One of the most important things to consider is how quickly you could sell your home, if your personal situation changes.

At any given time there is a pool of buyers looking at homes in your local area. Sometimes this pool is larger and sometimes there are more homes for them to evaluate. One thing that remains constant, however, is that the more of these buyers who will consider your home, the more likely you are to sell it in a timely manner.

For instance, if you bought a 3 bedroom, one bath condominium and now need to sell it, the number of buyers who will consider this purchase will be likely (but not always) be limited to a single person looking for a guest room and a study, or a couple. Most people who have children, or who want to rent out rooms, will look for at least a 1.5 bathroom property, but would prefer a 2 bathroom (the gold standard in Northern Virginia condos is a 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, as this is the most popular configuration for buyers). 

I showed a property this weekend where I talked to my client about this very subject. It was a lovely 2 story, 3 bedroom townhouse. It had high ceilings, a spacious kitchen and opened onto common ground. So what was the problem? It will be my client's first home purchase and he hopes to rent out rooms and build equity.  The issue, beside the fact that it was a two story townhouse in an area where most TH are 3 levels,  was that the top level was an enormous Master Bedroom and the rest of the home was on one level. While this would make for a great roommate situation, it would result in  a resale that appealed to a smaller pool of buyers. Most parents of young children (often townhouse purchasers) would not be comfortable with 2nd and 3rd  the bedrooms on a different level than the MBR. This, combined with the fact that it is a 2-story, would limit the pool of potential buyers and make it a harder resale. 

Keep in mind that anything sells at a price, but when you have a home that has features that are unique, the easiest way to equalize unique features is by lowering price. This can reduce the potential return on your investment.

As a purchaser, you might find a property whose unique features appeal to you. As an investor (and anyone who buys property is an investor), you owe it to yourself to evaluate how the property will appeal to other buyers when, in the future, you decide to sell. If you are willing to accept that these unique features will work for your lifestyle, and may mean a slightly longer sales cycle in the future, then you have looked at the property realistically and will be a happier, and more successful, investor.

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

28 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 09 2012 07:27AM

10 Things Sellers Should Replace Before Listing Their Northern Virginia Home

10 Things Sellers Should Replace Before Listing Their Northern Virginia Home


Most Northern Virginia sellers spend a lot of time preparing their homes for market.  Cleaning closets, organizing the pantry, getting rid of old toys/books/stuff...the list goes on and on. Many even paint, recarpet or tackle minor remodeling projects.

There are a couple of simple things, however, that sellers often Brass Chandalieroverlook.  Because all real estate IS local, I can only comment that these items are off-putting for buyers in the Northern Virginia market--buyers in other parts of the country may not react to them in quite the same way.

  1. Hollywood lights: Those bar lights above the bathroom sink that feature multiple round light bulbs
  2. Brass 3 or 5 light builder-grade chandalier: Brass plated, with or without glass panels cost builders a couple of dollars--and buyers know it!
  3. Brass cabinet knobs: The color of the late 80's and 90's has been replaced with a preference for stainless steel and other finishes. Even though these knobs were expensive (in true brass finish), they look dated.
  4. Pull-down vinyl shades: Inexpensive window coverings that often feature fringe along the lower portion. You are better off with wood blinds--or vinyl blinds, if you must.
  5. Linoleum counters: Those original basic counters, selected at the time the house was built, because they were part of the base package. I am NOT referring to some of the new, updated linoleums
  6. Worn, Torn or damaged flooring: Carpet that is stained or stretched, linoleum that the dog has chewed, hardwoods that are scratched or broken
  7. Wallpaper (no matter how nice or expensive): Buyers worry about the cost and trouble of removing it--even if they like it.
  8. White builder grade tile: Those little square white tiles that were an improvement over previous generations of colored tile have been replaced by a preference for stone-like tile
  9. Sagging closet shelves: Too many things stored in your closet or pantry wooden shelves will cause sagging. Replacement with wire shelving is inexpensive and contemporary looking.
  10. Torn window screens: People notice these tears--they are easy and inexpensive to repair.
If you have read my blogs in the past, you may have seen me mention many of these items before.  It is because they really do bug Northern Virginia buyers. Why would you want buyers noting all the ways that your home is deficient, rather than all the ways it could work for them? Don't get me wrong, your house can sell if you don't update these items, but it might take longer and result in a lower sales price.

The Spring market of 2012 is almost here. If you are interested in buying or selling your home this Spring, give me a call and we can put together a plan to get your house in fantastic shape for Spring marketing. 
 

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

7 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 06 2012 07:17AM

Moving out of Town? The Benefit of Asking Me for a Referral

Have you considered a real estate purchase out of town? Are you just going to find a Realtor on-line or in the phone book or paper?  

As a veteran agent, I have a lot of resources all over the country.  Let me find you a Realtor who fits your style, and your needs, and who you can trust will be able to help you amke that purchase.

I have done it for other clients, and I would like to do it for you. I can help you with more than just your Northern Virginia purchase.

Give me a call and let me help you find your out-of-town Realtor.

Via Al and Cal Realty Group Al Mussi Carol Ann Palmieri (RE/MAX Executive Realty):

Moving out of Town? The Benefit of Asking Me for a Referral

For years my business cards have read, "I appreciate your referrals."   My communications always end, "I can help anyone with their real estate transactions anywhere! or, "The highest compliment we can receive is your referrals."..

..and, for years I have received my friends, families and former clients referrals for my service area.    In fact, that is my major source of business.    I have been treated very well by my "people" and I appreciate their support and confidence.moving

It wasn't until recently when a very good client who has referred me lots, and I do mean lots, of business in the past called me excitedly to let me know that they had bought a new home out  of my service area!

I am thrilled  for them, but why hadn't they called me to refer them to an outside agent?

A little bit of thinking and a lot of soul searching tells me that they don't see the benefit in asking me to send them to another agent.  

As agents we know there is a benefit for us to receive a referral, BUT, what do our clients perceive their benefit to be?   That's the big question.

Prior to my joining the Active Rain community, I would go through my list of agents attached to affiliated franchises, go through the agents bios, pick out a few, have a quick chat, and then make a recommendation to my folks about who they might consider and what to expect.  

There is  a real Benefit to You

GOOD NEWS FOLKS!    Since joining the Active Rain community some months ago, I have a new approach and it  benefits my clients in a big way!    How's that you ask?

Each and every day, I read blogs with active, educated real estate agents from all over the country.   Not only is this a great source of information to me, BUT by reading their blogs, I have gained insight into their business models and their personalities.   I feel that I truly know some of these folks and feel very confident that they are more than capable to treat my  trusted referrals with the utmost care.   Through their blogs I can see that they know their market intimately and are the leaders in their marketplace.   Their personality shows through the words on the screen and I can make a confident judgment as to good fit for your needs!    

That.. is a big benefit!    

So my "people", I apologize if I haven't explained how asking me for an out of town referral can help you navigate the maze of a real estate transaction in a far away place, but I hope that I have now.

And in closing,

Is there anyone you know that needs real estate help anywhere in the world?  

Please have them give me a call!

 



Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

 

Cal@AlandCal.com

 

508-494-9061

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

1 comment • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 03 2012 05:50PM

New Laws in Virgina for 2012

There are a couple of changes in the law for 2012 that Virginians need to know about, or may be interested in.


An important one for Northern Virginia residents is the increased toll at the main plaza of the Dulles Toll Road. The new rate is $1.50, up from $1.25. The other on/off-ramps will remain at $.75.
 
Other laws include stricter rules for Abortion Clinics and a prison reform law that will require that 10% of money earned by inmates be put into an account so that there is  money available to them when they leave prison.
 
Another new law allows new mothers the option to receive a blood sample from their newborn, thereby having a DNA sample of their child in the event the child later needs to be identified. The logistics of implementing this law are still being worked out by many hospitals.
 
Happy 2012!

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

2 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 02 2012 07:29AM