Archive for August, 2008
Increase in Mortgage Pre-Approvals Highlights Buyers Market in Northern Virginia and Alexandria
August 11th, 2008 Categories: Mortgage Update
Rob Clark, our go to guy at Preferred Mortgage, reports an increase in pre-approvals, up over August 2006 and August 2007 in the Northern Virginia and Alexandria markets
As Rob notes “the attitude of most of the buyers is the same……………..prices are down, rates are low, I want to buy now.”
The drop in the cost of oil over the past few weeks – and the drop at the gas pump – is also helping some of the inflations concerns that have existed the past few months.
The overall economic picture is not clear moving into the fall, but Rob Clarkâs full mortgage report for 15 and 30 day trends and his commentary on the market is useful in understanding what is happening.
And what is your attitude? Do you know what a great time it is to buy? Call me at 703.927.4554 and let’s talk about it.
Michael
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August’s 1st Thursday in Del Ray is All About Technology
August 7th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News
Well, thats what the sign says!
Truthfully I didn’t see any tables or booths about technology -
just a lot of people having a great time on an unbelievably mild August evening and doing what we do best in Del Ray -
supporting the community.
Waiting for mom – and chocolate.
Just hanging out.
Toe tapping music.
The hot new way to exercise.
William, on the way home.
See you back here on September 5.
Michael
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Fresh Farmers’ Market to Open on Upper King Street in Alexandria
August 7th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria
A new, weekday Fresh Farmers’ Market will soon open on Upper King Street in Alexandria. The market, located at the King Street Gardens Park (1806 King Street) , will run operate 3:00pm to 7:00pm – RAIN OR SHINE – from August 13 through October 29.
Conveniently located just a few steps from the King Street Metro, the late afternoon week day market is a great addition to the already stellar line up of Saturday morning markets in Del Ray, the West End and at Market Square in the heart of Old Town. A boon for area residents and commuters alike!
The market, within easy walking distance of the Rosemont and Parker Gray neighborhoods, also emphasizes the growing impact of the mega Carlyle development as a thriving residential community.
The Farmer’s Market will offer fresh, locally grown produce, home made goods and bakery items.
I always run out of fresh tomatoes by mid-week so I am really looking forward to this. See you there!
Michael
P.S. Want to know more about the walkable communities around this market? Call me at 703.927.4554 and we’ll make a date.
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Celebrating Community in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood with National Night Out
August 5th, 2008 Categories: Del Ray
Despite gray skies and ever present humidity, Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood lived up to its well-deserved reputation with a spirited community celebration of “National Night Out”.
Now in its 25th year, National Night Out is a unique neighborhood event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) that is designed to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
With that in mind, the Alexandria’s Sheriff’s Department and the Alexandria Police Department are a viable presence at each gathering.
This year, a newcomer and an absolute hit, was the 17,000 ton armored Humvee like vehicle used by the city’s SWAT teams. Another favorite was K-9 trooper “Ajax”.
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Virginia Named Best State for Business for Second Consecutive Year by Forbes Magazine
August 5th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News
For the second consecutive year, Virginia has been named the best state* in the nation for business by Forbes Magazine.
Part of the allure for business in Virginia is an environment of incentives and the third lowest unemployment rate in the country.
Incentives are tailored for both business growth and to encourage startups.
The incentives include financial assistance, facilities development grants, tax credits and exemptions. Virginia also offers work-force training and technical support.
To compile the rankings, Forbes examines, among other things,:
- business and living costs
- job and income growth
- gross state product growth
- educational attainment
- venture capital money
- role of government.
Overall, Forbes examined 32 criteria to assemble the list.
Why is this important to you? Strong businesses need a satisfied, productive work force and that work force will always need housing. Whether you are buying or selling, or even renting, Virginia offers a stable environment for real estate investment.
For more information about housing costs in Northern Virginia, call me at 703.927.4554.
Michael
***Technically, Virginia is a Commonwealth, not a state. Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania also share that distinction.
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Mortgage Rates Are Still Friendly for Northern Virginia and Alexandria
August 4th, 2008 Categories: Mortgage Update
Mortgage rates closed last week at 6.5% with no points for a 30 year conforming loan, making housing in Northern Virginia and Alexandria extremely desirable.
The passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act may eliminate Down Payment Assistance Programs – an even better reason to buy now – but the real impact of the bill remains to be seen.
For more information, read Rob Clark’s full mortgage report for 15 and 30 day trends and his commentary on the market.
Still have questions? We’re here to help you at 703.927.4554
Michael
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Forbes Names Alexandria As Suburb With Best Standard of Living in Northern Virginia
August 3rd, 2008 Categories: Alexandria
Forbes.com recently compiled a list of suburbs with the best standard of living for the country’s 15 largest cities. Alexandria was named as the best Northern Virginia suburb for Washington, DC.
Creating a model that analyzed data for school quality, crime rates, income and education levels and homeownership rates, Forbes.com used data supplied by a Rhode Island-based real estate research firm.
The search model was applied to every incorporated and unincorporated town, city, and village within a 25 mile radius of each of the major cities.
Being named as the best suburb in Northern Virginia is just one of many accolades received this year by the city of Alexandria. In the past 6 months, Alexandria has been nationally recognized for:
- Promoting Affordable Housing Opportunities
- The Best Walking City in Virginia
- One of the Top 10 Cities for Dogs
- One of the 50 Greenest Cities in the United States
- The Most Romantic City in the United States
- One of the Nation’s Top 100 Best Communities for Young People
Don’t you want to be part of this great community? Whether you are interested in Del Ray, Old Town, Cameron Station, Old Town Greens, or the Mt. Vernon area, give me a call me at 703.927.4554 and we’ll find your place in Alexandria.
Michael
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A Corn Stalk Grows in Alexandria
August 2nd, 2008 Categories: Del Ray
A single, lone corn stalk grows in Alexandria.
Can you identify the location?
Be the first to email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you a Starbucks Gift Card. (Sorry, but neighbors within a two block area are not eligible.)
Good hunting,
Michael
P.S. – Del Ray used to be farmland . . .
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