Archive for August, 2009
Electric Railway Played An Important Role in Del Ray History
August 18th, 2009 Categories: Del Ray
Northern Virginia abounds in history – and no where more so than in Alexandria. Old Town Alexandria is closely connected to the shipping business that flourished along the Potomac River. Del Ray, on the other hand, owes its early history to the development of one of the first electric railways in the country and later, the Potomac Rail Yard.
Once known as the Town of Potomac, Del Ray was annexed by the City of Alexandria in 1930. The occasion was commemorated January 1, 1930 with a “gala program of music and dance” at the fire station. At midnight, a siren wailed to mark the New Year and the official annexation. The action was originally controversial and a majority of the townspeople refused to re-elect council members who favored joining the city.
For more on the electric railway and Potomac Rail Yard, check out this great video from the WETA library.
Del Ray Streetcars
And if you want to know more about living here, give me a call at 703.927.4554 or email me at [email protected]
Michael
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A Summer Sunday in Del Ray
August 16th, 2009 Categories: Scenic Sundays
Saturdays are for the Del Ray Farmers Market and running errands. But Sundays, even on a hot summer day, are for strolling, convertibles and brunch:
Come see us some time!
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Parking in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood – It Just Got Better
August 14th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Del Ray is one of Alexandria’s best and most sought after neighborhoods. Those of us who live here like it because it is compact, easy to navigate and we can walk to all the great shops and restaurants.
There aren’t any parking buildings or big parking lots but that’s ok because we don’t really need them – except when we do – especially when folks from other neighborhoods come to see what all the fuss is about!
But not to worry, parking just got better. Shops and restaurants along Mt. Vernon Avenue have done a terrific job of working with each other and with at least one city-run service to create new parking opportunities.
For instance, from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, the lot behind Cheestique, Let’s Meat on the Avenue and the Caboose is leased to the Alexandria Department of Human Services. But after 5:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays the lot is open to anyone, free of charge.
When our favorite Eclectic Nature closes for the day, it turns over its two spaces to Fireflies. Hey – two spaces is two spaces!
Los Tios, which always has a crowd, now has an agreement with SunTrust Bank to use their lot after banking hours and with Curves to use their lot after they close for the day.
La Strada has partnered with the Salvation Army to use their parking lot in the evening.
Now see, that’s what being a neighborhood is all about . . .
Michael
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Getting Married? Take Advantage of A Bridal Mortgage Registry to Buy Your New Home
August 14th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News
Are you getting married? Are you planning to buy a new home together? If so, then you might want to take advantage of a little known option known as the bridal mortgage registry.
Authorized in 1996 by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Bridal Mortgage Registry formally recognized the fact that cash for a down payment was often the result of gifts given to a young couple at the time of their marriage. The procedure is actually quite straight forward and differs very little from registering at a department or specialty store or for a honeymoon.
Couples may contact a lender or opt to go directly with a company that is set up specifically to handle a mortgage registry. Some of the ones we found online include:
- FHA Mortgage Bridal Registry
- Bridal Mortgage Registry
- Feather Our Nest Mortgage Wedding Registry
- Sun Trust Bank
Interestingly, the original FHA directive also notes that couple do not have to be married at the time the mortgage loan is signed AND that “bridal couples or individuals are not obligated to use the money in the Bridal Registry Account for a down payment on a home. The couple or individuals control how the funds will be used, and if there plans change, they can simply withdraw the money and use it for something else.”
As for the propriety of such a registry, no less an authority than Peggy Post, of Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette, says “It is not rude to request money as a wedding gift. If you seek down payment money or would like a monetary gift, get the word out to family and friends, Post recommends. Just don’t include that information in the same envelope as a wedding invitation.
What better way to take advantage of the 2009 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit? Or, if you’re looking for more information about buying in the Northern Virginia area, give me a call at 703.927.4554 or email me at [email protected]
Michael
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Mosquito Busters Are a Hit in Alexandria
August 13th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
I never really envisioned writing a post about “mosquito busters” but an article in this morning’s Washington Post couldn’t help but catch my eye. It seems that mosquito busters are all the rage this summer in Alexandria - and especially in Del Ray. Most of the article focuses on the extensive, and expensive, steps that folks are taking to ward off the pesky mosquito.
A local family, the Hartells, decided to fight back against the Asian tiger mosquito in just about the most drastic way possible.
For an annual fee of $699, two men carrying backpack blowers, and dressed like extras from Ghost Busters, spray the Hartells yard with encapsulated pyrethroid, a botanical based insecticide derived from chrysanthemums.
And they don’t just do it once – they do it every 21 days, April thru October.
The article goes on to give good prevention tips and a list of resources for more information. Click here to view the full article.
Michael
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Exotic Planterium, Card & Collectorama in Alexandria, VA
August 12th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Yesterday, we visited with by far the most unusual business in Alexandria’s eclectic Del Ray neighborhood – the Exotic Planterium, Card and Comic Collectorama.
The Exotic Planterium was started some 34 years ago by owner Dennis Webb and we think it is fair to say that little, if anything, has changed since then.
Randomly stacked boxes of merchandise prevent the front door from opening all the way, it is almost impossible for two people to stand side by side and the ancient air conditioner is on its last legs. It’s dusty, dirty, cluttered and a throwback to another time and place - yet intriguing.
It was tempting to be dismissive but after talking to Dennis it was easy to see how he had made this his life’s work.
Where to start? Dennis graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in horticulture and a special interest in houseplants. After returning to Alexandria , Dennis joined his mother at her “Odds & Ends Antique Shop” on Mt. Vernon Avenue. Mrs. Webb offered Dennis a small unused space and he started selling small, random things and, of course, plants.
Eventually Dennis moved to his current location at 2008 Mt. Vernon Avenue.
The Exotic Planterium is self-explantatory. Plants, mainly succulents and tropical ferns occupy the front windows and often sit outside on small tables. Hand blended potting soil is available for 69 cents a scoop.
The Card and Collectorama portion of the shop reflects Dennis’ interest in old baseball cards and comic books. One wall is covered in vintage comic books in plastic sleeves. Prices range from several dollars to an original Space Patrol comic book for $180. Vintage baseball cards are available in packs or individually.
There is also a wide assortment of, well, let’s just call it “stuff”. Tie pins, plastic red lips, troll dolls, salt & pepper shakers, vampire teeth, etc., all with hand written labels and price tags.
This original John Wayne comic sells for $95
Interestingly, Dennis does not travel to card or comic or plant shows to purchase his inventory. Rather, as he said, “people know me” and “they’ll call and ask if I’m interested in something.”
I can’t say that I’ll be returning to the Exotic Planterium, Card & Collectorama anytime soon. But, if you are a collector or just someone who enjoys truly offbeat places, then tell Dennis we said hello.
Michael
P.S. – We looked up planterium in the dictionary and, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such word. It’s just an extension of Mr. Webb’s eclectic style.
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July Housing Sales for Alexandria Zip Code 22301
August 11th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Real Estate News
July housing sales in Alexandria’s zip code 22301 - the Del Ray neighborhood – are contrary to those in most of the metro area.
Specifically, in July 2009, the number of houses sold compared to July 2008 was down from 21 to 13, BUT, the average price was UP from $675, 955 to $725, 885.
The average number of days on the market also dropped from 76 in 2008 to 50 in 2009. For more comparisons see below:
July Housing Sales for 22301
Interested in living in this great, vibrant area? Give me a call at 703.927.4554 or email [email protected]
Michael
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Eclectic Nature Gift and Garden Center in Alexandria, VA
August 9th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
The Eclectic Nature Gift and Garden Center in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood is one of those special places that simply makes you happy.
Perennials, annuals and garden accessories fill the side and back yard while the adjoining house – with every room painted a different color – is chock-a-block with gift items and unique home furnishings.
It has an Alice in Wonderland appeal coupled with great design and whimsy.
Opened 5 years ago by Christy Beal, the Eclectic Nature and Gift Center is a true reflection of both her extensive background in landscape design and her inherent artistic nature.
The one time head landscaper at the Bellhaven Country Club was doing just fine with her own design company but “got bored” and wanted a larger outlet for her imagination and talent.
When I asked, why Del Ray, the answer was familiar. She had had a client in Del Ray and fell in love with the neighborhood. (Who doesn’t?) The next step was locating space that could contain both a garden and a gift shop. Located at 1503 Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Eclectic Nature and Gift Center is next door to the wildly popular Fireflies and two doors down from our favorite Potomac West Antiques.
It’s hard to miss Eclectic Nature – the side wall of the nursery area is covered in a brightly painted mural that declares “Design – Create – Imagine” while roses, blackeyed susans, grasses and liatris spill down the front embankment onto the sidewalk.
A wide driveway invites even the most casual visitor as does the piece de resistance – a 6ft. tall urn overflowing with water.
And keep an eye out for Max, the store mascot and honorary greeter. A full time summer fixture, Max goes home with Christy in the winter and shares space with her 9 year old daughter, 2 dogs and 2 “other” cats. 
The nursery was a bit bare when we visited on Saturday (it is August) but fall plants will soon start rolling in as well as items for Halloween and Christmas.
In fact, Christy tells us that Halloween and Christmas are as important to the bottom line as spring planting. She also gave us a few hints as to what we can expect from her Christmas shop and we can’t wait. It sounds spectacular and we will be going back for another round of pictures.
Christy admitted that Eclectic Nature has struggled a bit and finding the right mix of items for the neighborhood has been a challenge. For instance, early in her tenure she brought in shrubs and trees but with lots of postage size yards, folks were more interested in quart size containers of showy perennials or annuals.
Pricing is also a challenge. Christy can’t compete with the big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot (who can?) but works to be competitive with other local outlets like Apple House.
Personally, the idea of being able to roll my wagon a few blocks down the street, grab a cup of coffee and do my plant shopping without ever getting in my car or fighting the crowds is both time and money saved!
What has worked well from the beginning though is her eclectic array of gifts for every occasion. 
Purses and jewelry are favorite items but you’ll also find just the thing for a baby shower, a hostess gift or even that chandelier you didn’t know you needed. A perfect recipe for shopping!
We really like Eclectic Nature Gift and Garden and we think you will too. Stop in and see for yourself, you’ll be glad you did.
Michael
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Home Buyers Tax Credit – Don’t Cheat!
August 9th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News
We’ve written here about all the benefits of the 2009 Home Buyers Tax Credit and now we are adding another piece to the story – Don’t Cheat!
Sure, everyone would love to get the maximum $8,000 dollars back on their tax return but if you don’t qualify for the Tax Credit, do not try and fudge the numbers. Don’t Cheat.
According to an excellent article in yesterday’s Washington Post, “the IRS already has 24 criminal investigations of suspected fraud underway around the country. It has executed 7 search warrants and last month a tax preparer in Florida entered a guilty plea on federal charges of fraud in connection with the first-time buyer credit.”
The article, by writer Kenneth R. Harney, goes on to note a list of things that can disqualify buyers from the Home Buyers Tax Credit:
- “Purchasing your house from a related person
- Buying a home with a spouse who is ineligible, even if you are eligible individually
- Acquiring a house through an inheritance or gift
- Financing the house through a tax-exempt mortgage bond program
- Making too much money – in excess of $95,000 of modified, adjusted gross income for singles, $170,000 or more for married joint filers.”
For more of this timely article, click here. For more on how you can take advantage of this great opportunity in today’s market, call me at 703.927.4554 or email at [email protected]
And remember, Don’t Cheat,
Michael
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Potomac West Interiors and Antiques in Alexandria, VA
August 7th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Potomac West Interiors and Antiques in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year with owner Susan Driscoll at the helm.
Growing up almost next door to Mt. Vernon, Susan came to her interest in antiques early and at the age of 14 bought her first antique, a radio, at the now defunct Thieves Market.
Fast forward to a career as a trade broker in a barter clearing house and then a life change that called for a new line of work.
Susan initially tried her hand at buying and selling antiques as a small independent dealer but soon realized that she would never make a living scouring flea markets and yard sales.
And from that Potomac West Interior and Antiques came into being. Susan reasoned that if she could rent space to other dealers plus collect a percentage of sales then she just might have a fighting chance to do what she loved.
When I asked her why she came to Del Ray the answer was very simply “the space was available.” Add to the fact that Potomac West is located on the corner of Monroe and Mt. Vernon Ave. – one of the busiest intersections in Alexandria – with a Burke and Herbert Bank across the street, a parking lot in back, and a basement area, it was a no brainer.
Susan now has 35 vendors at Potomac West, some of whom have been with her from the very beginning.
She still keeps her hand in the business but, as she said, “I don’t have to go looking anymore, it comes to me.”
A second iteration of the business came into being just about three years ago when Susan took over the space immediately adjacent to Potomac West. Original plans to create one large space were scrapped after the construction estimate skyrocketed from $5,000 to $36,000. The second building was also, as Susan so delicately puts it, “shabby” – thus was born “Not Too Shabby Antiques and Consignments.”
The consignments run into the thousands with everything from a single item to entire households. One thing Susan is particularly proud of is her “donation” program.
Consignors have 90 days in which to complete a sale. At the end of the 90 days they must either pick up the unsold items or allow Susan to donate them to one of three local groups who serve needy families and individuals: United Community Ministries (UCM), ALIVE!, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore. And to complete the transaction Susan even provides individual tax receipts!
To keep things interesting, Susan has added a series of occasional Thursday lectures which are open free of charge to the public.
Speakers have included a professional organizer, a Feng Shui expert, and an expert on costume jewelery.
Susan is also beginning to offer her services for estate sales.
Personally, my wife loves shopping at Potomac West and Not Too Shabby. It’s a great source for everything from vintage hankerchiefs and jewelery to elegant furniture and decorative accessories. And if you’re in the market for something specific, talk to Susan and she’ll keep an eye out for you.
Potomac West and Not Too Shabby are open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 6pm and Sunday, 11am – 5pm.
So whether you are looking to furnish a new house, want to update your look or need just the perfect accessory, drop by Potomac West – and tell Susan we sent you!
Michael
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