Archive for the 'Del Ray' Category
Alexandria Real Estate Market Report for Del Ray, Rosemont and Temple Park
March 21st, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Market Reports
The February 2010 Alexandria Real Estate Market Report for Del Ray, Rosemont and Temple Park - those neighborhoods in zip code 2301 - show a marked improvement over the same period in 2009.
Although the number of sales is down 33%, from 9 in 2009 to 6 in 2010, the average sold price is up 18% for the same time period. The days on market (DOM) made an even stronger showing, dropping from 84 in 2009 to 28 in 2010. All this despite the weeks of snow that brought the market to a virtual stand still here in Alexandria.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the March numbers. Open houses were rampant this weekend with buyers and sellers ready to make a move. As always price is key.
The numbers below represent sales of single family dwellings, condominiums are not included.
| February (22301 zip) |
2009 |
2010 |
| Av. List Price |
$540,367 |
$637,083 |
| Av. Sold Price |
$619,589 |
$630,750 |
| Low List Price |
$299,900 |
$435,000 |
| Low Sold Price |
$285,000 |
$406,000 |
| High List Price |
$825,000 |
$885,000 |
| High Sold Price |
$792,000 |
$886,000 |
| # of Home Sales |
9 |
6 |
| Av. Days on Market |
84 |
28 |
Want to know more about available properties in the Del Ray, Rosemont and Temple Park neighborhoods? Give me a call at 703.927.4554 and let’s talk.
Michael
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Artfully Chocolate and Artfully Paper in Alexandria, VA
March 18th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Take a Master’s Degree in Economics, an untapped passion for art, a 40th birthday - and you get Artfully Chocolate and Artfully Paper in Alexandria.
Now, the path wasn’t really quite that simple but each of these elements combined to create what are two of the most popular shops in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Alexandria - our very own Del Ray.
I’m going to let you read here about how Eric Nelson made the transition from high-flying lobbyist to hands on owner of a mini-chain of retail stores because what I want to focus on are the shops, Artfully Paper and Artfully Chocolate, or, to be precise, Artfully Chocolate/Kingsbury Chocolate (ACKC).
Located on Mt. Vernon Avenue between Howell and Windsor Avenues, Artfully Paper and Artfully Chocolate appeal to those who like both one stop shopping and special treats.
Artfully Paper is chocked full of ribbon, wrapping paper, cards, cocktail napkins, magnets, writing implements, costume jewelry, etc., etc. It’s the perfect place to pop in for that last minute gift or the “thing” you didn’t know you needed. Then, walk out the door, turn left for 10 or 12 steps and open the door on Artfully Chocolate.
This the place for special treats - the place where you can buy a single, exquisite chocolate or an entire gift basket of chocolate goodies. Eric and his business partner/chocolatier Rob Kingsbury have stocked Artfully Chocolate with the most amazing handmade chocolates, truffles, fudge, sugar creams, triple nut clusters, cashew toffee, Fleur de Sel Caramels, licorice, etc. etc.
And then there are the Divas! The Divas are chocolate specialty drinks that can be served hot or as an ice cream dessert or, perhaps in the heat of summer, as the most decadent milk shake on the planet.
For instance, the “Carmen Miranda” is a fruit mix of raspberries in dark chocolate with a whipped cream bonnet decorated with dried strawberries and mangoes. The “Judy Garland” is milk chocolate with a shot of hazelnut covered in whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. And the “Bette Davis” is milk chocolate infused with almond syrup and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.
Need I say more?
Oh, remember we mentioned an untapped passion for art?
Well, Eric found his own diva - a technique that uses translucent acrylic paint on Mylar - and his works are displayed on the walls of both shops and as table tops in Artfully Chocolate. He has sold over 200 pieces, a immensely rewarding acknowledgment of why he started all this in the first place.
What’s next for Eric and Rob? They are considering a Maryland location (there is already one in DC) but the idea I like best is a shop in Alexandria that would sell supplies for chocolate making and offer classes.
But don’t wait, indulge yourself now, at Artfully Chocolate and Artfully Paper, you’ll be glad you did.
Michael
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Happening Now in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
February 26th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Del Ray Business Association
Once a month or so the Del Ray Business Association publishes an increasingly long list of discounts, events, special offers, etc. offered by the independent retailers who make their home in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood. And now we’re passing it on to you.
It’s a long list, with a little something for everyone, so get comfortable!
BUNGALOW HOMEWARES GALLERY - 1901A Mt. Vernon Avenue . Great new, green-friendly upholstered seating has arrived at Bungalow Homewares Gallery . Sofas, chairs, sectionals, ottomans, all constructed with sustainably harvested hardwood frames, low-impact glues and stains, part-soy foam, recycled steel sinuous springs, and over 200 fabrics, including a choice of fabrics from recycled fibers. And did we mention comfy? (703 299 8899)
EVENING STAR CAFÉ - 2000 Mt. Vernon Avenue — 2nd Annual Oyster Roast! Celebrate the last day of the Olympics with us Sunday, February 28, 12 PM to 6 PM. Escape the cabin fever and come join us to help celebrate the last day of the Olympics. We will be roasting oysters and grilling dogs. There will be wines from around the world as well as good old fashioned American beers and mulled cider. On top of all that will be some Wii tournaments (skiing anyone?) and we will close it all out with an outdoor viewing of the gold medal hockey game. The big top tent will be up and heaters galore, so bring the family and friends out for a day in the neighborhood!
ECLECTIC NATURE & GARDEN CENTER - 1503 Mt. Vernon Avenue , is pleased to announce the arrival of tons of new merchandise coming in the door every day including more and more furniture from new dealers! Spring is just around the corner and the pottery sale will be ending very soon, so take advantage of our sales while they last! We will also be giving a ‘FREE’ lecture on SPRING GARDEN PREP. at Potomac West Interiors on March 11, starting at 7:00pm. Please call to reserve your spot! 703.837.0500, Christy Beal, www.engiftandgarden
POTOMAC WEST ANTIQUES & NOT TOO SHABBY - 1515 & 1517 Mt. Vernon Avenue . Remember Aston Hardware? Its inventory is now at Potomac West Antiques and Not Too Shabby Consignments and Antiques, respectively. This week we are offering 10% off Aston Hardware’s large collection of knobs, pulls, shutter dogs, escutcheons, casters, and other assorted hardware. Transform your tired furniture pieces by adding new classic hardware.
DEL RAY ARTISANS – Mark your calendars for: (1) Women in Art: Body of Work which opens Friday, March 5, with a reception from 7 – 10 pm; (2) Open Life Drawing / Gestures, Wednesday March 10, 11 am - 1 pm; (3) Open Life Drawing / Poses, Wednesday March 10, 2 pm - 5 pm; (4) Felting Accessories Workshop, Wednesday, March 10, 7 – 9 pm and Sunday, March 14, 1 – 4 pm; (5) Making New Accessories from Recycled Materials, Friday March 12, 6 – 10 pm. Check http://www.thedelra
STUDIO BODY LOGIC - AUTHENTIC PILATES: Two exciting workshops coming soon — this Saturday, February 27, from 1:30 to 3 pm, we’ll focus on the Wunda Chair, a small but powerful piece of equipment that will leave you breathless ($40 per person; Strong beginning/intermedi
DO MORE WITH LES is Celebrating One Year! Help celebrate by booking for 4 hours, and paying for just 3. If you are looking for a personal assistant with pizzazz, look no further - Do More With LES is here to help YOU! Lauren Smith would love to help you and your clients. Simplifying lives one at a time, starting with yours. Call, e-mail or visit my website today. 703.963.4009 Lauren@DoMoreWithLE
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