Open House Schedule

Due to the Labor Day holiday, we will not be having any open houses this Sunday. If you are interested in one of our properties, please contact our office after the holiday weekend and we will set up a time to view the property. Thank you and enjoy the last weekend of summer!

Sunday night in DC will be music to your ears

If you are planning to stay in DC for Labor Day, I encourage you to check out the annual performance of the National Symphony Orchestra on the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol Sunday night. The Goodhart family has attended this concert many times and those nights are some of my fondest childhood memories. Our family would pack a large picnic and head up to the lawn of the Capitol with friends to enjoy the outdoors, the remaining days of summer, and the music of the National Symphony Orchestra. The concert is free and is a lovely night to spend time with friends and loved ones and enjoy the culture and beauty the Nations Capitol has to offer.

West Lawn of the US Capitol, 8pm Sunday August 31st. And its free!

Getting to the Beach is well... A Beach!

Nothing beats being at the beach for Labor Day weekend, but the drive there can often be long after a long week at work. Good thing you can sit back, relax, and let someone else drive you- and we aren't talking about an expensive car service! For just $32 each way, you can sit on a bus, watch movies, chat with your friends or catch up on work and even unwind with a few drinks if you bring them on board yourself.

The bus leaves on Friday evening from Arlington, VA at The Front Page bar near Ballston Metro Station at 6pm or from the New Carrollton Metro Station in Maryland at 6:35 and drops you off at Starboard or Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach, DE. On Sunday, you can catch the bus back at 4pm from The Starboard. Please check with the bus company for any changes to the Labor Day schedule.

For more information, visit http://www.deweybeachbus.com/.

Enjoy your weekend!

Million Dollar Babies

Want to know what a million bucks can get you in cities across the country? Take a look at this special from CNN Money on homes selling for $1 million dollars nationwide.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/real_estate/0706/gallery.june_million_dollar_houses/index.html

Too bad no DC homes made the cut! Look back later for our own edition of what you can get for a million around the Washington DC area.

A good catch still brings multiple contracts!

Can you believe we are still seeing multiple contracts? Make no mistake about it, properties inside the beltway that are priced well and show well are selling quickly with 2 or more contracts! I won’t say that the prices are escalating much above list price—they're not. But we are seeing a dearth of inventory in some places and price categories causing buyers to rush to write contracts on the good ones. Think you have a good catch? Contact us today for a listing appointment or to see what you can do to get your property into shape for multiple contracts!

Featured Property: 1501 Anderson Court

This quiet escape provides the perfect combination of city and country living. Settled

on a large corner lot between two cul-de-sacs in a peaceful, leafy neighborhood, you would never know you were right in the City of Alexandria and minutes to 395!

The other highlights of this home include gleaming hardwoods, a large bay window and a beautiful fireplace with dentil moldings in the living room, 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 car garage, updated bathroom in the large, finished basement and a screened in porch.

For more details on the property or to see photographs, please contact us or visit the listing on our website. http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90005399481

Ode to Bethany Beach

We are fortunate to have a get away place at Bethany Beach. I can’t tell you how much stress is relieved once you cross over the Bay Bridge and head down Rt 50 to 401. Since we have had a lot going on this summer we have not had as much time to spend there but we have made a few “day” trips. We leave early in the morning on a Sunday get there in time to do a quick workout, head to the beach by noon with a sandwich from DiFebo’s , relax in the sand by the surf for a few hours then back to shower and dress for dinner at our favorite restaurant—Northeast Seafood Restaurant on Rt 26 in Ocean View. Then head home. Traffic has not been bad and it has proved to be a nice respite from craze of the metro area. It's great!

Short sales—the good, the bad and the ugly

We have had some nice success with our buyers purchasing properties which are in a short sell position—where the owner still has title to the property but is coming to the table “short” of the full amount owed to the lender(s). This process requires the lender to “approve” the short sale and let the seller of the hook. But we have had some absolute nightmares with some short sales. In two recent transactions our sellers have been put through the meat grinder by Chase and Navy Federal in getting approval for their short sales. Chase has been the worst taking over 6 months from the seller’s first request for help. In the case of Navy Federal, our client had an account with them since birth and was given shoddy treatment. Both clients had gotten into the position they were in due to job loss and job transfer. Their homes dropped in value by almost 20%. They went to the banks right away when they found they were in trouble.

Washington DC Calendar of Events for September-December

Every year the Goodhart Group puts together a calendar for the last four months of the year featuring metropolitan Washington events – theater, Redskins’ home games, art exhibits, musical events, festivals and parades. We’d be happy to send you one via snail mail or e-mail if you contact us at mheegeman@mcenearney.com or 703 549 9292, x271.

Property Feature: 6 Phoenix Mill Place

This gorgeous, four level townhome features 4 bedrooms and 4 and one half baths.

The elegant main level level is adorned with beautiful crown moldings, hardwood floors, and built in bookcases and is completed by a large, contemporary kitchen with center island.

Outside, you will find a spacious, fenced-in backyard with a deck and brick patio, overlooking a wooded creek view. Sound good? It gets better. Located in a small community just stoplights from Old Town, 495, and 395, and just steps to Duke Street, you can be anywhere in the area within moments! Ask us for more details today.

Our Sunday Open Houses

From now on, every Saturday we will be letting you all know what houses we will be holding open on Sunday. All homes will be open Sunday, August 17 from 1-4pm.

411 East Alexandria Avenue- Alexandria, VA 22301

Listed at $1,099,000, this gorgeous 5BR home has been completed renovated and remodeled. A wrap around porch, large gourmet kitchen, and amazing master bedroom are the stand outs of this all around perfect home in Del Ray, just steps to restaurants, parks and shops!

2425 Phillips Drive- Alexandria, VA 22306

At $489,900, this FIVE BEDROOM house is a steal! Located in a quiet community, this impeccably maintained home with a main level bedroom has a large updated eat-in kitchen, family room with wood burning stove, lower level rec room with kitchennette and a large flat fenced in yard!

1501 Anderson Court- Alexandria, VA 22312

Main level living at a country house in the city! Set on a quiet street on a corner lot, this 3 BR home for $539,900 has a huge family room in basement, beautiful living room, and a screened in porch providing extra living space.

Please stop by and visit us!

A Real Neighborhood Spot that's Worth the Visit

Okay, so maybe I’m a little biased, but in my humble opinion, Taqueria Poblano on Mount Vernon Ave has the absolute best guacamole on the planet -bar none. I’m biased because my husband works at the Taqueria. However, I held this opinion before he joined the team there so maybe I’m not so biased after all. There’s just something wonderful about the simplicity of fresh quality ingredients in the right proportions. How can something so simple be so good? And yet it is. As are many other items on the “Taq’s” menu.

They make killer margaritas with fresh squeezed lime juice- the best refreshment on a hot summer day in Del Ray. (Non-imbibers can have the Lime Cooler version- also delicious) The Chicken Mole Verde used to be an occasional special but was requested so frequently they finally added it to the regular menu and it remains popular. As one would expect they also serve burritos and tacos. The shrimp taco is my favorite with nicely grilled shrimp and tangy onion escabeche.

I’m usually just popping in for a quick bite between appointments so I almost always sit at the bar but their patio, shaded by a big awning is a great place to enjoy a bite and people-watch. The only problem is the place is tiny. I mean tiny as in scoot in your chair so you don’t get bumped when the table next to you is being seated. They opened another location in Arlington a few years ago that is more spacious but I’ve always preferred the charm of the original. Just a little place with good food, nice neighbors and of course – a friendly staff!

Taqueria Poblano is located at 2400-B Mount Vernon Ave. tucked in between the bright orange Yoga in Daily Life and the barber shop. What a great neighborhood! Get there early because they fill up fast and don’t take reservations- oh yeah and they’re closed on Tuesdays. Say hi to Jeff for me when you go and tell him to bring home some guacamole! http://www.taqueriapoblano.com/



P.S. it's pronounced tawk-uh-rhea

Come on, get out of town! Our Goodhart Getaways are just the ticket.

There’s still a month left of summer! Make the most of it-what are you waiting for?

Over the last year, we've had our ears to the ground seeking out some fabulous spots for you to visit. Our finds, from the mountains, to the vineyards and the waterfront, will provide you with opportunities to explore, learn or relax! So whatever sort of little escape you desire, we have a place for you!

We would be happy to e-mail you our latest edition of Goodhart Getaways. Most are just a tank of gas away. E-mail us at mheegeman@mcenearney.com and we’ll get the list out to you!

Struggling with mortgage payments? There is help out there!

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, contact your lender immediately. And keep talking to him or her. Non profit groups offering free housing counseling: Acorn, 866 672 2676, www.acorn.org; HomeFreeUSA, 866 696 2369, homefreeusa.org; Hope Now 888 995 4673, hopenow.com and Neighborhood Assistance Corporation, 888 302 6222, naca.com.

Attention First Time Homebuyers!

When the President signs the housing relief bill, there will be a $7500 tax credit for first time home buyers or if you have not owned a home for the last three years. This is a credit so it reduces your taxable income by that amount. The period covered is April 9, 2008 to July 1st 2009. You must live in the home you are buying. If you are single and your adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000, you are not eligible. If you are married, the limit is $150,000. You have 15 years to repay this credit – or if you sell your home before that, the credit is recaptured. Great incentive for those of you who want to buy your first home or become a homeowner again!

Property Feature: 305 S. Royal St.

Just imagine the life you could lead living in this charming Old Town home built in the late 1700's, just steps to shopping, restaurants, the Potomac River, grocery stores, churches and anything else you can imagine. Don't feel like walking? Just stroll to your car conveniently located in your off-street parking space beside your home. It's the best of both worlds!

The interior of this cozy home is even better. Beautiful crown, chair-rail and original dentil moldings set the tone for this classic home with gorgeous wide plank floors. The kitchen is framed by french doors leading out to a quaint brick patio, perfect for relaxing on a beautiful day. On the second level you will find two bedrooms and a full bath, while the spacious third level, which also features a full bath, can be used as a bedroom or a secluded home office.

The perfect year-round home or city escape. Welcome home!

Two Reasons to Celebrate 08/08/08

We have already featured the new restaurant PING by Charlie Chang in Shirlington Village on our blog. However, we thought the promotion they are running to kick off the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing is worth mentioning.

Today, for 8 hours, from noon to 8pm, you can get 8 main courses for $8! So, gear up for the Olympic games with some Chinese fare and celebrate 08 08 08 like you are in Beijing- without all the smog!

http://www.charliechiangs.com/CCPing.htm

Waterfront views, lobster clambakes and free music- right here at home!

Want an escape but don't have the time? If you can't get away to the beach this weekend, try heading over to the National Harbor for free music, great views and a fresh experience. On Friday nights, the National Harbor features a **FREE** Summer Concert Series each Friday night from 7-9pm, which will run until the 29th of August. Also running through August is the lobster clambake, which occurs on the waterfront at 7pm every Thursday evening!

The newly completed National Harbor in Maryland, across from Alexandria, VA and just down from the District, has a variety of great shops and restaurants to offer, along with a full-service luxury hotel overlooking the Potomac River. You can get to the Harbor by car, or enjoy the quick (and free!) ferry ride from historic Alexandria, VA. You'll feel like you're on a vacation, right here at home.

Let us know how it goes!

For more information, please visit http://www.nationalhabor.com/

Staying "Cool": A new way to recycle in your kitchen

We've been blogging a lot lately about going green and making your home more energy and cost efficient. Well, here's an easy way to start. Calculate how much money and energy you can save by replacing your old fridge by visiting www.recyclemyoldfridge.com .

This campaign, entitled the ENERGY STAR Recycle My Old Fridge Campaign, encourages home-owners to get a new ENERGY STAR qualified fridge and shows you how to properly recycle your own, inefficient refridgerator.

Not only will getting an ENERGY STAR qualified refridgerator reduce your energy cost, they are 20% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard, ensuring you are doing your part to protect the enviornment.

Improving your home: Cost v. Value

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors recently released a study that showed how to get the biggest return on your investment when doing updates or remodeling in your home. Kitchen remodels and anything done to the exterior of the home, including siding replacement, wood deck additions and window replacements show the largest increase in value when compared to the cost of the improvement.

Please contact our office if you would like us to suggest how to improve your house for a future sale. 703-549-9292 and ask for Sue Goodhart's office.

Property Feature: 411 E. Alexandria Ave

This 82 year old Del Ray home feels like it is a completely new construction. With a total renovation completed in 2008, this 5BR home has a wrap around porch, level backyard with intricate stone patio, an inviting family room off the large gourmet kitchen with center island, a main level bedroom with clawfoot tub and oversized showerhead in bathroom, walkout basement, and incredible upper level with master suite with oversized whirpool tub, seperate shower, two walk in closets, a fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Add the desirable location in Alexandria's favorite neighborhood, close to metro, shops and plenty of restaurants, what more could you want?

Nats face 'natti Reds in Weekend Series

This weekend is a great time to visit the new home of the Washington Nationals for their series against the Cincinnatti Reds. They play at home tonight, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon and have exciting promotional events for all three games.

Friday night's game will begin at 7:35pm and will feature a fireworks display after the game. On Saturday, the game will begin at 7:10pm and afterwards, the Nationals will show "Rookie of the Year" on the largest HDTV in sports. After these ball games, you won't care if you ever get back!

Sunday afternoon's game at 1:35pm has the most to offer for the family, but be sure to get there early. The first 10,000 kids to enter the stadium under 12 years old will receive a stuffed Panda Webkinz and beginning at 12:15pm, Nationals players will be signing autographs for fans. After the game, the kids are free to run the bases on the field! But the fun isn't just for the kids- for $14 a person, you can get a ticket to the game, one hot dog, one non-alcoholic drink and chips- a deal that will make the whole family happy.

If you are willing to spend a little-well ok, a lot-more for your tickets...the Nationals just announced they are now offering the best seats in the stadium up for sale to non-season ticket holders.

It's fun for everyone- and any size wallet too.

Click here to buy your Nationals tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/MLBEventInfo