Open Houses, Sunday February 1st

Please join us at one of our following open houses. They will all be open from 1-4pm...plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl after the open!

607 Little Street, Alexandria, VA 22301--$629,900

3504 Holly Street, Alexandria, VA 22305--$959,900

1244 N Taylor Street, Alexandria, VA 22209--$575,000

1208 I Street, Alexandria, VA 22307--$765,000

For more information on each of these listings, please visit http://www.suegoodhart.com/

Thank you! We hope to see you there.

Valentine's Day Flowers

Expensive!! Here’s a way to save a little. Send your order on line to Conklyn’s Florist in Alexandria and save money if you have flowers delivered between 2/9 and 2/12. This offer expires January 31st. 60 red roses are $400 - $360 with this offer!! Less extravagant: 12 roses for $79.95 less $8 discount.

Hurry!

Despite the fact that it’s more than two weeks until Valentine’s Day, many area restaurants are already sold out. Here are a few with tables still available: Bistrot Lafayette at 6:30 or 8, 1118 King Street, Alexandria; The Chart House on the river in Alexandria at 5:30 or 8:45; Extra Virgin in Shirlington at 6:45, 7 or 7:15; La Bergerie (for a pretty big splurge) at 218 N. Lee in Alexandria at 5 or 9 and Landini’s at 115 King Street in Alexandria at 6:30 or 8:30. Planning something really special? Try the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia for dinner at 6 or 8:30, www.ashbyinn.com. Open Table has a complete list of area restaurants with special Valentine’s Day dinners.

Featured Listing: 607 Little Street

This classic Rosemont bungalow is sited on a rare double lot just blocks from two metros!

A welcoming front porch frames the exterior of the home and leads you to its meticulously maintained interior. The bath and kitchen are updated for today’s buyer while the elegant living and dining rooms highlight the home’s character. Lovely hardwoods, designer paints and lots of light make this a dream home. The large sun room adds charm. An enclosed screen porch overlooks the extensive backyard, making this home complete.

For more information on this home and our other listings, please click here.

Broadway In Washington!

Season tickets are now available for “Avenue Q”, 2/10-15; “Bronx Tale”, 2/24-3/8; “Jesus Christ Superstar”, 3/17-22 and “Rent”, 5/26-31. All are at the District’s Warner Theatre. Visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com for tickets and information.

Peking Duck

For the last few months, six of us have been trying to locate the best version of Peking Duck in Northern Virginia. Thus far, Mark’s Duck House (Arlington Blvd.) and Duck Chang’s (John Marr Drive) have failed to impress. Neither restaurant carves the duck in front of diners and at Duck House, the server even prepared the pancakes for us. Most of the Peking Duck fun, to our minds, is watching it being carved and then creating the perfect package of duck, duck skin, scallions and hoisin sauce. We do have memories of all that theater at Peking Gourmet (Route 7), but had grown tired of that dated crowded
dining room. Perhaps it’s time for a another try. Any suggestions out there?

Open Houses for Sunday, January 25

1402 ROUNDHOUSE LN #75, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $559,000

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90083502679






21 KENNEDY ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $399,900

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90080431299



1200 SAINT STEPHENS RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $899,000

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90083696554





1300 PEGRAM ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $859,900

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90084720219





1012 DINWIDDIE ST S, ARLINGTON, VA - $469,000

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90078907377

Please join us at one of these open houses this weekend. They will all be open from 1-4pm. See you there!

Washington named one of top 10 top markets to purchase a home in for 2009!

The Washington, D.C. market came in 8th in the top markets to purcahse a home in for 2009 by Forbes.

Here is the data:

Median home price: $332,700
Motivated sales as percent of total sales: 33%
One year ago: 11%Motivated prices, relative to others: 40% less
One year ago: 35% less
Sources: Radar Logic, National Association of Realtors

For more information on how you can make the smart move to purcahse in our area in '09, please call us at 703-263-8321 or send us an e-mail at sue@suegoodhart.com

We would also like to encourage you to use our website www.suegoodhart.com to help you find a home, or join our free homefinders service where we offer a no-pressure system of sending you homes that meet your criteria when they come on the market. Happy Hunting!

Washington Hot Spots

We've heard most of the celebs in town for the Inauguration dined at one of two restaurants: Cafe Milano in Georgetown and the Blue Duck Tavern a bit further downtown.

Some other celebrities, including a new addition to the celebrity ranks, the pilot who succesfully maneuvered the emergency landing into the Hudson River last week, dined at none other than the Hudson Restaurant and Lounge near Dupont Circle.

Check out these restaurants to bask in the glow of our new status as a celebrity town! Be sure to let us know what you think...

Enjoy!

How to achieve a better credit score

Find your current score – you need 760 or over to qualify for the best loan rates
Pay off as much as you can – you want a low percentage of your credit limit
Don’t be late
Ask family members to add you to their credit cards if they have good payment history
Don’t apply for new cards
Get your credit history from all 3 agencies and correct any mistakes
Don’t stop using your credit cards -

Featured Listing: 1200 St. Stephens Road

1200 St. Stephens Road is situated on a ½ acre lot in sought after Seminary Ridge. Located just a few minutes from 395, 495, Old Town, neighborhood shops and restaurants and all of Alexandria’s high schools, you can’t beat the location! The property features flat, level land, a spacious driveway leading to a 2-car garage, a stone patio, entertainment sized deck, and several gardens.

The home’s interior is sure to delight.

The main level boasts gleaming hardwood floors, two spacious bedrooms and two full baths including a remodeled master bathroom with granite counters and a walk-in shower with an oversized showerhead. The center island eat-in kitchen has also been recently remodeled with new appliances, cabinetry and countertops. Off-the kitchen, you will find a family room and a spacious breakfast room leading to the large outdoor deck.

The main level also features a formal living room with woodburning fireplace and an elegant dining room with a chandelier and chair-rail molding.

Downstairs is a warmly inviting recreation room with an exposed brick wall and fireplace along with two generous bedrooms and a full bath. 1200 St. Stephens Road is truly a wonderful home on a picture perfect lot in one Alexandria’s finest locations.

For more information, please visit: http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90083696554

Inauguration Safety

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

As we all know, the Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama is tomorrow. Whether you are planning to attend or not, it is important to stay updated on any important safety or traffic information in the area. We would like to encourage you all to sign up for one of the following notification systems that will text or e-mail you about any major alerts regarding the Inauguration.

Visit the DC Police Alert Website or text OPEN to the number 56333 on your mobile phone to get up-to-the-minute updates about inaugural events from the Obama Inauguration Committee.

If you are planning to attend tomorrow's festivities.... STAY WARM!

Open Houses for Sunday, January 18th

Please come by one of our open houses this weekend--as always, we would love to see you!



1010 Wythe Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

$675,000

3BR, 2.5BA

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90083844563



6727 Chestnue Avenue

Falls Church, VA 22042

$589,900

4BR, 2BA

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90076937607

"West Side Story"

“West Side Story” at the National Theatre through Saturday is a terrific musical with lots of excellent songs and voices, energetic and gorgeous choreography (especially the faux fight scenes), innovative scenery and very attractive leads. We enjoyed it despite the weak plot. It runs almost three hours and probably could benefit from a little judicious cutting before it heads to Broadway, its next venue.

Secrets of Washington, D.C. Walking Tour

Things To Do DC is offering a Secrets of Washington DC Walking tour this Saturday on the National Mall. Read the below excerpt and sign up by 5pm Friday the 16th and pay only $20!

"On this special patriotic weekend, join your fellow Washingtonians on the National Mall for a special guided tour that exposes the greatest secrets of our Nation's Capitol. This walk is perfect for every smarty-pants suffering the delusion of omniscience about the nation’s capital as well as those looking for Little Known Facts with which to impress friends and loved ones. We’ll test your knowledge with fun-filled quizzes (prizes awarded for correct answers!) as we meander through one of D.C.’s most familiar places: the National Mall. What could possibly be secret about it? Without giving anything away, we offer the following tidbits: a tree house on the National Mall, a castle’s petulant ghost, a bordello under a museum, driving down a canal, and the severed leg of a Civil War general. Not only will you learn about secret political hideaways and the meeting places of some of our most renowned spies, but we’ll also take a historical look into some of the best keep secrets about our Nation's Capital, including scandals our leaders would rather keep secret. This walk is perfect for everyone suffering from the delusion of omniscience about Washington, D.C., as well as those looking for little known facts which will impress friends and office mates."

Meet outside the Smithsonian Metro Stop at the INDEPENDENCE AVENUE exit (not the Mall Exit)

Cost: $20.00if you purchase by 5 pm Friday, Jan 16

http://www.thingstododc.com/

Washington is a theater town!

Please enjoy this excerpt taken from our January 2008 E-Newsletter:

More than 100 theaters mount performances in the metro area. You don't need to go to New York to see musicals such as "West Side Story", "A Chorus Line" and "Chicago" (National Theater) or "Les Miserables" (Signature Theatre), Legally Blonde and Ragtime (Kennedy Center). "Avenue Q" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" are coming up at the Warner. And "Twelfth Night" is at the Shakespeare Theatre. Ranging from small volunteer companies to the professional pre- and post-Broadway productions, there's something for all - from age 3 to 93! Most theaters have websites and run ads in "City Paper" and the "Post". Make this the year that you visit at least one of our local theaters.

Please e-mail me at agoodhart@mcenearney.com to start receiving our monthly e-newsletters!

2008 Northern Virginia Real Estate Summary

Taking a quick look at the overall market in Northern Virginia, including Prince William and Loudoun, 2008 was a better year in terms of the number of transactions--but we're still way off from the peak of the market in 2004. In fact, we're not even back to the level of homes sales in 1999. The significant drop in sales has put downward pressure on pricing.

It is safe to say that if one measures a market recovery as one with both an increase in the number of transactions and an increase in prices, we're not there yet, and probably won't be until the third quarter of this year--at the earliest. And since the increases in contract activity that we are seeing are concentrated in the lower price ranges-- you can also expect that it will take even longer for any significant recovery in more expensive homes.

But don't fret! This means it is an excellent time to buy a home, especially for first time buyers, and 2009 is already showing a pick-up in activity! Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us for any of your real estate needs!

Free Inauguration Concert Lineup Announced

The lineup for the Inaucuration Kickoff Concert has finally been released. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Lincoln Memorial and will include musical performances from a wide variety of musicians including Bruce Springstein, U2, Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks and many more. While the artists will not necessarily play their own music, they will be singing solo, but also will be performing historically significant songs in pairs and groups to emphasize the theme "We are One". For more details, please click here.

Featured Listing: 1010 Wythe Street

This open and inviting townhome is located in the heart of historic Old Town, just a short walk to a variety of area shops and restaurants. From this prime North Old Town location, you can walk to metro. Yet, the home offers the benefits of living in a newer home, including off-street parking for three.

After entering the home and passing through the cozy entryway, you at once notice the gleaming hardwood floors, soft designer paint colors, crown moldings and plantation shutters. The corner fireplace with dentil molding and detailing accent the living room. Just beyond the living room and wide stairway is the impressive gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite counters, newer appliances, pantry space and table space which overlooks the expansive back patio and courtyard. The backyard provides ample space for entertaining or relaxation with both patio and green space.

The second level hosts two bedrooms, including the master bedroom, and a full bath. On the top floor, you will find a third bedroom with its own private bath and another room which can be used as an office or den. The home also has a finished lower level with space for laundry, storage and office space.

For more information on this property, please contact our office or visit the following website:

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90083844563

Open Houses for Sunday, January 11th

1402 Roundhouse Lane 75

Alexandria, VA 22314

Old Town

$559,000

1200 St. Stephens Road

Alexandria, VA 22304

Seminary Ridge

$899,000

305 S. Royal Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Old Town

$649,900

For more information on these and our other listings, please visit www.suegoodhart.com.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

Mediterranean Bakery in Alexandria

Just off Duke Street, in the Home Depot shopping center, is a wonderful place to shop. The Mediterranean Bakery has the best hummus in town – nice, lemony and garlicky, but not too garlicky. Baba ghanough, dolma (stuffed grape leaves with either meat or rice filling), yogurt sauces and taramosolata plus a showcase of delectable candies and baked goods including luscious baklava! You can order sandwiches and soup to eat in a small seating area just as you enter. The aisles are filled with gourmet groceries from around the world and the pita is fresh and delicious. Perfect for assembling a quick and easy dinner or a picnic.

Staying in town Inauguration weekend?

Even if you aren't planning to attend the main event, it's smart to tune into the buzz surrounding the Inauguration, both for general knowledge purposes and to stay safe, prepared and alert.

Here are some helpful websites for navigating everything relating to the Inauguration including how to receive emergency text messages on your phone, general information, whats happening where, metro schedules, information on official balls, where to eat and drink and the weather on the big day.

Inauguration Website

DC Metro

Emergency Text Alerts

Washingtonian Inauguration Site

DC Weather Forecast

Official Ball Site

On Tap Magazine’s List


Stay tuned to later posts for information on how to "party like a president" the week of the Inauguration.

Liberty Tavern in Arlington

If you’re 30 or under, here’s the place to hang out on a Saturday night at the three deep packed bar and lounge. Older than that, join the folks (and some children) upstairs to peruse a short and very sophisticated menu of appetizers, small plates and entrees. You’ll find some unfamiliar names (fritto misto, branzino, bollito misto and cotechino) and some tried and true pizzas. Our group opted to try the skate (a fish) entrée stuffed with white cornmeal johnnycakes, the skirt steak with sunchokes and the bollito misto (veal cheeks among the many ingredients) plus some of the more unusual pizzas (cheese and apple). Superb server and a nice wines- by –the- glass list, but the food left us all slightly mystified. Try the bar food menu with its innovative sandwiches and pizzas instead.

2009 Home Improvements

If you plan to make some home improvements this year, here’s what Money magazine says you will recover when you sell your home. But just think of the pleasure you will derive from these improvements while you still live in your home! Siding replacement – 80.7%, minor kitchen remodel – 79.5%, window replacement – 77.7%, major kitchen remodel – 76%, bathroom remodel – 74.6% and deck addition – 73.7%.

We will be listing this wonderful Old Town Village home this week. Located just steps to the metro, shops and restaurants, this community provides the rare opportunity to enjoy the charm and convenience of Old Town from a newer home with updates galore!

The main level of this townhouse style condominium is beautifully adorned with hardwood floors, recessed lighting, designer paint and crown and chair rail moldings. The kitchen with eat-in table space, a breakfast bar, ample cabinet space adjoins a spacious family room with a fireplace and floor to ceiling windows looking over the lush courtyard and private deck. The stairwell is highlighted by a gorgeous Swarovski crystal chandelier leading to the second level with two bedrooms. Upstairs, the spacious master suite is complete with 2” white wood Venetian Blinds and room darkening shades, an updated bathroom featuring double sinks, a deep soaking tub and separate shower.

The community amenities for Old Town Village include assigned off-street parking, a pool, fitness center, sauna, social rooms and shaded sitting areas and gardens.

Call or e-mail us for more details! 703-549-9292 (ask for Sue Goodhart's office) or e-mail sue@suegoodhart.com

Open Houses for January 4th

21 Kennedy Street, Alexandria, VA 22305

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90080431299

4659 Kell Lane, Alexandria, VA 22311

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90079602448

What to do when your appliances need repair

Go to NAHB.org to find out the life expectancy of your appliance. Then go to RepairClinic.com to see if this is a do it yourself project. Then post your dilemma at appliancguru.com, an appliance repair forum. Finally, consider replacement if the item is beyond three-fourths life expectancy and repairs would cost more than one third of the replacement value.

Happy New Year!!

The Goodhart Group would like to wish all of our friends and readers Happy New Year! We wish you the best with all of your resolutions and that you all may have a safe and happy 2009!