Open Houses for Sunday, March 1

This weekend we will be holding open the following properties:


1127 BAYLISS DR, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $849,900



270 CAMERON STATION BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $524,900



1244 TAYLOR ST N, ARLINGTON, VA - $575,000



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



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



We hope you can come by to take a look!



For more information on these and other listings, please visit http://www.suegoodhart.com/ email us at sue@suegoodhart.com, or call our office 703-549-9292.

DC Environmental Film Festival

Next week is the DC Environmental Film Festival. Running from March 4-15, it will be featuring 100 documentary, feature, animated, archival, experimental and children's films from around the world. The films will be shown at more than 40 venues around Washington, DC, including museums, embassies, libraries, universities and local theaters. Most screenings are free to the public and include discussion with filmmakers or scientists. http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/

Living Green

We have posted a lot in the past about living green. Well, McEnearney Associates has listed a brand new Green Building in Old Town, Alexandria that has been designed from top-to-bottom to please any energy conscious individual. The interior of the condos are beautifully appointed with grante, stainless steel and large airy rooms with beautiful detailing and moldings. These are not yet on the market but please contact us for more details!

sue@suegoodhart.com or 703-286-1349.

Featured Listing: 6910-C Mary Caroline Circle

Enjoy beautiful, scenic water views from the spacious living room of this adorable freshly painted condo. The living room has a corner fireplace and sliding doors leading out to a private patio and wooded yard overlooking a peaceful pond. The living room and separate dining room are both off the kitchen, creating a lovely open floor plan. The master bedroom with hardwood floors gets lots of light from the two floor to ceiling windows and has the convenience of a private bath. Located in a quiet community, the home is conveniently located close to 495 & the numerous shops and restaurants of Kingstown Village. Assigned off-street parking!

For more information on this listing, please visit the following website!

http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90090312378

Open Sunday: February 22, 2009

Please join us at one of our four open houses this Sunday from 1-4pm. We hope to see you there!

3504 HOLLY ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $959,900

1016 WAYNE ST S #804, ARLINGTON, VA - $499,900

1208 I ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $765,000

1200 SAINT STEPHENS RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $879,000

270 CAMERON STATION BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $534,900

1402 ROUNDHOUSE LN #75, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $529,000

2417 CAMERON MILLS RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $714,900

Anchors Aweigh

One of the best things about living in the Metro area, is you literally can never run out of fun things to do. I just discovered the US Navy Museum at the Washington Navy Yard and what a treasure it is! Wonderful displays abound. Exhibitions span the history of US Navy and have plenty of hands-on fun for the younger set. Ships’ wheels, gun turrets, bridges, torpedo shells and marvelous models accent each exhibit. On top of all that, there is a decommissioned destroyer docked nearby that you can also tour. As the museum is in the Navy Yard, a military installation, you do have to present ID, car registration and proof of insurance to be admitted to the base but it is well worth the trouble. Visit their website for more information. http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/nhcorg8.htm

How the American Recovery Act affects the real estate market

Here is a thurough explanation of the recent legislation signed by President Obama. It has been provided by Brian Bonnet, a mortgage broker with Signature Mortgage which is an affiliate of McEnearney Associates, Inc.

"In general the "American Recovery Act" affects us from a real estate perspective in a couple of ways. The Fannie/Freddie and FHA loan limits will be back to 729,750. It will take several weeks for the industry to implement the changes, but you can count on the changes. VA is currently at 812,500 with no money down. FHA will be up to 729,350 with 3.5% down. There are and will be very good financing opportunities for most buyers.

The much talked about tax credit for home buyers is exactly that. It will be available to those eligible when they file their 2009 or 2010 tax returns. If a taxpayer owes $8000 in Federal taxes and they are eligible for the full tax credit, their Federal tax liability would drop to zero. It is available irrespective of whether you have previously owned a home and will not have to be repaid unless you sell the property you purchase within a certain time frame. The income limit for the full credit is $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a married couple filing together.

Above those income levels the credit is phased out and disappears entirely at $95,000 for the individual and $170,000 for the couple.The Act extends the Military Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) beyond BRAC locations. HAP is a DOD program, and DOD will establish policy guidance on applicant processing and benefits. Until that time, potential applicants may submit applications to appropriate HAP districts; however, no action will be taken on the applications until any change to the HAP authority has been enacted and DOD guidance is received. Those words were from a DoD website. The bottom line is that personnel who are transferred out of our area and who had purchased a home locally after a certain date in 2006 and sell that home before a certain date in 2012 may be eligible for some relief from DoD for a loss in value which they may have experienced. Stay tuned for the details.

Outside of the legislative front, there are a couple of other reminders. Risk based pricing is becoming more pronounced and we expect new announcements out of Fannie and Freddie in the next 30 days. A current example involves condo purchases with conventional financing. LTV's over 75% require a mortgage price adjustment of .75 discount points. In other words someone putting down 20% on a condo might receive a 4.875% interest rate with .75 points whereas someone purchasing a non-condo property with 20% down might receive a 4.875% rate with no points. Other examples of risk based pricing involve credit scores. If a borrower's credit scores dip below 740 they may be hit with price adjustments even if they are putting down 20%. As credit scores go down, the adjustments become larger - as much as 3.5 points even with 20% down. Remember investors are again allowed to obtain Fannie and Freddie loans for as many as 10 properties. All investment property loans now require 25% down for single properties and 30% down for 2-4 unit properties. The liquid asset reserve requirements have increased, but there are great opportunities for investors.

If you are planning on turning your existing home into a rental and purchasing a new home, you will have to have at least 30% equity (25% for FHA) in the home which is to become a rental as evidenced by an appraisal. You will also need 6 months PITI on both the new rental and the new residence after settlement.

Clarification: The Federal tax credit of up to $8000 is not technically for first time homebuyers only, but in order to be eligible, one may not have owned a home within 3 years of the date of purchase of the property for which the credit will be sought."

Please contact us if you have any questions! Call 703-549-9292 and ask for Sue Goodhart's office or e-mail at sue@suegoodhart.com

The Sweet Spot

Just when the threat of snow and wintry mixes fades, there’s a chance to get out and walk around Washington before the tourists descend. Be a tourist yourself and take at least one of the many walking tours offered with folks who know to stand on the right on Metro escalators. Georgetown and Embassy Row tours at marykayricks@gmail.com, Jeanne Fogle (the lady who advocates for improvements to the National Mall) is at tdforce@aol.com. Lafayette Square and Adams Morgan are covered by Anthony Pitch (info@dcsigtseeing.com) and major memorials are explored at info@dcbyfoot.com. Washington Walks offers the most comprehensive list (washingtonwalks.com) which includes food, history and haunted tours. These are all fee based tours, but you can also download itineraries for self guided tours – just google walking tours Washington, DC.

"A Delicate Balance" at Arena Stage

Despite being nearly 3 hours long, “A Delicate Balance” at Arena Stage is pretty riveting. The acting is superb. The family consists of husband and wife who are very witty with one another, a sister who’s a drunk and has a great turn with a phrase and a daughter coming home from her fourth failed marriage. Old friends drop in and prepare to stay – forever. That causes just a bit more friction and more witty dialogue. Great set and costumes. Arena is temporarily in Crystal City underneath the Marriott in the old movie theater. Parking is free and plentiful – a real bonus – or a two black walk from Metro.

Featured Property: 2417 Cameron Mills Road

Welcome to this beautifully updated home with exceptional amounts of living space! Located on an expansive lot in a quiet neighborhood, this home has 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths and a finished basement.

The top two levels greet you with gleaming hardwood floors and feature large windows providing light throughout the home all day. The kitchen and both baths are totally renovated, all complete with granite countertops, new fixtures, cabinets and floors.

The basement provides a large carpeted recreation room with chair rail molding & a large spotless storage area.

Outside, the brick patio overlooks the large, level, fenced-in backyard surrounded by mature trees and greenery.

For more information on this property, please click here!

Tickets for Hexagon are on sale.

It’s an annual political satirical comedy review that usually features local celebs and is generally really funny! This year’s show is “What So Proudly We Bailed” and it’s at the Burke Theater at the Navy Memorial from March 6th to April 4th. www.hexagon.org or 301 838 0042.

Open Houses, Sunday February 15th 1-4pm

Please visit one of our open houses this weekend. They will all be from 1-4pm.

Have a great Valentines Day & Presidents Day weekend!

270 CAMERON STATION BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $534,900

2417 CAMERON MILLS RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $714,900

1402 ROUNDHOUSE LN #75, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $549,000

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

3007 6TH ST S, ARLINGTON, VA - $685,000

As usual, lots going on at the Kennedy Center!

Did you know that there are free tours every day from 10-5 and 10-1 Saturdays and Sundays. Or hang out on the patio and gaze at the Georgetown skyline. Or eat at the cafeteria or – more expensively – at the Roof Terrace restaurant. Every day at 6, there are free performances on the Millenium Stage. Coming up in the Eisenhower Theater is “Ragtime” (April 18-May 10) a Broadway musical. Watch for dance performances, classical music and opera, too.

Google-ing for Good

Instead of "google-ing" next time you're in search of answers, try using www.goodsearch.com.

By using this website, you can help raise money for your favorite cause or charity. We recommend the Fund for Alexandria's Child.

Powered by yahoo, this search engine allows you to search just like you would on any other site, however it lets you choose a cause to support. Then it will donate 1 cent to your cause each time you search on the site. While 1 cent may not sound like a lot to you, it adds up! If only 1,000 people use the search engine twice per day, it adds up to $7,000 per year! Imagine how the foster children of Alexandria can benefit from that extra $7,000.

Spread the "good search" word!

Washington D.C. International Wine and Food Expo

Head to the Ronald Reagan Building this weekend for this year's D.C.International Wine and Food Expo. With chef's demonstrations and over 600 wines to sample, the event is selling out quick!

Click here for tickets and more information.

Featured Listing: 270 Cameron Station Boulevard

This Cameron Station beauty has it all! Four levels of living space, garage parking, three bedrooms & two and a half baths—and the perfect location in Cameron Station! The main level features crown molding throughout & a modern chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar overlooking the family room. It is framed by a wall of windows and glass door leading to the home’s private balcony. Also on the main level is an elegant living room with fireplace & built in bookcases and a dining area.

The grand master suite is the crown jewel of the home. The large bedroom opens to a bright, gleaming master bath complete with sparkling tiling, double sinks, a large soaking tub and a separate shower. The first floor den is perfect office space! Conveniently located to neighborhood club house featuring exercise facility/basketball court, swimming pool, and party room.

Please click here for more information.

County/City Home Assessments

For those of you who feel your home was assessed unfairly, you need to watch the deadlines to dispute the assessment. In Alexandria (www.alexandriava.gov/realestate), the deadline for submission is April 1st. Arlington County (www.arlingtonva.us/services/realestateassessments) is March 2nd. For Fairfax County (www.fairfaxcounty.gov dta) call 703 222 8234 to get the date.

Open Houses, February 8th

Come visit us at one of our 4 open houses this weekend!

2417 CAMERON MILLS RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $714,900



1010 WYTHE ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $675,000



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


270 CAMERON STATION BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $534,900

DC Restaurant Week

Every year, February brings Winter Restaurant Week to D.C. From February 16- February 22 Washingtonians will indulge in special prix-fix menus created especially for this week-long event at some of the area’s premiere restaurants. The three-course lunch at all participating restaurants runs $20.09 per person, while a three-course dinner will cost $35.09. Both prices exclude alcohol, gratuity and tax.

Among the 180 participating restaurants are D.C. hot spots indebleu, Oya, Rasika, Equinox & Hudson Restaurant, as well as Washington establishments Mie N Yu, 1789 Restaurant, Charlie Palmer Steak & Sequoia. If you prefer to opt for a restaurant in Arlington or Alexandria, try out some of our favorites including Farrah Olivia, Jackson 20, Tallula and Vermillion.

Featured Listing: 3504 Holly Street

Welcome to this gorgeous designer home in Van Metre’s exclusive Cobblestone community—a unique enclave of eleven custom homes located in Del Ray, just minutes from the Pentagon, Old Town, National airport & DC. The Durham model features a two story grand foyer, high ceilings & skylights, large deck & lower patio with French doors & 2 car garage.

The main level boasts hardwood floors, an entertainment sized dining room & a chef’s kitchen with breakfast area opening to a large great room where you can enjoy the fireplace & built-in bookcases. Upstairs, you will find new carpeting, a convenient upstairs laundry & a luxurious master suite with walk in closets, sitting room & oversized bath. The master bath includes a separate shower, jet tub & dual sinks. The home also features a full unfinished but roughed in basement with lots of windows and a walkout to the landscaped yard and patio. Located in a quiet, wooded setting at the end of a cul-de-sac, this home is truly an oasis in the city.

To learn more about this property, please click here.

Washington- Top City in the World for Real Estate Investment

The nation's capital leapfrogged London this year as the world's best city for real estate investment. With the federal government on a path to grow bigger and increase spending, the new programs will need offices and its employees will need homes.

Forbes magazine turned to the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate for the list of where its member investors are finding the best opportunities around the world.In normal times, financial capitals, New York City and London, vie for first place. Today, both may even be a little grateful to come in second or third. "There used to be a rivalry between New York and London," says Kenneth Patton, divisional dean of the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate. "The subject has shifted to the fact that we're both in the same lifeboat, and maybe it's leaking."

Here is the list of the world’s 10 best place for real estate buys:

Washington, DC
London
New York City
Tokyo
Shanghai
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Paris
Houston
Singapore

Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (01/21/2009)

Contact us for information on how to buy the perfect investment property!

704-549-9292 and ask for Sue Goodhart's office or e-mail us at sue@suegoodhart.com