Help Salvadoreans Celebrate!

The annual celebration along Four Mile Run in Alexandria called the Chirilagua Festival is July 31st this year.  Food, beverages, live entertainment, arts & crafts, and kids' activities included!

Antiques Shopping-A great summer activity!

Take a little trip to Leesburg for some outlet shopping or to find antiques at historic Oatlands Plantation July 30th from 10-5.

http://www.dfshows.com/

Black Eyed Peas

Head for the Merriweather Post Pavilion July 30th to hear The Black Eyed Peas live!  On August 16th Bob Dylan will be in town! 

http://www.ticketfly.com/

Lubber Run

After renovations, Arlington's Lubber Run Ampitheater re-opens July 29th with singer-songwriter Mary Ann Richmond performing blues/R&B at 8 pm.

Tennis pros in town!

Watch Andy Roddick and more top tennis stars at the Legg Mason Classic July 30th through August 7th at the Fitzgerald stadium at 16th and Kennedy, NW. 

http://www.leggmasontennisclassic.com/

Britney Spears live!

Catch up with the latest Britney doings when she appears at the Verizon Center July 31st.  She'll be performing songs from her latest album "Femme Fatale".  http://www.ticketmaster.com/

3 Goodhart Group Luxury Homes in Luxury Home Magazine

The July/August edition of Luxury Home Magazine has published! Take a look at three of our luxury listings that were featured (page 50). There are so many beautiful homes in this book - we love what we do! http://www.luxuryhomemagazine.com/online/washington%20dc/index.html

Updated Loan Limit Decrease

Great article on McEnearney's Facebook Page today! See below...

Beginning with loans locked on or after October 1st, the temporary conforming limit for the DC Metro area will be reduced from $729,750 to $625,500. With the nationwide conforming limit at $417,000, and the conforming jumbo loan limit not to exceed $625,500, our area has enjoyed the use of this higher temporary limit since it was introduced in 2008 through the Housing and Recovery Act.


These temporary limits expire September 30th, 2011. Congress has the authority to extend these temporary limits allowing the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) to authorize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchases of these loans once again.


A bill sponsored by representatives John Campbell (R – CA) and Gary Ackerman (D – NY) has been introduced to the House requesting the extension of these limits until October 1st, 2013. Additionally, pressure is building from industry groups such as the Mortgage Bankers Association for this extension as well. However, until a bill authorizing an extension is passed, we must assume that the decrease will come to pass.


This will have an impact on what purchasers can borrow without putting a full 20% down payment. With the current limit a purchaser can borrow the full $729,750 using mortgage insurance, with only a 10% down payment on a purchase price of nearly $811,000. Alternatively, they could also borrow the $729,750 and use a second mortgage of $100,000 (our current maximum if the Combined Loan to Value ratio over 80%). This would allow for a purchase price of nearly $912,000.


With the new limit of $625,500, a purchaser would be limited to a purchase price of $695,000 with standard mortgage insurance, or almost $116,000 less than currently possible. If the borrower were to take out a second mortgage, this would allow for a purchase price of up to nearly $782,000 (using a $625,500 first and a second of $78,300). This is approximately $130,000 less than the current maximum allowable.


Let’s put this into perspective: According to the Laurie Felton, the McEnearney Associates “numbers wizard”, for the first half of 2011, approximately 650 settlements have occurred in the DC Metro Area with closed prices between $811,000 and $912,000. These purchases could potentially be at risk with the new, lower, limits. If you share our concern about the potential impact on the market, support efforts by Campbell and Ackerman to extend these temporary limits!

Freer Gallery

If you've never been to the Freer Gallery enjoy performances and art at Asia After Dark on July 28th with belly dancing, drinks, and more!

Grease!!!

From July 27th to August 21st go to the Olney Theater Center to see the musical, "Grease" and a little bit of real country landscapes along the way out there. 

http://www.olneytheatre.org/

Enjoy the Fair!

The week long fair at Loudon County Fairgrounds is from July 25-30 with games, carnival rides, craft and animal exhibits plus a demolition derby!  Also restaurant event-7/21-7/30.  Both websites are below:

http://www.farmtoforkloudon.com/

http://www.loudoncountyfair.com/

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Auditions for "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" on tv are July 25th at the U Marlyland Marriott Conference Center from 7-11 am and 4:30-5:30 pm.  Enter after 6 am!

The Theatre!

Hairspray
See “Hairspray”, the famous musical with bee hive hair do’s and lots of “Hon” at the Little Theatre of Alexandria July 23rd to August 13th. www.thelittletheatre.com.

“Steel Magnolias”
At the Keegan Theatre from July 23rd to August 21st, enjoy an old Southern favorite play “Steel Magnolias” performed at the Church Street Theatre. www.keegantheatre.com.

Signature Theatre Open House
Saturday, July 23rd is Arlington’s Signature Theatre’s annual Open House with performances, a concert, singing competitions and choreography lessons from 11:45 to 10 pm.

Oklahoma!

At Arena Stage through October 2nd , “Oklahoma” is back for a repeat performance. The quintessential American musical!! www.arenastage.org.

Emmy Lou!

At Wolf Trap Saturday, July 23rd, listen to 12 time Grammy winner folk and bluegrass singer Emmy Lou Harris.

Dumbarton House

For swing dancing in the ballroom and on the terrace, go to Georgetown’s Dumbarton House from 6-10 pm July 22nd. Wine and cupcakes, too!

Musical Programs

Two musical programs at Strathmore to see and hear: July 21st, “The Music of John Williams” and July 28th, “A Gershwin Celebration”- both featuring the Baltimore Symphony. BSOmusic.org/summer.

Sports Events

Tonight watch the Mystics play at 11:30 at Verizon Center (wnba.com/mystics) and at 7:30, see DC United vs. New England at RFK. (dcunited.com)

Easton

Head for Easton on the Eastern Shore for an art show downtown through the 24th and enjoy 7 golf courses, antique shops and water sports, too. Eastonmd.org.

Yum!

Bethesda/Chevy Chase Restaurant Week runs from July 18th to the 24th. Jaleo, Grapeseed, Newton’s Table, Food, Wine & Co., etc. Bethesda.org.

Jazz Concert Tonight!

Alexandria’s MetroStage is a little off the beaten track, but you can enjoy Vanessa Williams and others in a Soulful Gospel jazz concert July 18th. Metrostage.com.

Preview our 7 open houses this weekend!

We just posted 7 new virtual tours on our Facebook page!  Stop by the page to take a first look at each of the homes before touring in person this Sunday at our open houses!  Each home will be open from 1-4 pm!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sue-Goodhart-and-The-Goodhart-Group/165554324108

What to do This Weekend

Christmas in Alexandria
This annual event runs from July 15-17 on Union Street. There are Christmas in July events inside and outside of 15 stores – stories for tots, food & wine tastings, etc. christmasattic.com.

Tired of the beach?
Go to Baltimore for the largest free arts festival 7/15 through 7/17 with breakdancing, pop up galleries, food stands, concerts and more. Artscape.org

Treats
July 17th is National Ice Cream Day. Might just be free icy treats if you look hard enough.

Fiddler on the Roof

Head for Wolf Trap and “Fiddler on the Roof” July 15-17. Picnic on the lawn or reserve a regular seat under the roof and enjoy this wonderful musical out of doors! Woltrap.org.

Shirlington Village - lots to do!

Convenient to both Alexandria and Arlington, spend your Thursday evenings listening to live jazz, tasting wine and enjoying the many restaurants in Shirlington. Villageatshirlington.com.

Movies!

A classic
See Audrey Hepburn and the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” outdoors at Capitol Riverfront just one block from the Navy Yard Metro July 14th. Capitolriverfront.com.

The last of Harry Potter??
July 15th is the world premier of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” And no matter how old you are, you’ll want to see “Winnie the Pooh”, too!

Brewskis

Sample more than 40 microbrews, listen to live music and enjoy specialty foods at Brew at the Zoo July 14th from 6-9 pm. Nationalzoo.si.edu.

Bastille Day Fun

Celebrate Bastille Day with the Alliance Francaise a few days late from 1-10 pm at Hillwood Museum with a DJ, crepes and a silent auction July 16th. Francedc.org.

A Tribute to the Beatles

A Classical Mystery Tour – A Tribute to the Beatles Thursday, July 14th at 8 pm at Strathmore. BSOmusic.org/summer

Canine Cruise

Does your puppy need a break? Take him on a canine cruise at 7 or 8 July 14th from the
Alexandria Marina. Potomacriverboatco.com.

A treat for the kids!

Take the kids to colorful Clemyjontri Park in McLean for jungle gyms, slides, rocker rides shaped like cars, a carousel and more!  Fairfaxcounty.gov

Rock of Ages!

"Rock of Ages", the new hit musical comedy is on stage July 12th-24th at the National Theatre with Constantine Maroulis from American Idol.  Rockofagesmusical.com

Reston Festival!

The Reston Festival includes a costume party! July 9th-10th starting at 11:30!  Restonfestival.com

Celebration Alexandria!

Alexandria puts on a great belated 4th celebration at Oronoco Park on July 9th from 4 pm to 10 pm complete with live music, fireworks, kids activities and birthday cake!

Contemporary American Theatre Festival

Many from the Washington area head to Shepherstown, WV every summer for the Contemporary American Theatre Festival.  This year's new plays run July 8th through the 31st.  Enjoy the scenic drive out and the theatre in West Virginia!  http://www.catf.org/

Free concert!

The Air Force Airment of note, the Army Blues, and the Navy Commodores perform at a free concert July 8th at Carter Barron in Rock Creek Park.  Nps.gov.

Play Ball!

Buy three Nats game tickets and get a 4th game free plus a Nats cap.  The Cubbies are in town to be followed by the Rockies.  Nationals.com/flex.

Jazz

Attend "Jazz on Jackson Place" in the courtyard of the Decatur House July 7th from 6:30-8:30 with drinks and light hors d'oeurves!

Performance at TC Williams!

Listen to the Singing Sergeants and the Air Force Concert Band as they perform "A Night on Broadway" at TC Williams July 6th at 8. http://www.usafband.af.mil/