Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Years Resolutions
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Open Houses
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Holidays!
P.S.... we hope Santa put you on the nice list!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Get in the Christmas Spirit.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Free Market Snapshot
Monday, December 22, 2008
Featured Listing: 4659 Kell Lane
This home features a large, sunny eat-in kitchen, family room w/ walk out to patio, hardwood floors, new carpeting, deck off the living room, huge attic for storage and a one-car garage. The exterior has been completely repainted & the yard has been landscaped by Merrifield. Ready to move right in!
For more information on this property, please contact our office or visit the website below:
http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90079602448
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Sunday, December 21st Open House
We would love to see you!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Family Friendly New Years Eve
The fun starts at 5pm and ends with fireworks at midnight. In between you will find events on 38 indoor stages with 175 performers that will include comedy and magic shows, musical and dance performances of many varieties, and face painting, among many others.
To learn more, visit www.firstnightalexandria.org
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Lunch at Restaurant Eve
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mortgage Rates Hit All Time Low!!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas
1) Replace your holiday lights with LED holiday lights. They are more energy efficient by using 75-90% less energy (making them less costly!), safer (as they will not burn the tree), and can last up to ten times longer.
2) Wrap your presents in cloth or a pillowcase and tie with a ribbon! You could also wrap your gifts in newspaper, old maps, magazine covers or paper bags so the discarded paper can be reycled, unlike the traditional wrapping paper.
3) Try to avoid fake Christmas trees as they are not enviornmentally friendly. The best option is to get a live, uncut tree which can be replanted after the Holidays.
4) Don't throw away old electronics after you get new ones! Donate them or make sure they are recycled.
For more explanation of these ideas, please visit the article from where we first saw these great ways to have a "green" Holiday!
http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-12-07/enjoy-the-holidays-while-treading-lightly-on-the-planet/
Monday, December 15, 2008
Featured Property: 305 S. Royal Street
Gorgeous, original hardwoods and crown and dentil moldings showcase the charm of this cozy townhouse, while a bright updated kitchen, sunny bedrooms, dining room with french doors leading to a private brick patio and a third level with private bath are among some of the properties best features in addition to the prime location. Own a piece of history in one of the best locations Alexandria has to offer!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Goodhart Group Open Houses Sunday, December 14th
Friday, December 12, 2008
Inaugural Ball Information
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mortgage rates to 5%!!!!
First Time Homebuyer? Act now!
Quick synopsis: First time homebuyers have a chance to stimulate the housing market.
"Five or 10 years from now, when the financial crisis has ended and housing prices are up smartly once more, we will look in the rearview mirror and realize that we missed a golden age for first-time home buyers."
Click on the following link to see the article and learn more about opportunities for first time home buyers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/business/yourmoney/06money.html?pagewanted=1&_r=3&em
Please contact us for more informatin. We would love to help you (or someone you know) purchase your first home!
The Majestic Cafe
One thing I have not yet tried at the Majestic is Nana's Sunday night dinner. Every Sunday night, the restaurant offers a family style meal which rotates monthly and is specific to the season. This month they are offering a Christmas Dinner of Roast Beef with Red Wine-Horseradish sauce, Mixed Greens with Berkshire Blue Cheese, Scalloped Potatoes, and Sauteed Wild Mushrooms. You even get Chocolate Cream Pie for dessert! The family dinner serves a max of four guests at a total cost of $78. However, you can pay an additional $25 per extra person. I would highly recommend trying the Majestic if you haven't yet-- but make sure to make a reservation! They fill up fast. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Rental escalations!!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
More good news for mortgage rates!
Monday, December 8, 2008
New Rental Listings!
Busy Moms and Dads- Cross the Dreaded Grocery Store Trip off the List!
In my search to eliminate this dreaded task, I tried Peapod- which is a great but required more planning than I could handle. I also didn’t like all the packaging required to keep my groceries in tip-top shape. Then along came Harris Teeter- Express Lane! Harris Teeter you are my hero! Finally, a store that understands my needs!
This terrific service is well worth the $4.95 it costs to use. Like Peapod, you order online but instead of scheduling a delivery, you schedule a pick-up window. You can order from the bakery, deli and all the departments including wine- (another feature I love) There is also a space to type notes in to your personal shopper. For instance, we like to buy our bananas ripe for making smoothies so I type that in. My husband is very picky about his coffee and likes it ground a certain way so I type that in. You pay online and off you go about your business until you are ready to pick up your order. Then you just pull up to the store during your scheduled window and your personal shopper brings the groceries right out to your car. The kids stay buckled up and off we head home with just what we need and none of the hassles and none of the impulse buys that are occasionally necessary to avoid a full scale meltdown. Thank you Harris Teeter!
Here is a link to their website: http://www.harristeeter.com/
Click on Express Lane and choose your store. The Foxchase location is the most convenient for me. Happy Shopping!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Sunday, December 7th Open Houses
http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.phplisting_type=res&listing_key=90080431299listing_type=res&listing_key=90080431299
Friday, December 5, 2008
“Next to Normal”
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Holiday Rush!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thinking of a practical Christmas or Hanukkah gift?
Refrigerators have an average life span of 14 years; freezers, 12 years; microwave ovens, 9 years; washers, 11 years; dryers, 12 years; gas water heaters, 9 years and portable computers, 3 years.
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Finally, some good news for the mortgage industry!
If you have been on the fence about buying or refinancing a home, now is the time to act. Interest rates are extremely low and home prices in some areas are at 2003-2004 levels. Add to that recent declines in energy prices and lower consumer interest rates, and you have a great holiday recipe for success, but only if you give us a call.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Featured Rental: 605 S. Columbus Street
This home is just minutes to bike path, restaurants, boutiques, parades, Potomac River & Saturday morning Farmers' Market.
For more information, please give us a call or visit our website: http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90077814574
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Open House Sunday November 30th
Friday, November 28, 2008
Save money!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
There's really nothing like a good pizza
Visit the website for more information: http://www.piola.it/mondo2.php?id=19
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Gear up for the Holiday Frost with a Night out: "Frost/Nixon" now playing at the Kennedy Center!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Featured Listing: 6727 Chestnut Avenue
On the main level is a gracious living room, two bedrooms, a full bath, kitchen and a sun room leading out to beautiful deck and backyard. The sparkling updated kitchen is complete with granite counter tops, breakfast bar, table/dining space and plenty of cabinet space!
Upstairs is a beautiful landing area which can serve as an office or sitting room, which leads to two separate bedrooms and a jack-and-jill bathroom.
The basement is perfect for a family room as it has plenty of space for couches and sitting areas. There is also substantial storage space and a washer and dryer in the lower level.
The expansive lot includes plantings, mature trees, a side entry driveway, a wrap-around deck and a large fenced backyard with a storage shed.
Please contact our office or visit the following website for more information!
http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90076937607
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sunday Open Houses
Friday, November 21, 2008
Getting ready for Thanksgiving?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Art on Ice
The rink opened for the season this past weekend and will remain open until mid-March, weather permitting. Enjoy the Pavilion Cafe after your skate or during a break with snacks, sandwiches, hot beverages or wine and beer.
Visit the following website for information on admission costs, skate rentals, and rink hours.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Warwick Village- Alexandria Hot Spot
The homes in this community are an incredible value for their large size. The townhomes are wider than similar models, have 3 bedrooms, a basement and large backyards or patios. The backyard of our listing even backs up to tree covered green space.
Please ask us for more information on home values in this neighborhood or let us know if you have any other questions. We are happy to help!
Contact us at goodhartgroup@mcenearney.com or 703-549-9292 and ask for Sue Goodhart's office.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
New Tax Incentives from the Rescue Plan
"Within the 451 page Rescue Bill are nearly 100 tax code changes that directly affect individuals and business owners, including education deductions, sales tax, energy credits, and even new disaster aid. Other tax breaks, which were due to expire, were extended, including property tax deductions, the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act, and the shield for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The property tax provision, set to expire in 2008, has been extended to 2009, and allows up to $500 ($1000 for joint filers) in deductions in addition to the standard property tax deduction – even if you don't itemize! The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act, extended to 2012, was designed to protect those who already lost their homes due to foreclosures from facing an additional tax penalty for qualifying cancelled or "forgiven& quot; debt of up to $2 million. And, finally, the Rescue Bill also saves about 23 million Americans from the dreaded AMT, a kind of extra tax that some people have to pay on top of their regular income tax created by the Tax Reform Act of 1969.
These are just a few of the potential tax benefits created or extended by the Rescue Bill. As always, there are specific qualifying standards, and so it is essential to speak with a qualified tax professional about these and other tax benefits that could help you lower your tax bill and increase your confidence in today's tumultuous financial markets. "
Monday, November 17, 2008
Featured Listing: 21 Kennedy Street
The lower level with Pergo floors has a large recreation room, laundry room and a half bath. There is also a large fenced-in backyard with a patio for easy outdoor entertaining. This adorable home has it all and provides a great opportunity to live in the bustling Del Ray and Warwick Village community—just a short walk to shops, restaurants & the weekend Farmers’ Market.
For more information, please call our office or visit: http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90080431299
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Open Houses, Sunday November 16th
Friday, November 14, 2008
Spice up your weekend with Sgt Pepper
The Govinda Gallery is located at 1227 34th St NW in Georgetown.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
St.Coletta's Fundraising Gala
From the website: "The mission of St. Coletta of Greater Washington is to serve children and adults with cognitive disabilities and to support their families. At St. Coletta we believe in the immeasurable value of the individual human spirit and the right of each individual to live as full and independent a life as possible. We respect the dignity of all persons entrusted to our care and our goal is to serve them in an atmosphere that encourages their talents, celebrates their successes and builds their self-esteem."
I encourage you all to buy tickets to this great event which will be held at the Mandarin Oriental from 6:30-11:30pm. The evening will include a cocktail hour, silent auction, live auction, a special performance by the children of St. Coletta, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $250. I hope some of you can attend! Please contact our office at 703-549-9292 for more information!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Change is coming to Washington. Does it hold true for our real estate market?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Featured Listing: 4659 Kell Lane
This home features a large, sunny eat-in kitchen, family room w/ walk out to patio, hardwood floors, new carpeting, deck off the living room, huge attic for storage and a one-car garage. The exterior has been completely repainted & the yard has been landscaped by Merrifield. Ready to move right in!
For more information on this property, please contact our office or visit the website below:
http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90079602448
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Open Houses, Sunday, November 9th
Friday, November 7, 2008
Power Hours at the Corcoran
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Comfort Food
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
City Views
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/realestate/features/2006/neighborhood_views/index.html
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An Inexpensive Evening at the Theatre
Monday, November 3, 2008
Featured Listing: 1012 S. Dinwiddie St.
This charming home features hardwood floors, great open floorplan, thermal windows and a wonderful bright and sunny family room addition. The updated kitchen is well designed for maximum efficiency, features a new 5-burner gas range for preparing gourmet meals and the sunny greenhouse nook is ideal for growing herbs.
Upstairs are two bedrooms, more great hardwood floors and a refreshed bath. Outside, you will find a nicely terraced backyard with a brick patio providing plenty of space for outdoor recreation and entertaining. Two off-street parking spaces!
For more information, please visit: http://suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90078907377
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Open Houses for Sunday, November 2
Friday, October 31, 2008
Pumpkin Patch 2008
Our annual pumpkin patch was great fun despite the blustery weather and the rain that rolled in. Treats were enjoyed by our Seminary Ridge neighbors as well as so many of our clients and their children. It has become a great tradition and we enjoy seeing everyone picking their pumpkin! I have posted a slideshow down the page on the right hand side of pictures taken at the event. Click on the slideshow to see the pictures in their full size! In this post, I have posted a picture of the great carving skills of one of our past clients, Megan Tormey.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Winter is coming...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Featured Property: 5922 S. 4th St
Monday, October 27, 2008
Loud!!!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Goodhart Group Open Houses for October 26th, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Walk to Fight Breast Cancer Tomorrow
For more information: http://alexandriava.gov/women/info/default.aspx?id=8774
To register: https://cheyenne.alexandriava.gov/echecks/echecks_cw.php
To donate: http://alexandriava.gov/women/info/default.aspx?id=8774#donate
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Embrace the Fall Weather w/ Pumpkin Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sift before measuring
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten until frothy
1 cup mashed cooked or canned pumpkin
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Preparation:Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a bowl. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs. Blend in mashed pumpkin. Stir in the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the milk, blending until batter is smooth after each addition; stir in chopped walnuts or pecans. Spoon batter into well-greased and floured or paper-lined muffin pan cups. Fill about 2/3 full. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Frost with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or leave plain. Makes about 24 cupcakes.
Cream Cheese Icing:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation:Directions for cream cheese frosting Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl; beat well until smooth. Makes enough cream cheese frosting for a 2-layer cake.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My Very Own Milkman
My mom used to tell me stories about walking to the corner store with her nickel a day to satisfy her sweet tooth, while my dad boasted about baseball victories celebrated with milkshakes at the same establishment. I'm not sure if there was a milkman in their town or not- but I always imagined it was the kind of place that would have one and I envied them. I had always wanted a milkman! In my young mind, they had the iconic American childhood and their hometown sounded like the perfect place for a kid to grow up.
Now that I am a little older, a recent college graduate, I recognize the value of having grown up in the Washington, DC area. The access to culture, entertainment, fine restaurants, travel and diversity is something my parents didn't have until they moved away. Still, the grass is always greener and I always yearned for a taste of that small town living--milkman and all--and today I found my chance!
My mom just told me about a neighbor who suggested South Mountain Creamery. This Maryland farm delivers fresh milk served in glass bottles, along with other homemade goodies such as apple cider, butters, jams, cheese, yogurt, eggs, breads and even homemade dinners- along with a variety of other local goods. Check out the website for more information on how you can get your own milkman--and a piece of small town charm in the most powerful city in the world. Enjoy!
http://www.southmountaincreamery.com/summary.php?go=products
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thinking about renovating?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Featured Property: 4017 N. Garland St
Welcome home to 4017 North Garland Street, a stately, energy-efficient Seminary Ridge colonial with every latest finish. Throughout both levels of the home, the spacious rooms are framed by refinished hardwood floors, new plantation shutters, fresh designer paint colors and crown moldings. A grand living room with built-in bookcases and dining room with recently replaced French doors and dentil molding are perfect for entertaining. The family room is perfect for a cozy night in. With a wood burning fireplace, exposed brick wall, recessed lighting and wormy chestnut paneling from an old barn in Maryland milled especially for this family room- you won’t want to leave home again! The kitchen features a center island, new silestone countertops, a stainless steel fridge, large pantry, and eat-in space.
Upstairs, you will find four bedrooms with crown molding, two bathrooms with double sinks and new fixtures and a spacious landing. The large master suite includes three cedar lined closets and a spacious remodeled bathroom with double sinks and an oversized glass pane shower.
In warmer months, enjoy the secluded and private backyard with deck and aggregate stone patio. The lush yard has been professionally landscaped and includes a retaining wall and mature trees and bushes.
For more information please visit our website, the property's exclusive website, or call our office at 703-549-9292. Thank you!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Our Open Houses This Weekend
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fight Breast Cancer- Dine out and shop!
Dine out and shop, Tuesday, October 21st to help support The Walk to Fight Breast Cancer! Visit the link below for a list of participating shops and restaurants. The small businesses will each be donating between 10-50% of their proceeds to the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. It's a great cause and we encourage everyone to participate!
The Walk is Saturday, October 25th - parking and registration at AMC Hoffman Theaters ONLY.
http://www.mymcenearney.com/resources/img/attachments/E12869/2008%20Dine%20Out%20Flyer%20FINAL.pdf
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Peking Duck
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Shrek and Your Home- There's more in common than you think!
In the first Shrek movie, Princess Fiona is a stunning beauty by day, but in the dark of night is an ogre, afraid for the world to see who she really is. Though an ogre from her early childhood, she manages to keep her true appearance secret for years - until she is rescued by Shrek, who is clearly an ogre all day and all night.
We see some parallels in the drama being played out on the national stage with the federal government's takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (OK, work with us here.) Fannie and Freddie have played the role of Fiona, and they provided the liquidity for all of those mortgages - the good and the bad ones - that fueled the unprecedented real estate boom of the first half of this decade. Yet from birth, these organizations were part ogre, "government sponsored enterprises" spawned by the feds. And without proper parental supervision, Fannie and Freddie began to morph into full-fledged ogres - at least by night. With growing, and some say unchecked, power, the fate of the real estate world rested in the hands of the financial viability - let's say "beauty" - of these two companies. And when their dark-of-night accounting irregularities came to light, there was no hiding the fact that they had become ogres. Well-intentioned ogres to be sure, but ogres nonetheless.
In the movie, the marriage between Shrek and Fiona was one of true love, each seeing the other for who they really are. In Washington however, the federal government's takeover of Fannie and Freddie isn't a marriage born of love or even convenience - it is a shotgun wedding of necessity. Without their marriage, the entire "kingdom," not just real estate but the financial system as a whole, might have come crashing down. In fact, the federal "Shrek" is something of an adulterer in his efforts to service the kingdom, with flings with Bear Stearns, AIG and to top it all off, a massive bailout/rescue bill.
Ah yes, the bailout. Talk about an on again, off again, on again relationship! The prenuptial agreement that had to be hammered out for this marriage is so complex that even those who wrote it aren't fully sure what it means. The federal government has become a full-fledged polygamist, taking on enormous and unprecedented responsibilities. And the hope chest that each of the brides had was supposed to be filled with only the necessities to get them past the first, rocky months of marriage became filled to overflowing with additional promises to make all of the relatives happy. A little bit here to this group, a little more over there to the next one so that ultimately the majority would give their blessing to the unions. Those hopes chests are so laden as to appear barnacle-encrusted, with special deals and favors that are clinging so tightly to the system that they will be very hard, if not impossible to remove.
What comes of these marriages is yet to be seen. We do hope that there is ample time allowed for counseling, because there are reasons that the financial system is in such disarray. There are those who believe that misguided federal social policy spurred the origination of too many mortgages to those who could not afford them, and there are those who believe unchecked greed is the culprit. Should the stability of the real estate markets rest on the viability of just a couple of institutions, or perhaps just in the hands of the federal government? Or is neither of these the right approach? Either way, we hope that the hastily arranged - but altogether necessary - marriages will provide some stability and reassurance, and ultimately some calm. Then and only then can all the parties, including the far flung relatives (the taxpayers) who are expected to foot the bill, thoroughly examine the alternatives for long-term solutions.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Need a new roof?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Our Open Houses This Weekend
Friday, October 10, 2008
Great news for first-time homebuyers in DC
On Fridays, we usually like to post about some great restaurants in the area or some fun things to do. However, we are going to break from our normal routine to tell you some exciting news for first time homebuyers in DC.
The $5,000 first-time homebuyers’ tax credit in DC was reauthorized for 2008 and 2009 with last week’s passage of the Economic Stabilization Act, which was signed into law by the President. It's a better time than ever for first-time buyers since prices have gone down, interest rates are still low and you receive a $5,000 tax credit!
For more information, or for current listings in your price range, please contact us! We would love to help.
703-549-9292 - Sue Goodhart's office OR sue@suegoodhart.com
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Taste of Georgetown: Experience the best food, wine, beer and scenery DC has to offer
Don't worry, the event isn't just for foodies. It also serves as a charity event that will benefit homeless outreach which provides psychiatrist care, shelter and meals through the Georgetown Ministry Center. There will also be live jazz by Blues Alley and fun activities for the kids providing a fun atmosphere for all.
The event is free to attend, but if you want to indulge in the food or the wine you have to buy individual tasting tickets for each place you plan to sample.
Date and Time: October 11, 2008; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Along Wisconsin Avenue, between M and South Street, as well as on the grounds of the Grace Episcopal Church at 1041 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC.
Bon apetit!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Tale from Mr. McEnearney
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dirt doesn’t go to Zero!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Our Open Houses this Weekend
Friday, October 3, 2008
Jackson 20: A new favorite in Old Town
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Art on the Avenue
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Clarification on down payment assistance (Changes Effective October 1st):
Cindy Small of Union Mortgage group has given us an update on the changes in the current mortgage market. Please let us know if you have any questions and we will be happy to put you in touch with her!
Here is some clarification to what has been eliminated as of October 1, 2008 and what is still available.
· What is Gone? Nehemiah, Ameridream or ANY down payment assistance programs, where the SELLER is contributing any assistance towards the down payment.
· What is still allowed? The Seller can STILL contribute to the closing and prepaids. With FHA (still only 3% from buyer), max seller contributions is still 6%, and with Conventional it varies from 1-6%. Employers are still allowed to offer down payment assistance programs along with grant programs from non-profits like City of Alexandria and Fairfax County Housing departments, churches and Union Mortgage Group Grant (up to $10k) is still allowed. Our Union Mortgage Group Grant is first-come first-served and we only have about $900,000 left so hurry if you think your buyer will qualify!
· What programs still offer 100%? VHDA/FHA “Plus”. Income requirements: 2 or Fewer Persons $86,900, 3 or more Persons, $100,000. The borrower must have 1% in the transaction or 1% in reserves. 6% Seller contribution max and FHA property guidelines. Max sales price or loan amount $408,100. Must be a 1st time buyer (or not owned any property for the past 3 years).
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Attack of the Open House Balloons
Now, 16 years later I am fortunate enough that one of my assistants will kindly blow up my balloons. But the round bouncy beasts still choose to attack me while I am driving my car, creeping up on me, blocking my rearview, and causing extreme hair electricity! Then, when executing another dreaded part of the job—putting up directional signs to the open house—the balloons wind up being tangled, or escape when you open the door and threaten all those nice birdies who live in the bay. At the end of the open one has the same balloons to contend with. I often try chasing children down the street offering my half dead balloons so they don’t die a slow death in my car. I am often greeted initially with blank stares but then I get some smiles as they realize I am one of those nice strangers.
I would be very happy if there was green movement toward all real estate agents and companies to stop with the balloons—save the bay, the birds and my static electric hair. Anyone willing to join me in this important effort? That way I can get back to what I really enjoy about this business--helping my clients make the best decisions in the topsy-turvey world of real estate!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
This Weekend's Open Houses
Friday, September 26, 2008
A perfect time of year for Farmers' Markets!
I am a huge fan of Farmers’ Markets. The granddaddy of them all is the Alexandria Market at City Hall/Market Square. It opens at 5 each Saturday throughout the year and those in the know go really early to get the best flowers. Joseph squeezes fresh orange juice and sells his homemade mozzarella and there are crafts and baked goods and produce for sale around the fountain. Also on Saturday mornings is the Arlington Market at the Courthouse and the Del Ray Market at the corner of Oxford and Mt. Vernon Avenue.
And Sundays, the largest and most diverse market is at Dupont Circle. I like the small market at the corner of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed from 9-1 on Sundays. Free range and grass fed meats, produce, coffee, baked goods, soaps and folk music! And the newest market is across from King Street Metro on Wednesday afternoons – produce, Hispanic treats, baked goods and hand made soaps. Nothing can beat sun warned tomatoes, juicy melons, ripe peaches and sweet corn right from the farm that morning!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A look into my crystal ball...
It's always interesting to see the effects of the economic turmoil as it effects our clients. I just received an email from a client who works in sales for a major hotel chain. She is really worried about her job and has wisely decided to hold off buying until she feels certain her job is not in danger. So sad! She has been saving her money for several years and taking good care of her credit so that she would be ready to buy. This would be the perfect time to buy—prices are low and rates are the best we seen in a while, but unfortunately she has no job security.
I have another client to whom I recently sold a great townhouse in Warwick Village. She has a secure job with the federal government. She tells me her friends are nervous about buying now. I’ve told her that the only people who should be nervous about buying now are those who need to worry about their jobs. On the other end of the spectrum I have a buyer who has been making a living as a day trader who got “caught” in last week’s market drop when his funds were frozen. Of course, the perfect house for him and his significant other came on the market. We can only hope that his funds become ”unfrozen” and the house remains on the market.
So here is my advice—if you have the funds and job security this may be one of the very best times to be buying property in our area. Don’t wait! The spring will likely bring a better market than we have seen in a while which means sellers will do better—not buyers!
Sue
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Shopping Under the Stars
Tonight, Wednesday September 24, the Old Town (Alexandria, VA) Boutique District is sponsoring an evening of shopping under the stars to celebrate the launch of their new website. http://www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com/
The shopping district offers a wide array of shops including those catering to fashion, shoes, beauty, jewelry, home, children, gifts, and maternity needs.
So come stop by the newly minted Old Town Boutique District from 5pm-8pm tonight! Check out the website for more information on the shops and upcoming specials.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Vote by Absentee Ballot- Save time and cut down on long lines!
Consider voting with an absentee ballot. Hundreds of thousands of new voters have registered in Virginia, and of course we want every one of them to vote---and everybody else. In the City of Alexandria alone, a record number of 72,000 voters are anticipated to vote this election.
If you have already decided whom you're voting for, voting via absentee ballot will free up space in the long lines at the polling places. We don't want anybody to turn away because there's a long line and they don't have time to wait to vote. Just call or email your county registrar or go to their website.
In Alexandria, the qualifications for absentee voting are as follows:
You commute and work for 11 of the 13 hours the polls are open. (Take into account those days when traffic is heavy or the weather is bad and it takes longer than usual to get to and from work.) You are a caretaker for a confined family member.
You are unable to go to the polls in person on Election Day because of an illness or disability.
You will be absent from Alexandria on Election Day because of work, or school, or vacation.
To learn more about these, and other circumstances in which absentee voting is an appropriate option, visit www.alexandriavoter.org and click on "Absentee Voting," or call 703.838.4050.
You can vote absentee in person at the Alexandria Voter Registration Office, 132 N. Royal St., or by mail. In-person absentee voting hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voting hours will be extended to 7:30 p.m. on the following weekdays: October 16, 20, 22, and October 27. The office will also be open for absentee voting on each Saturday in October and on Saturday, November 1. The deadline for voting absentee in person is Saturday, November 1, at 5:00 p.m.
If you wish to absentee vote by mail, download an application from www.alexandriavoter.org, or contact the Voter Registration Office to get an application mailed to you. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail or fax is Tuesday, October 28. The application must be received by the Voter Registration Office at 5:00 p.m. on that day. Absentee ballots by mail must be received by the Voter Registration Office on or before November 4, at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call Tom Parkins, Registrar of Voters, at 703.838.4050.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Featured Listing: 200 Pickett Street #304
1200 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, seperate dining room, eat in kitchen and HUGE balcony!
The building, surrounded by plenty of open space and located across the street from a park, has a pool, tennis court, exercise room, large lobby, and party room. A metrobus also picks up directly in front of the building!
What more could you want?
http://www.suegoodhart.com/search/listing.php?listing_type=res&listing_key=90041042257
Please contact us or visit the above website for more information on this property!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Our Open Houses this Weekend
Friday, September 19, 2008
The "Proof" was in the food... and wine!
Marty and I tried a wonderful new restaurant in DC called Proof. It's located right across from the Verizon center and parking was easy with valet. We went with our friends Cindy and Bert Knotts to celebrate Bert's birthday. The name of the restaurant comes from a quote by Benjamin Franklin that "beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy". However, the restaurant takes its name from the understanding that Frankling meant wine, as he was known to be a wine aficionado as opposed to a beer drinker--and the wine certainly was great.
The atmosphere was casual, the service was good but boy hold on to your plate or they will wisk it before you are finished! I had the heirloom tomoato salad as an appetizer and Cindy and Marty had the beet salad. Burt went for the recommended Ahi Tuna as an appetizer. The choices for entries were nice—Marty had the Pennsylvania pork loin and it riveled the dish that he loves at his favorite NYC rest called Savann. I had the Halibut—wonderful! It was great fun to venture out of our beloved Alexandria and a good time was had by all.