Interesting and informative perspectives on life and real estate in the Washington Metropolitan area from Sue Goodhart, one of the area's leading real estate agents
Saturday, July 30, 2011
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!
Friday, July 29, 2011
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/
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/
http://www.ticketfly.com/
Thursday, July 28, 2011
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/
http://www.leggmasontennisclassic.com/
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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/
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/
http://www.farmtoforkloudon.com/
http://www.loudoncountyfair.com/
Monday, July 25, 2011
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!
Friday, July 22, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
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!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Yum!
Bethesda/Chevy Chase Restaurant Week runs from July 18th to the 24th. Jaleo, Grapeseed, Newton’s Table, Food, Wine & Co., etc. Bethesda.org.