August is almost here, but there is still plenty of summer left in Northern Virginia Whether you decide to explore your neighborhood, attend a local event, visit a popular attraction in nearby Washington, DC or head out for a day on the water, the NoVA area is the perfect place to spend your summer days.
If a relaxing summer day on the water is what you're looking for, let me introduce you to these NoVA area hotspots:
Atlantic Kayak Company
Alexandria, VA
A day on the water indeed is what you'll find with the Atlantic Kayak Company. Northern Virginia residents and visitors can follow John Smith's historic path on a guided kayak tour along Piscataway Creek. Piscataway Creek is located across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon and is situated on three national trails, surrounded by national and local parks.
The John Smith National Historic Trail details Captain Smith's voyages in the early 1600's, the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail commemorates the War of 1812 and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail follows the paths explored by General George Washington, connecting the Potomac and the upper Ohio river basins.
Mariner Sailing School
Alexandria, VA
Spend the day exploring the Dyke Marsh Refuge— you can rent a small boat, kayak or three-person kayak. The Mariner Sailing School offers Northern Virginia the chance to relax on the water and take in the scenery of the Potomac. Operating at Belle Haven Marina since 1977, the boats available include the 34" C&C sloop Canadame with its own captain, the 19" Flying Scots, 14" Sunfish and many more.
No matter if you're an avid sailor or ready for a mini vacation and after-work cruise, the Mariner Sailing School has just what you need.
Lake Accotink Park
Fairfax County
Springfield, VA
With 493 acres including a 55-acre lake, wetlands, streams, waterfowl, wildlife and marshes, Lake Accotink Park is idyllic for both seasoned kayakers and paddlers as well as first-time adventurers from Northern Virginia Other activities and offerings here include bike rentals, canoe and pedal boat rentals, boat launch, tour boat rides, fishing, nine-green double-holed miniature golf course, antique carousel, snack bar, pavilions and numerous picnic areas. The park also has a four-mile loop of a natural surface hiking and biking trail positioned along the Cross County Trail.
If you're visiting NoVA this summer, these waterfront destinations are a great place to enjoy the views. These are also great opportunities to get acclimated with the area if you've just moved to Northern Virginia or are considering buying a home nearby.
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.
Homebuyer confidence has been strong this summer, with many home sellers seeing traffic and interest in their available Northern Virginia properties. Much of the motivation can be attributed to the rising interest and housing prices in the local markets, but not all homebuyers are convinced just yet.
Home Prices
As I mentioned above, housing prices are rising in real estate markets nationwide. It's a common factor that has driven many homebuyers to get in while the numbers are hovering around affordable levels. And while you might be holding off purchasing a home due to these increases, know that home prices are still "nearly 20 percent off their mid-2006 peak," according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. The index shows average U.S. home prices currently at summer 2004 levels.
Interest Rates
Another major factor for Northern Virginia homebuyers this summer, interest rates are slowly rising and expected to continue their climb. Some experts project mortgage rates could hit 5 percent by the end of the year or even early 2015— so don't put off your move too long. I'm here to help find a home that meets your criteria at a price that you're happy with this summer or in the coming months. With my expertise in the local market, we can complete a home purchase before the rates climb to the projected 5 percent.
Renting Is Expensive
You've heard the question before— why rent when you can own? The rising costs of rent are enough to motivate many Northern Virginia residents to purchase a home this summer and with rents only expected to rise, this should be a major factor for those on the fence as well. If this is your first time buying, I can help you factor in every cost to feel comfortable about the change.
The local real estate market is poised for many increases as the year progresses, so don't miss out on current levels! Contact me today to search available properties in the NoVA area.
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.
Despite recent reports of the Baby Boomer generation looking to downsize, it seems just the opposite is true in local Northern Virginia real estate Baby boomers have long dominated the single-family home market and aren't showing any signs of moving to smaller spaces just yet.
Previous real estate predictions of the past months (and even years) forecasted boomers downsizing once they hit the age of 65 and become empty nesters, believing they would move into a condo, townhouse or apartment. Now, even housing giants such as Fannie Mae are coming forth with a new outlook that has boomers staying put in their single-family homes.
"There's a perception, particularly in many media reports, that this massive generation born between 1946 and 1964 is altering its housing consumption," said one Fannie Mae researcher told the Chicago Tribune. "It's true that they're becoming empty nesters in droves. But by one measure, the proportion of boomers who live in single-family homes actually increased between 2006 and 2012."
In fact, a recent AARP survey found that 9 out of 10 boomers want to stay in their current single-family home as long as possible. For some, it could be due to their home value dropping or like some Northern Virginia homeowners, they could still be underwater in their mortgage and waiting for the right time to sell. Some baby boomers in Alexandria, Arlington, Annandale, Herndon, Mount Vernon or McLean may even wish to hold on to their low mortgage rate instead of selling their home.
And while some boomers in Northern Virginia may be looking to downsize, they will likely purchase a smaller single-family home instead of purchasing a condo or townhome.
If you're looking to purchase a new home in Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, or Fairfax I would be happy to show you properties from single-family homes to townhomes and condos. I have nearly 3 decades of local real estate experience and together, we can find you a home that works for you and your family, no matter what stage of life you're in. I look forward to hearing from you!
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.
Summer is often a busy time in the local real estate market— many homebuyers take the opportunity to visit open houses and Northern Virginia properties that appeal to them. But do you know how to act at an open house? Just like all processes in Northern Virginia real estate, there are certain guidelines to follow. The same applies to homebuyer practices at Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, or Fairfax open houses. Take the following tips into consideration as you prepare to buy a home in Northern Virginia this summer.
Get a Feel for the Market
There is no better time to get a feel for the local real estate market than at an open house. Use this time to learn more about the state of the market without committing. New homebuyers in McLean, Fairfax, Mount Vernon, or Arlington should use these open houses in addition to online search tools, mortgage calculators and local news to find what they can afford. "Open houses are some of the best ways for buyer and agent relationships to start," says AOL Real Estate.
Watch the Other Buyers
When feeling out the local real estate market, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. You can tell a lot about a home if you see people walking in and out quickly— perhaps the home has issues that they are finding. Do you see other buyers hanging out and asking questions? On the opposite end of the spectrum, this can mean good things about the property.
Ask Questions
The real estate agent is there to answer any questions you may have about the property, especially during an open house. If you feel more comfortable, make a list of questions and funnel them through your agent; they can then direct them to the listing agent. But remember, if you're there, the agent on duty has a direct line to the seller and likely knows more than anyone about the home.
As you prepare to buy a home this summer in Northern Virginia , it's important to remember the basic guidelines and etiquette of real estate. Visit all of the open houses you can, take notes and watch the other buyers. You don't need to be a committed buyer at the time, but feeling out the market and gathering how others respond can really help you down the line. Have questions? I'm here to help!
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.
With the Fourth of July now just days away, you may be finalizing your plans to watch the fireworks and attend parades or other celebrations of our nation's independence. Northern Virginia has so many opportunities this year to celebrate the red, white and blue, with a host of other exciting events in nearby DC!
If you haven't made your Fourth of July plans just yet, below are a few around the Northern Virginia area that you might like to pencil in!
An American Celebration
July 4, 2014
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens
What better place to kick off the Fourth of July than in Mount Vernon, the home of our nation's first president? During this Independence Day event, there will be a daytime fireworks display as well as a naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a wreath-laying ceremony and of course, birthday cake. There will even be a special appearance by General and Mrs. Washington themselves!
Capitol Hill Independence Day Parade
July 4, 2014; 10 AM
Downtown Washington, between 8th and I Streets, SE
Washington, DC
A parade in the nation's capital that will include antique cars, community leaders, superheros, princesses, area schools, performers and even contestants from the Ms. United States Pageant. Leading this year's parade will be the Commandant's Own Drum and Bugle Corps and following the event, there will be a community fair held at Eastern Market Metro Plaza will more entertainment, food and games.
Falls Church Independence Day Fireworks
July 4, 2014; 7 PM and 9 PM fireworks start time
George Mason High School
Falls Church, VA
This event will kick off with music at 7 PM by Beatles tribute band, The Apple Core. Fireworks will begin just after 9 PM, but in case of rain, the event will be reschedule for the same time and location on July 5.
Great Falls Fourth of July Festival
July 4, 2014; 8 AM
Great Falls Village Center
Great Falls, VA
While there will be no fireworks at this event, guests can come to enjoy a 5K Run/Walk, parade for the kids as well as main parade for the whole family, in addition to food and fun on the Village Center Green.
Herndon 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2014; 6:30 PM
Bready Park
Herndon, VA
The Town of Herndon will be hosting a fun event with games, activities including bingo and face painting, as well as entertainment, food and fireworks. The fireworks show will begin at dark, around 9:30 PM, and this year will be choreographed to music.
The Fourth of July is a great time to explore NoVA and all it has to offer, not to mention enjoying the holiday in Washington, DC! If you have questions about the local communities, feel free to contact me! I have nearly 3 decades of experience to help answer all of your questions and concerns.
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.
