Alexandria, Burke, Mount Vernon Fall Festivals Come to Northern Virginia

It's that time of year again! Labor Day is officially behind us and the fall season is soon to arrive. If you're a resident of Northern Virginia, you know that our area boasts some of the most beautiful scenery as the seasons change, but that's not all! NoVa is home to a host of fall festivals that are planned to kick off over the next month.

Get ready to enjoy the cooler weather and the best of Northern Virginia communities like Burke, Reston, Alexandria and Mount Vernon by visiting the follow events:

ChalkFest
September 11-12, 2015
Reston Town Center
Reston, VA

Reston begins its ChalkFest with professional artists, sponsors and businesses on Friday, September 11, before opening the event to the public on Saturday, September 12. ChalkFest is held between Library and Presidents Streets and celebrates street art made with of course, chalk. There will be prizes awarded in various categories as well as the chance to watch some true artists in their element.

Burke Centre Festival
September 12-13, 2015
Saturday: 9:30 AM-5:30 PM, Wine Garden 5-10 PM; Sunday: 10:30 AM-5:30 PM
Burke Centre Conservancy Grounds
Burke, VA

Admission is free to the 38th Annual Burke Centre Festival! Highlights include amusement rides, live musical entertainment, food vendors, nature show, arts and crafts and more.

Colonial Market and Fair
September 19-20, 2015
9 AM-5 PM
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA

This annual event features dozens of America's best craftspeople, as well as 18th Century music, military drills, General Washington himself, speciality food and numerous craft demonstrations!  

Alexandria King Street Art Festival
September 19-20, 2015
Saturday: 10 AM-7 PM; Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM
King Street
Alexandria, VA

Just minutes from Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria is home to a thriving arts scene. This local festival transforms the city's historic main street into a one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery. Booths will line King Street, with over six blocks of artwork from more than 200 artists both local and international. 

If you've been contemplating a move to Northern Virginia, do not hesitate to give me a call! I will put my decades of local real estate experience to work for you and help you settle into our community just in time to enjoy all that the beautiful fall season has to offer.

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. 

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Thinking Spring with Events in Northern Virginia and DC

We're just about one month away from the beginning of spring, although the weather is yet to show any signs! However, the events calendar in Northern Virginia and DC are bursting with opportunities to think spring, get out and enjoy everything the area has to offer. 

From spring festivals to home shows to popular events celebrating the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, this spring is set to be an exciting time in Northern Virginia! Here are some of the many ways you can start thinking spring this month and next:

Capital Home and Garden Show

When: February 27-March 1, 2015; 
Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM; Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM

Where: Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Center
Chantilly VA

With over hundreds of exhibits and vendors, homeowners can gather inspiration for their homes in McLean, Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Reston and the surrounding areas. The Capital Home and Garden Show is a one-stop shop for the latest in remodeling, decorating, home services and products.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 20-April 12, 2015

Where: Washington, DC

This popular festival in our nation's capital celebrates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to Washington by the city of Tokyo. You can find them surrounding the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin, with their pale pink and white flowers. 

Lasting for three weeks, the Cherry Blossom Festival is city-wide and includes more than 200 cultural performances and other events. The events span sports, art exhibits, dining and more— something for everyone!

Chantilly Craftsmen's Spring Classic Art and Craft Festival

When: March 20-22, 2015; 
Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM

Where: Dulles Expo Center

Chantilly's favorite arts and crafts show! Find one-of-a-kind treasures for your home or yourself from hundreds of artists and craftsmen from all over the country. 

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. 

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Father's Day Events in Northern Virginia This Weekend

Father's Day is this Sunday and many will be wondering what to do, what to get Dad and how to celebrate. Why not get out and explore Northern Virginia  taking in the sights or visiting a few of these local events? From Father's Day at Mount Vernon to a musical performance by Beatle Ringo Starr, there is much to do this weekend in Alexandria, Arlington, Vienna, Fairfax and DC!

Father's Day at Mount Vernon
Saturday, June 14 through June 15, 2014; 8 AM to 5 PM

George Washington will be posting for photos, speaking about our nation's history, and the Mount Vernon Inn's sunken garden will be hosting a barbecue with roasted pig. What a great day to spend time with dad and experience history at its finest. Admission ranges from $8 to $17. 

Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band
June 12, 2014; 8 PM
The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Vienna, VA

Ringo Starr of Beatles fame will be performing with other well-known musicians, including members of the band Utopia, Santana, and Billy Joel. What's not to love about an event with great music and even better musicians?

Louisiana Swamp Romp
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 2 PM
The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Vienna, VA

Do you or Dad love the sounds of the Big Easy? Then this event is for you! including Stooges Brass Band, New Orleans sounds will be heard far and wide in this celebration of all things New Orleans, Louisiana. Admission is $30. 

Father's Day Fish-A-Rama
Sunday, June 15, 2014; 9 AM to 6 PM
Great Country Farms
Bluement, VA

Maybe Dad would rather spend the day fishing, in which case you should pack your bags for the Fish-A-Rama in Bluemont. Famous fisherman Bryan Kelly will be showing visitors spin tackle and fly casting before the fishing contest.

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.

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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4th of July Fun in DC, Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia and DC are great places to spend our nation's birthday on the 4th of July. The following are events taking place in the area that are sure to be fun for the entire family!

Washington, DC
National Independence Day Parade
July 4, 11:45 AM
The parade will begin at 11:45 AM on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Sts. NW. The parade will have marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and more. The parade kicks off a full day of events on the National Mall.

Fairfax City
Independence Day Parade
July 4, 10 AM

The Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 AM with musical entertainment at 7 PM and a fireworks display beginning at dark.

Falls Church

Fireworks and Live Music

July 4, 7 PM

Live music will begin at George Mason High School in Falls Church at 7 PM and fireworks to follow at 9:20 PM.

Herndon

Fireworks Display and Activities

July 4, 5 PM

The Herndon Community Center is hosting rides at 5 PM, music, crafts, bingo and games at 6:30 PM, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. 

McLean

Fireworks Display

July 4, 8 PM

Langley High School in McLean is kicking off the holiday at 8 PM, offering free parking and shuttles from St. John's Lutheran Church and the McLean Community Center. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 PM.

Reston

Fireworks Display

July 4, 9 PM

The Reston fireworks display will begin at Lake Fairfax Park will begin at 9:15 PM.

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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A Letter to the Seller: Northern Virginia Real Estate Tactics

In today's tight real estate market, being outbid on one of the few homes for sale in NOVA and losing the property to a fierce bidding war are scenarios that are becoming increasingly common. So, what's a NOVA home buyer to do? The answer may surprise you. 

Northern Virginia home buyers are actually solving their problems with pen and paper— writing letters to the sellers of homes they wish to buy. Real estate professionals suggest a letter provides a human element to the home sale as sellers are more willing to part with their property if the buyer is someone they're comfortable with and can relate to.

An example given by the Sun Sentinel involved one buyer who fell in love with a home and proceeded to write an offer— unfortunately, four other buyers were also interested. The home was perfect for someone with pets as the property boasted a big backyard and doggy doors. Not willing to lose the home, the buyer wrote a letter dictating how much the home would mean to her and her pets, even including a photo. The result? A successful sale.

The letter appealed to the seller's personal side and confirmed that this particular buyer was the perfect person for the property.

It seems the simple act of writing a letter can prove to be a most effective strategy in today's real estate market and one that NOVA homebuyers may benefit from. And with low inventory barring buyers from a wealth of choices, you will not want your Virginia dream home to get away from you.

As many traditional buyers do not want to sell their Fairfax, Arlington, or Alexandria property to just anyone, you may have the edge in taking to the page and telling the sellers exactly why you are the right candidate for the home. With a solid offer and this bit of insider knowledge, you may never get caught in another bidding war again.

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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2013 NOVA Housing Market Changes

With the real estate market in full effect in most areas and more homebuyers jumping off the sidelines, it's important that NOVA residents on the move know what they are in for with this year's housing market. It's no secret that many changes have occurred in the real estate industry over the last few years and with the following list of ways the market has changed, you'll be ready to make an informed decision and purchase in Northern Virginia.

1. Homes are more expensive than last spring
The economy has improved and mortgage rates have declined, thus boosting buyer confidence and demand. As a result, home prices have begun to soar. According to the National Association of Realtors, the national median home price increased 10.1% in November, a big change from the same time the year before. Prices are also expected to rise another 2.1 percent this year.

2. Loans are getting more expensive
Interest rates are expected to rise slightly this year and the costs associated with securing a loan are rising as well. Last spring, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) increased mortgage insurance premiums for minimum down-payment loans (those with less than 5% down) to 1.75% of the loan. The FHA also raised its annual monthly premiums to 1.25%.

3. Low inventory
While mortgage rates are great, there are not many homes available for sale. Buyer demand and favorable purchasing conditions have homes being taken off the market in no time, yet many NOVA home sellers are not taking advantage of this great time to place their homes for sale. On the contrary, if homebuyers see a property they like, they can be assured it won't last long.

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Earth Day in Northern Virginia

Earth Day, also known as the modern environmental movement, has been celebrated every April 22 since 1970. Today, millions of Americans celebrate and participate in the fight for a cleaner, better environment. The NOVA and DC areas have a wealth of events to make caring for the planet and participating in the green movement a bunch of fun regardless of your age. In the next week, here are events you can attend to show you care for the environment.

United States Botanic Garden

April 19, 2013

10 AM-2 PM

Conservancy Terrace

A great time to learn to cook with seasonal produce and meet environmental representatives from the area. Come by this event to learn how you can alter your lifestyle to a more sustainable option and more about the plants that support life on Planet Earth.

Union Station Earth Month
April 1-30, 2013
A month-long celebration featuring eco-friendly exhibits and activities to promote sustainability and greener living. On Earth Day, April 22, there will be day-long entertainment with contests, games, and more.

Earth Day at the National Zoo
April 20, 2013 
11 AM-3 PM
No ticket required and free and open to the public. The National Zoo will host green-themed crafts and activities to help visitors learn how to live a better, more sustainable lifestyle. There will also be a children's area where they can make their own plant pots.

Alexandria Earth Day
April 20, 2013
10 AM-2 PM
Ben Brenman Park
This event is focused on eco-friendly options for transportation like walking, cycling, ride-sharing, and riding public transit. There will be recycling and composting demonstrations, live music, and the launch of an Eco-City action plan.

Earth Day at the National Aquarium
April 21, 2013
12 PM-4 PM
The National Aquarium has family-friendly activities to learn how you can help protect the environment. Experts will present animals with talks about those in-house and how they are affected by the environment. Admission is $9.95 for adults and $4.95 ages 3-11.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Your Weekend Events Roundup for Annandale

As someone who has dedicated their career to helping people buy or sell their homes in the Northern Virginia area, I believe that it’s important to stay in the loop about community events. As I always say, when you live in Annandale, Virginia, it’s practically impossible to ever complain of boredom. Not only is it close to our lovely nation’s capital, but there are plenty of other surrounding cities in the Northern Virginia area that have something fun or exciting to offer, especially on the weekends.

There are some fantastic events happening around Annandale this weekend, so if you’re new to the area, it would be a great time for you to get out there in the community and attend. Here are some of the highlights:

The Reunion Music Society Twentieth Anniversary Celebration Concert
Friday, October 19th, 7:30pm
Ernst Theatre, NVCC Annandale Campus
The NVCC Annandale Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for an exciting fall 2012 season, and this Friday night, they want you to celebrate with them. Join them as they recognize the 20th anniversary of the Reunion Music Society. The symphony’s string musicians will join with jazz artists all over the DC area for an evening of music you won’t forget! Enjoy songs from the Charlie Parker/Clifford Brown tradition. Tickets are $35.00. This is one opening night that you will not want to miss!

St. Charles Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 20th, 7:00am
3299 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA
Have some fun with the entire family at this Oktoberfest celebration! Start your morning off with a yard sale, where you can browse donated household items, pieces of furniture, toys, books, movies and music for a great price. In the afternoon, grab some grub and participate in some family fun, including moon bounces, face painting, carnival games, arts and crafts and an obstacle course. Guests can also enjoy a haunted house and cakewalk throughout the day. End the day with a spaghetti dinner featuring some famous sauce.

Complete the Circle
Sunday, October 21st, 2:00pm
10515 School Street, Fairfax, VA
Hunger is still a prominent issue in the Northern Virginia area, and this Sunday, Our Daily Bread is hosting its 2nd annual Complete the Circle FOODraiser event. Designed to spend community awareness about hunger, this event will allow you to donate food to help those in need while having a great time. Complete with snacks, live music, and activities for the kids, you can make a difference in the lives of many local families who are struggling to feed themselves.

From musical concerts to charitable fundraisers, you’ll undoubtedly find something to do this weekend in the Northern Virginia area! If you have any questions about any of the amazing communities in this region, feel free to contact me and ask. I’ve lived and worked as a real estate agent in the area for several years and would be happy to help you in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you very soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Prepare for National Walk To School Day in NOVA!

Remember the days when there wasn’t a school bus route for every child, and some people had to actually walk? It seems like ancient history, doesn’t it? In reality, walking to school not only promotes more physical activity; it also helps solve a problem that has been facing the Northern Virginia area for quite awhile, and that is overcrowding in our bus systems.

Tomorrow marks National Walk to School Day, and the Northern Virginia area will be celebrating wholeheartedly. From Annandale to Fairfax to Alexandria, students all over the region will be skipping their bus rides and taking to the sidewalks. With an expected high temperature around 84, students should be able to get to school comfortably.

This nationwide program was started twelve years ago by the Partnership for a Walkable America in the Chicago area. Since then, more and more states and schools have signed up to participate each year. Last year marked the first year that Fairfax County Public Schools publicly endorsed the event, and this year 35 local elementary schools have decided to participate. These include Canterbury Woods, Ravensworth, North Springfield Elementary and Poe Middle School in Annandale. The Northern Virginia area hopes that a program like this will provide a springboard for more permanent initiatives to get our kids walking and biking to school.

There are a number of reasons why this program is so important, including raising awareness about safer routes to walk or bike to school. Other issues such as traffic congestion, pedestrian safety and increased physical activity for kids are brought to light through the initiative. As a Northern Virginia real estate professional, I have devoted many years of my life to the communities of the area and feel that it’s important to publicize events like this regularly. I feel that they can only help improve our communities, promote a healthier environment for our kids and help with the bus overcrowding issue that has been prominent in Fairfax County.

As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, a large part of my job is to sell my area of service. Yes, selling an individual property is exceedingly important, but if a home buyer isn’t 100% thrilled with the neighborhood that they decide to live in, then they will never be completely satisfied with their home. Participation in national initiatives such as Walk to School Day shows that our region is dedicated to supporting important community efforts, and it shows that we are always taking strides to improve our neighborhoods. To many buyers, this is an appealing quality in a community that adds to its charm.

If you have any questions about the amazing communities in the Northern Virginia area, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! As someone who has lived and worked in the region for several years, I would be happy to show you what makes Northern Virginia so special. I’d also be happy to show you some of the many homes available in the NOVA real estate market. I hope to hear from you soon!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Northern Virginia Athletes Are Taking Over the Olympics!

I’ve been working as a Northern Virginia real estate agent for several years now, so to say that I’m proud of the area I live in is an understatement. I genuinely feel that all of the communities in NOVA are ideal places to live and really foster a sense of closeness and comfort in their respective environments. That’s why, when there is exciting news about the area, I always try to report on it quickly. I love boasting about the accomplishments of the respective communities that I service. This year, one major international event has very strong ties to Northern Virginia.

We’ve all heard about the upcoming Olympic Games in London. These are always a cause for excitement internationally. In a lot of ways, it gives us all something to cheer for as a nation. It unites us. This year, there are a total of five Olympians in the Northern Virginia area alone. That’s saying something about our local athletics programs, isn’t it? Take a second to meet our Olympians:

Giuseppe Lanzone
Sex: Male
Rowing
Event/position/class: Eight
Age: 29
From: Annandale

Terrence Jennings
Sex: Male
Taekwondo
Event/postion/class: 68kg
Age: 25
From: Alexandria

Kate Ziegler
Sex: Female
Swimming
Event/position/class: 800m free
Age: 24
From: Great Falls

Claire Laubach
Sex: Female
Competing in field hockey
Event/position/class: Defense
Age: 28 (29 on July 29th!)
From: Bristow

Matt McLean
Sex: Male
Swimming
Event/position/class: 800m free relay
Age: 24
From: Sterling

Now that you know who to cheer for, be sure to watch the Olympics, which start this Friday. As someone who has lived and worked in Northern Virginia real estate for several years, I think that news like this is important to share. It’s up to our communities to support our Olympians and cheer them on as they represent our nation in this positive, unifying event. Having a strong list of athletes to cheer for during this time will give our towns an excuse to get together and watch the games!

As always, if you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Northern Virginia area, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I am always happy to help in any way that I can. I sincerely hope to hear from you soon!

 

Earle and Stan Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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