5 Things to Do This January in Northern Virginia

January can indeed be a time when the winter blues set in, but not with the ongoing list of fun events in Northern Virginia to kick off the new year! This month's calendar in Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Reston, Vienna and beyond is packed with family-friendly activities to get you moving again and take your focus off of the dark, dreary days of winter!

I've selected a few events happening in the area this month that you'll want to add to your schedule— take a look:

An Evening with the Gonzal Bergara Quartet
When: January 13, 2016; 7:30 PM
Where: Jammin' Java, Vienna VA

The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet will mix the sounds of Paris and Argentina this month, with a form they call "Gypsy Jazz." The group performs on various string instruments and presents their audience with the likes of sounds you may have never heard before. 

Reston Orchestra MLK Concert
When: January 16, 2016; 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: Reston Community Center, Reston VA

The Reston Community Orchestra will present their 10th Annual "Remembering the Dream" concert this month, the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The concert is free to attend and will feature many songs inspired by the great leader.

Snow White
When: Through January 17, 2016
Where: Encore Stage and Studio, Arlington VA

It seems January is the month of culture and memorable performances in Northern Virginia! The classic Snow White fairy tale will come to the stage in a musical adaptation in this NOVA performance, featuring all of your favorite characters.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
When: January 29, 30, 31, 2016
Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly VA

This festival features the nation's most talented artists, both displaying and selling their wares. In fact, this craft festival was rated one of the Top Craft Experiences in the Country, so you won't want to miss it!

Civil War Ball
When: January 23, 2016; 8 PM to 10 PM
Where: Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Alexandria VA

This is your chance to dress up in your best Civil War-era ensemble and attend an evening of elegance in Alexandria! There will be live music, dance instruction and 1860's inspired desserts at this 19th century themed ball. 

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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How to Start Fresh for the New Year in Your Northern Virginia Kitchen

As they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home— but it's also the place that can become the messiest! With the new year just days away, NoVA residents are preparing for a fresh start and what better spot than in this busy area of your home?

Follow these easy tips for creating a clean slate in your kitchen just in time for 2016:

Clean out the cabinets
First, start by removing any odds and ends that belong in other places of your Northern Virginia home— mail, books, electronics. Next, empty every cabinet, drawer and shelf, clearing out any broken or rarely used pieces to make more room for the others. Tackle the pantry and toss out any expired items or anything you're trying to steer clear of in the new year ahead.

Clean off all of the shelves, the inside of drawers and cabinets and begin to place the items back inside. Just make sure the items you use most often or those close to expiring are well within your reach!

Clear away grease and grime
A well-used kitchen can be quite messy, so it's time to give everything a good cleaning! Remove all oven knobs, drawer pulls and appliance handles and soak them in a soap and water mixture. While they are soaking, wipe down every surface with a kitchen degreaser, including tile grout and backsplashes. 

Be sure to dust spice racks, pot hangers, light fixtures and clocks that may be high enough to forget about!

Mind the appliances
Two of the most frequently used items in your kitchen are likely the oven and the refrigerator and they can quickly build up residue and grease if not cleaned often. Treat these just as you did the cabinets earlier— pull everything out, toss out expired or old items, soak racks and shelves and wipe down with a degreaser or specific appliance cleaner. 

Soak the burners if possible and clean any fallen food that may have collected underneath. Before you put everything back together, make it a point to dust coils and fans behind the appliances.

As always, if you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia, do not hesitate to reach out! I wish you a happy and safe new year!

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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Northern Virginia Real Estate: Selling a Home During the Holidays

While many Northern Virginia residents would love to receive a new home for the holidays, not many are up to the task of selling a home during this time. But don't be discouraged! Selling a home during the holidays can happen and there are quite a few reasons a home seller may choose to list their property now.

You're relocating
If your purpose for listing your Northern Virginia home is relocation, either out of state or to a new community, it is perfectly fine to sell now. Teaming up with a great real estate agent is half of the battle when listing during the off-season and I am happy to help! Remember, a well-priced home in great condition can sell nearly any time.

Buyers are serious
Home sellers in Northern Virginia are recognizing that buyers are motivated right now— and there are many of them waiting for the perfect property. With inventory low, you have a chance of standing out among other homes for sale and finding a serious buyer who has a deadline for moving during these holiday months.

The holidays are an emotional time
Think about it— the process of choosing your next place to live is an emotional experience, as are the holidays. Sellers can cozy up their properties, using the scents and sounds of the season, to help buyers feel more at home. Buyers may also have family in town, and children on school vacation, thus giving them more time to house hunt and other opinions to help them choose. 

Fewer homes for sale
As I mentioned above, there are fewer homes for sale in McLean, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax City, Falls Church and Alexandria during the holidays. The majority of Northern Virginia home sellers are not aware that the holidays can be a lucrative time to sell, given the current real estate market conditions. Listing now can help your home stand out in the community.

Don't wait until spring to list your home in NoVa! The holidays can be an opportune time as well and as your local real estate agent, I am here to answer any questions you have about selling over the next few months!

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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2013 is Near in Fairfax County

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Happy New Year!

2013 is right around the corner and is one of my favorite times of the year as it is so hopeful and full of new beginnings.  Lots of planning and goal setting for the coming year and 2013 is only going to be better for real estate and the economy.  

Every year I throw a party in our home in Fairfax County and do some traditional things and always try to incorporate some new trends.  Here are some things to do or remember when you host a New Year’s Celebration.  

I always start with a theme and go from there.  A trendy theme this year  but also a classic is using clocks as décor and classic color themes of black, white, silver and gold.   So, this year I am going to use gold as the main color, as gold is also a popular décor color for 2013. 

Everyone loves mini sized items.  A cute and trendy idea is to take Mini Moet & Chandon Champagne Bottles and place them in ice with the name of your guest to toast the New Year with!  Always have the noise makers and toss some gold glitter on table cloths.

For the food stick with small and simple.  You can also use some fun items that are traditional New Year’s Foods.  Such as black eyed peas for luck and prosperity.  Any type of green like collards, kale or cabbage which symbolizes money and the more greens one eats the larger one's fortune next year.  There are also bad luck food traditions such as lobster because they walk backwards could lead to setbacks.  Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past.

Don’t forget goodie bags to take along when your guest leave.  Some nice items are 2013 planners, alarm clocks, goal setters, journal etc.  Get creative but try to stay in your theme and always have a stocked bar!

Wanting to go out on the town for New Years Eve?  Take a look at these festivities in our area:  http://dc.about.com/od/newyearseve/a/NewYearsEve.htm

Not in our area?  Here are some major events around the globe:  

http://blog.discoversd.com/san-diego-nightlife-blog/2013-new-years-eve-parties-san-diego.html

Got little one’s and want to spend New Year’s Day out and about?  

Check out these great events going on the D.C. area:  http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/tp/NewYearsDay.htm

As the new year comes I hope you celebrate the past year and what's going to come.  Spend it with one's you care about and as always be safe!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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