The Return of Wallpaper

     Whether you like it or not wallpaper is on the return. Yes, wallpaper is back in style... I remember as a child the horrific pale blue stripes and grapes that bordered the kitchen. I guess you can say now my parents just have good taste. This style of wallpaper may not be back, but wallpaper used on accent walls certainly is. We are noticing many designer patterns of wallpaper being used in model homes or being suggested by stagers.

Disclaimer: I am not suggesting to just go home and slap up some wallpaper thinking it will attract buyers... Please consult with a professional about this before you try it. Less is always better!

A little wallpaper can add a big pop to a room. If you cannot achieve the pop with wallpaper stick to neutral colors. Especially if you are looking to sell your home. By doing so you will attract a bigger pool of buyers. 

     It will be interesting to see how long this trend lasts and how many people overdo it. www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

Demand of New Construction

     As we have seen in the recent months buyers in the market are demanding new construction in the DC Metro. There have been three notable developments reflecting this demand. 1055 High in Georgetown, The Oronoco in Old Town, and Potomac Yard in Alexandria. I mention these developments because of their attraction to today's buyers.

www.1055high.com

   
     Of the highest in starting price point, 1055 High demands attention. It is uniquely situated in the Georgetown neighborhood only housing seven units. These 7 units define style and ultra high end, ranging from $3.6 - 5.55MM. The development features an outdoor pool and views of the C&O canal. All seven units went under contract in June within 24 days from listing and all were cash buyers.

   

www.eya.com

     The Oronoco might be one of the most eye catching designs for new construction in Old Town. The idea was to convert the old Sheet Metal Workers Pension Fund office to 60 large one level condo units. While keeping the core of the building they were able to achieve just this and more. The terraced U shape building allowed EYA to build huge outdoor patios overlooking the pool. The complex has any amenity you could possibly want, from a children's playroom to a gym, yoga studio, and dog washing station. Now the design is being considered one of EYA's best builds in Old Town thus far. There are only 8 units remaining ranging from $1.6 - 4.5MM. I have to say since I have seen the view first hand, the $4.5 Million is worth every penny.

www.pulte.com

     Potomac Yard is one of the newer major developments in Alexandria. Prices currently starting in the $800's for townhomes and selling fast! While touring the new Pulte homes last week I was able to get the inside scoop on the hype of Potomac Yard. The 1st phase is almost completely sold out and there are now new plans for further development across Route 1 parallel to Potomac Yards. Residents are buying up these new homes based on the idea of a future metro stop at Potomac Greens expected in 2017. There are very few amenities available to the residents of Potomac Yard.

705 Miller Lane Potomac Greens Listed
at $1,085,000. 

     With the Potomac Greens townhome community an EYA development just on the other side of the metro I question the attraction to Potomac Yard instead. If I had to guess it would be the new construction alone that attracts buyers. Potomac Greens is one of the best kept secrets of Old Town, centrally located between Route 1 and the GW Parkway. You will find amenities like a walking trail, fitness center, pool, playground and club house. There are a number of resales in Potomac Greens that are like new and model home worthy. Just being a few years old the neighborhood appears to be under valued and a best buy for Old Town.

705 Miller Lane Potomac Greens Listed
 by Nancy Perkins Coldwell Banker.

The Beginning of Great Service

     As we are already a week into August, I reflect back on the last two months and the start of great things to come. As many of you may know I have recently Joined the Rotary Club of Federal City (Washington, D.C.) and became a Charter Member this past February. This has been a very rewarding experience the last few months. Our club just completed the New Officer Installation Ceremony on July 20th where I will hold the Secretary position for another term. I was honored and surprised to receive the award for Rotarian of the Year at that same event. We have done many things since our start to help better our community and soon the world.
     Our club has had a great start in Rotary and I look forward to the difference we can make and the lives we can change.

Patrick DeLeonibus and Rotary
 District Governor Bill Fine

     This past week in August we hosted the RYLA North America Conference here in Washington, D.C. We had over 300 Delegates and 51 different Countries represented. I was given the task of Director of Hospitality. We worked with the youth of Rotary and helped inspire leadership in everyone. There were a number of great speakers and Ambassadors who helped make this event special.

     Rotary International President Gary Huang of Taipei, Taiwan flew in to join us for our opening ceremonies on August 3rd. He spoke about the new theme of Rotary ("Light up Rotary") and our continued goal of complete eradication of Polio. Rotary Federal City