Charles M. Goodman House to be named a 100 Year Old Building

On February 3rd The City of Alexandria Department of Planning and Zoning suggested approval of the Charles M. Goodman House to be named as a 100 Year Building on the City of Alexandria's 100 Year Old Building list. This will be the 34th building added to this list outside of the City of Alexandria Old Town. Approval will be brought to the City Council Hearing on February 21st.

courtesy of wikimapia.org

courtesy of wikimedia.org

Okay so whats the big deal?
Charles Goodman is an American Modernist Architect that made his fame in the Washington, D.C. Area after World War II. Charles Goodman is responsible for designing numerous homes in the DC Area until his death in 1992. Alexandria, Virginia was his home. Most famously recognized for the design of the Hollin Hills Community in Alexandria and the original design of the National Airport.

Hollin Hills was developed by Robert C. Davenport in which Goodman designed 14 different models for the 450 home development. The only development design by Goodman as the lead architect in Alexandria, Virginia.

Typical Home in Hollin Hills - Courtesy of Clarissa Peterson

About the Charles M. Goodman House
510 North Quaker Lane is an 1870's Farmhouse that was redesigned by Goodman in 1954 the original architect is unknown. He used this home as his principle residence in Alexandria. It was recently sold in 2013 and in May of 2013 it was entered on the National Registry of Historic Places. The periods of specific significance are the years between 1946 and 1960. The house is said to measure around 3,800 sqft and the additions that were added during the time include the kitchen, living room, covered terrace, shed and service building. The property no longer includes all 7 acres they were divided off by Goodman's wife after his death for new homes to be built. These new homes were considered "McMansions". A full report of the historical significance can be found here.

Goodman Home courtesy of nps.gov

Glass enclosed living room of the Goodman addition

 www.ListingAlexandria.com

Written by: Patrick DeLeonibus

Spring is Coming Early!

All over the Washington Metro Area the real estate market is heating up earlier than previously expected. Currently we are experiencing high sales and inventory that is dwindling. There are a number of factors driving sales.

A few factors in play...

Transportation system in the DC Metro
Attractive reports on the outlook of the city
New development projects
Foreign investors
Large national investors
Positive outlooks for the Federal Government
Younger population demanding the urban lifestyle
Talk of rising interest rates for the new year

Georgetown Real Estate

If you previously thought about putting your home on the market in the spring time you may want to get it ready early. When buyers are biting they will tend to pay more when the inventory is lower. I expect this surge in demand to carry throughout the year. The undetermined factor is whether the inventory will match the demand and drive us to lower prices. 

As announced last week by major news outlets the Urban Institute predicts a population increase of at least 2,039,594 by 2030. Information like this being released does not slow down the real estate market, it gives it a nice kick in the butt as full steam ahead. 

I'm going to dub last week as "investor week", I heard from every investor I knew, asking me to find them their next project. Its a great time to live and move to DC.

www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com 

Market Movement and Positive Outlook

In this market place you will find the serious sellers, and buyers that want to pay a fair price.

As I just mentioned the other day we appeared to be in a buyers market but now as the statistics are being analyzed that shift is moving towards a more even market.

I'm going to take a moment and further explain and try to shed some light on the current uncertainty that we are experiencing.  The market is best explained as moving to an even market but with continued buyer uncertainty that shift is slow. It changes from day to day and sale to sale.  There can be micro markets being driven by specific situations like development and investment potential, and larger markets that consist of micro markets. All factor into the conditions of  "the market". It is important to understand the types of sales and volume of sales to realize the right time to buy or sell. Basic Econ 101!


Whats going on with the most stable market in the country?

"DC Market" and factors determining
News Flash you live in the nations capital! Did you think I wasn't going to say politics is a factor? Truth is elections are today and possible shift in power among the Senate. That being said we are also a short time away from a presidential election with a lot of emotions building. These do determine and push home sales in the country, more importantly the district.  Luckily, we are in one of the most stable markets in the country having the federal government in our city.

October Stats: 1001 Properties were listed on the market in DC for the month of October. 724 sales in October. Currently with a total of 1,436 active listings in DC. All stats are provided by MRIS and not guaranteed to be accurate.

"Alexandria City Market" and factors determining
Just a stones throw across the river from DC we are experiencing sales moving slightly higher and soon creating an even market. Inventory is creeping up as well as sales, making this a good time to buy. Buyers still know the inventory and are becoming very educated with the slower pace of sales. Sales are generally not moving over list price.

October Stats: 264 Properties were listed on the market in Alexandria City for the month of October.  183 sales in October. Currently with a total of 554 active listings in Alexandria City. All stats are provided by MRIS and not guaranteed to be accurate.

Positive outlook:
Be prepared for a possible uptick in national sales leading into the new year following the November elections and other positive world news for example slowing of new cases of Ebola and Financial Market positive gains. Yes Ebola in the US helps add to the uncertainty and uncertainty moves the real estate market.

Market Outlook: Heading to an even market.

DC Living allows for Backyard Destinations

Younger population moving in, and backyard destinations become ever so popular.

If you have lived in the DC area for a number of years you already understand the benefits of living here.  If you are new to the area WELCOME, you are bound to love it here.  After the dust settles from the nations politics DC is still home to about 632,000 Americans (2012).  Looking back at 1940 we had nearly 900,000 residents and now the population is trending back upwards with the desire to move back into the city and immediate surrounding neighborhoods.   So you ask yourself what is the drive for the population to move inward?  We are looking at the younger demographics... age 25 - 34 is now the largest age bracket in the District.  The younger population just graduating college or only about 7-10 years out want to be within walking distance or metro distance to work.  It is not because they are lazy it is merely because they realize if they want to be out in the suburbs they can travel to get there.  There are also other economic factors involved, which I wont get into but this is the general reason motivating their decision.  Traveling is not an issue nowadays with all the different types of car share programs and rental services provided.  All you have to do is get up and go...

Cabin in Somerset PA

I was recently in Pennsylvania enjoying a weekend by the creek which compelled me to write this article.  With further research I have realized we have plenty of travel destinations within three hours of living from the DC Metro.  Now we can enjoy these destinations when we want on our time.  Families are using these destinations to build or rent vacation homes, ranches,  or retreats but keeping their primary residence in the city.



Backyard Destinations

Golfing trip in PA

There are countless backyard destinations to enjoy within 2-3 hours of DC  a few of them are:

Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake which sits just 3 hours outside of DC in Western Maryland and 30 minutes off of Interstate 60.  Deep Creek is home to the Wisp Ski Resort, but if skiing is not for you make sure you check it out during the warmer months for the other land and water sports.  Deep Creek welcomes golfers of all skill levels with at least four golf courses in the vicinity.  You can always find cabins for rent or sale at deep creek lake.

Somerset PA Fire and Ice Festival
http://www.festivalsinpa.com

Somerset and Rockwood PA
Get back to nature in Somerset and Rockwood PA.  You are probably thinking, Where is Somerset?  Well Somerset and Rockwood are also very similar to Deep Creek, just 3 hours outside of DC but located in PA.  Somerset is another Skiing destination (Seven Springs Mountain Resort).  During the warm months Somerset and Rockwood will allow you to reach the outdoorsman in you. Fishing, Hunting, Rafting, and Camping are all at your disposal.

Maryland's Eastern Shore
The Eastern shore has a variety of quaint places to visit for either day trips or over night stay.  Some options include St. Michaels, Crisfield and Smith Island.  A number of Marylanders enjoy second homes in these destinations.               www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

Crabbing Boats, Maryland's Eastern Shore
http://www.thehulltruth.com/

Alexandria Farmers Market

Alexandria Farmers Market
www.northernvirginiamag.com

If you have not been to the Alexandria Farmers Market you are truly missing out.  I recently visited the Alexandria farmers market with my family a couple of Saturday's ago.  The weather appeared as if it was going to be nasty but as we walked down the street it cleared up and the sun came out.  The variety of people and items at the market really can make anyone feel at home.

Out of all the farmers markets I have been to, the Alexandria Farmers market makes you fall in love with the charm of Old Town.

For those of you who do not live in Old Town or have never visited...

Imagine this... in the center of Old Town Alexandria the Market Square Plaza that sits in front of City Hall packed with the hustle of Old Town on Saturday Morning.  There are Artists, Farm Vendors, Music and Laughter. The setting takes you back and really demands your life to slow down and take in the atmosphere.  This alone would make anyone consider living here.   The Farmers Market has been around for 260 years and currently holds the status of the oldest continuous farmers market in the country.  This market is open every Saturday year round. See you there! www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

Alexandria Farmers Market www.jay.typepad.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.