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.