August 16th, 2010:
Arlandria mixes Northern VA, international culture
What is Appraisal Fraud?
Appraisal Fraud involves the appraiser of a house or commercial real estate, the broker, loan officer and sometimes the lender. This is when the numbers are fixed so the real estate looks as if it is worth more than it truly is. This is usually done so the broker or loan officer can close on a larger loan and make a bigger commission. Other reasons this is done is to get a lower price on a foreclosed home or to get a lender to decrease the amount owed in a loan modification.
Any way you look at it this practice is wrong and illegal. Most appraisers, lenders, brokers, and loan officers are honest people.
Del Ray provides quaint suburb atmosphere
Del Ray in Alexandria continues to offer the same quaint suburban atmosphere it did when it was founded in 1894. In fact, most buildings erected here between 1890 and 1950 still stand, perfectly complementing the community’s friendly suburban environment. With Washington, D.C., less than 10 miles away, Del Ray is an easy, relaxing retreat for those who work in the nation’s capital. Commuters can use Braddock Road Station to head to D.C., Arlington and other locations in the area.
In Del Ray, many small town streets connect to the neighborhood’s main road: Mount Vernon Avenue. Here residents will find shops, restaurants and even a recreation center and country club. Four of Del Ray’s neighborhoods include trendy Brenton, all-brick Hume Springs, charming Lynhaven and excellent St. Elmo.
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1 - 5 of 15.
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(all data current as of
5/22/2012)
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$485,000 : 512 Windsor Ave, Alexandria4 beds, 1 full bath
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$535,000 : 315 Custis Ave E #A, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$483,900 : 1712 Price St, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$569,900 : 1505 Wayne St, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$1,499,900 : 2805 Russell Rd, Alexandria5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Old Town offers historic charm
More than 4,000 historic buildings grace the streets of Old Town, the oldest part of the city of Alexandria and also George Washington’s hometown. Often a destination for tourists, Old Town is a comfortable, upscale location within Alexandria. The city’s numerous shops, restaurants and public houses offer quality entertainment, just as the city’s Gadsby’s Tavern did for Thomas Jefferson when he attended many, many years ago. Today’s residents and visitors can enjoy an early evening of fine dining or a late night on the town — or both!
Tourists and residents going to Washington can easily get inside the city using the King Street Metro and Trolley, which serves the Old Town neighborhood. But why go into Washington when Old Town has so much to offer in a small yet busy environment with opportunities abound? Ice cream houses, coffee shops, boutiques and big-name fashion shops cover the brick-lined sidewalks of Alexandria’s Old Town. It’s an atmosphere perfect for families and singles, whether just visiting or staying for a while.
If you’re looking for a condo near King Street and the water, you may want to check out the Torpedo Factory or Prince Street Club.
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(all data current as of
5/22/2012)
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$709,900 : 412 Pendleton St, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$624,900 : 520 John Carlyle St #107, Alexandria1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths
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$729,900 : 604 Tivoli Passage Way #Pb-16, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full baths
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$789,000 : 416 Patrick St N, Alexandria4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$775,000 : 745 Fayette St N, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
What’s it like to live in Alexandria VA?
Culture, history and modernization thrive in Alexandria
History marries modern living in Alexandria, a city with origins dating back to colonial times. Those seeking a journey back in time may find the Old Town neighborhood most appealing. Or, for the modernists, Alexandria’s Carlyle District and Kingstowne host many new, comfortable dwellings. Also, the city has enough restaurants, shops and boutiques to match anyone’s preference.
To the newcomer, Alexandria can seem confusing. For instance, it’s considered an “independent city,” which means Alexandria is not part of a county. Some parts of Fairfax County actually have an Alexandria postal address, but they are not in the City of Alexandria.
Our Guide shares what potential Alexandria residents need to know — from the government procedures to information about each neighborhood’s unique and desirable qualities.
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(all data current as of
5/22/2012)
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$379,900 : 5232 Leeward Ln, Alexandria4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$427,500 : 7439 Digby Grn, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$709,900 : 412 Pendleton St, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$220,000 : 203 Yoakum Pkwy #517, Alexandria1 bed, 2 full baths
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$250,000 : 2402 Ross St, Alexandria5 beds, 2 full baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Ways to Make Homes with Stairs Safer
As large numbers of people age, an increasing percentage finds stairs a challenge.
Housing safety experts say climbing stairs can be good exercise for older people, but the stairs should be safe. Among the things that need to be done to increase the safety factor are:
- Add lighting at both the top and the bottom.
- Put stair railings on both sides.
- Make sure it is easy to see individual treads by adding visual contrast.
- Consider an elevator or a lift.
- Consider remodeling in order to live on one floor only.
Source: Washington Post, Maryann Haggerty (08/14/2010)









