From February 1-6 Crystal City will celebrate its second annual Fashion Week.  Events will include trunk shows, music, food and drink, and dancing.  Audience members can even participate in an on-the-spot design competition.

Take some time to explore the Crystal City complex, which includes high rise residential buildings, office blocks, hotels, shops and restaurants.

Crystal City's 6,000 residents could go for months, or even years, without leaving the complex, which offers health clubs, banks, drug stores, supermarkets, doctors' and dentists' offices, a post office, nine parks, public concerts, a Water Park, night school and over l50 shops and restaurants.  In case the weather is bad, all these features are connected by underground passageways. 

If they do need to go somewhere, not to worry--because Crystal City is a commuter's dream.  It is five minutes from downtown or Reagan National Airport, lies on two Metro lines, has its own VRE commuter train station and is a hub of the local bicycle commuter system.

To see homes for sale in Crystal City, click here.

• To qualify for the move-up tax credit, a home owner must have occupied the same principal residence for five of the last eight years consecutively.
• Buyers can elect to claim the credit on either their 2009 or their 2010 tax return, whichever is best for them.
• Buyers who claim the credit in 2009 can’t file electronically because the Internal Revenue Service hasn’t put the required forms on line. The wait for a refund is three or four months.
• The home can be a mobile home or travel trailer that is fixed to land owned or leased by the home owner. A mobile home or travel trailer that is actually mobile doesn’t qualify.
• The home can’t be purchased from a close relative, including a parent, spouse, child, grandparent or grandchild.
• A buyer who earns no taxable income or doesn’t owe any federal income tax can qualify for the tax credit and file a tax return just to claim it.

1. Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass.
2. Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C.
3. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill.-Ind.-Wis.
4. Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio-Ky.-Ind.
5. Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colo
6. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wis.
7. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa.-N.J.-Del.-Md.
8. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash.
9. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.
10. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.V.

Lots of signs point to a recovery in the construction industry.

With help from a federal tax break, both Lennar Corp. and KB Home posted fourth-quarter profits – the first time since 2007 that either has been in the black.

KB Home CEO Jeffrey Mezger said in a statement: "There are indications that housing market conditions may be stabilizing in some regions, reflecting, among other things, relatively high levels of affordability.”

Other signs that things are getting better:

• Residential investment increased 18.9 percent in the third quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis compared with the second quarter, according to the U.S. Commerce Department"s Bureau of Economic Analysis. It was the first increase in residential investment since the fourth quarter of 2005, the government said.
• Both KB Home and Lennar are buying land.
• As sales increase, both have reduced incentives they have been offering buyers.
• Mezger says KB is increasing prices.

The Earth Advantage Institute, a non-profit that certifies sustainable homes, identified these green-building trends, based on its relationships with builders, architects, real estate practitioners, and lenders.

Read the whole list here.

• Smart grid and connected homes. The development of custom and Web-based display panels that show real-time home energy use, broken out by individual appliance will increasingly drive consumer behavior.
  
  
• Energy labeling for homes and office buildings. Accurate energy rating systems for homes and office spaces will make it easier for home owners and buyers to compare and could galvanize owners to make needed energy improvements.
  
  
• Building information modeling software. The increasing sophistication and lowered cost of CAD software with more accurate algorithms for energy modeling will encourage greater use.
  
  
• Financial community buy-in to green building. Lenders and insurers will get behind green building because it’s good for their bottom lines.
  
  
• "Rightsizing" of homes. A larger home no longer translates into greater equity.
  
  
• Eco-districts. The creation of walkable, low-impact communities in the suburban setting is gaining steam.
  
  
• Water conservation. The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the voluntary WaterSense specification for new homes in December of 2009, which reduces water use by about 20 percent compared to a conventional new home. Water will be the essential resource in the next decade.
  
  
• Carbon Calculation. With buildings contributing roughly half the carbon emissions in the environment, the progressive elements in the building industry are looking at ways to document, measure, and reduce greenhouse gas creation in building materials and processes. This effort will be heightened once a federal cap-and-trade mechanism is launched in this country.
  
  
• Net Zero Buildings. A net zero building is a building that generates more energy than it uses over the course of a year, as a result of relatively small size, extreme efficiencies and onsite renewable energy sources. We are close to being able to do this routinely.
  
  
• Sustainable building education. This will create opportunities for professionals involved in the building industry, from real estate to finance and insurance.
  
  

Source: Earth Advantage Institute (01/08/2010)

The McLean House Condominiums are located in the heart of McLean, Virginia, and are one of the areas most sought after condo communities. Located at 6800 Fleetwood Road in McLean, this condominium community is a premier location in a unique area of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. The McLean House Condominiums are located conveniently close to both the Langley and McLean Shopping Centers, and the surrounding neighborhood is home to a wide variety of restaurants, parks, banking centers, and grocery stores.

The McLean House feature gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, specialized track lighting, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, balconies, and a washer and dryer in each unit. Other facilities include basketball and tennis courts, a beauty salon, an exercise room, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour security desk in the main lobby. The McLean House is located within a short driving distance of many of the areas major highways including I-495, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Chain Bridge Road. The McLean House Condominiums provide quick and easy access to a multiplicity of business and retail centers while also maintaining a calm, suburban appeal, making this condo community an ideal residential location in Northern Virginia.  

1. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

2. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are Condo Alexandria Realtors(r) have access to a variety of informational resources. Condo Alexandria Realtors(r) can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r), title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) Code of Ethics requires Condo Alexandria RealtorS(r) to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF Condo Alexandria RealtorS(r) studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r), you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your Condo Alexandria Realtor(r) is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

If you spend a weekend creating a financial plan for your home now, it could save you money in the long run. Image: Veer

You probably already have a financial plan for yourself in place. Most likely you sat down with an advisor at some point to set up a budget and diversify your investments. Or maybe you did it yourself online or at the dining room table. Either way, smart move.

But what about your home specifically, probably the biggest investment you'll ever make in your life? Did you really take everything into account: repairs and upgrades, the mortgage, insurance, and taxes? Probably not.

Your house requires a financial plan of its own. Spend a weekend creating one. Once you have a handle on your home's expenses you can devise a long-term strategy that'll let you live there for years with maximum enjoyment and minimum anxiety. These are the four central elements you need to address.

The mortgage: Paying it---and then some

Yes, you already shell out a lot for your mortgage, but can you pay more? Even a little extra each month can add up. Let's say you have $200,000 outstanding principal and a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5%. Your monthly payment is $1,319.91. But if you can manage to pay another $100 a month, you'll save $14,887 in interest. Run the numbers for yourself.

Alan D. Kahn, a financial planner in Syosset, N.Y., likes the idea of early payoff because lowering debt leaves you free to spend money elsewhere later on. There's an emotional benefit as well. It can feel awfully good to own your house outright as soon as possible. And don't fret too much about losing the mortgage interest deduction come tax time. Toward the tail end of the life of a loan most of your payment is going to the principal, not the interest.

Nevertheless, the same extra $100 might also go into a retirement plan every month, or be put aside for the inevitable home repairs (more on those later). Michael Kay, a financial planner in Livingston, N.J., says while a debt-free life may be enormously important to your peace of mind, an extra $1,200 toward your child's college fund every year may feel even better. It's about what's ultimately important to you, both emotionally and financially.

Insurance: Protecting your property

You'll want homeowners insurance with full replacement coverage in case your house is burned to the ground. This sounds simple, but be careful on the calculation. Remember that you own a house as well as the land on which it sits. So even though you bought your home for $300,000, it may cost only $100,000 to rebuild it. Your policy limits should reflect this.

The differences are regional. Where land is at a premium, like much of Southern California, a higher percentage of the purchase cost is for the property rather than the structure. Where land is cheap, like much of North Dakota, most of the value of a new house is the house itself. Don't be deceived by shifts in market values. You may have bought a $1.2 million townhouse in Florida during the boom that now may only sell for $600,000. But the replacement cost of the townhouse hasn't changed much, so you can't cut insurance costs that way.

Do, however, try to cut costs by asking your insurance agent about discounts. Making structural improvements, such as adding storm shutters, can lead to lower rates. Membership is certain groups, such as AARP or veterans' organizations, entitles some policyholders to breaks on premiums as well.

Repairs and renovations: By choice or necessity

Throughout the life of your house, you'll be making two kinds of changes. The first is the fun kind, like a marble floor for the living room. The second is the essential, behind-the-scenes change: a new water heater. You don't have a choice about when you'll do the latter, but you can prepare for it financially.

It's a good idea to have a rainy-day fund. Start with the inspection report you received when you bought the house. Did the inspector indicate that you would need a new roof in five years? A new furnace in 10? Get estimates on what these repairs will cost and start saving. Consider ongoing non-emergency maintenance too. Do you live in New England? Price a snow blower and get bids from plow services. Resist the temptation to take care of everything with home equity loans, which defeat efforts to pay off the mortgage early.

As for the discretionary upgrades, act prudently. Matthew P. Havens, a financial planner in Hingham, Mass., has seen too many people rationalizing lavish upgrades as an investment when they really were lifestyle decisions. According to Remodeling magazine, an upscale major kitchen upgrade, for example, could cost nearly $112,000, but only about 63% of that will be recouped in the home's resale value. This isn't to say you shouldn't upgrade. If you can afford to redo your bathrooms, go ahead. Just don't confuse your necessary repairs (new oil furnace---about $4,000) with your discretionary upgrades (Viking range---$6,000 and up).

Taxes: (Almost) no way around them

Taxes are an essential part of your home's financial plan. The bank that holds your mortgage may already handle your real estate taxes with an escrow account. If so the expense is built into your monthly mortgage payment. Check your statements or call the lender. Otherwise create a dedicated fund for property taxes, which can run into the thousands of dollars annually.

You may be able to reduce your tax burden by getting a reassessment. Do your homework first. Are comparable houses taxed less than yours? Ask the local assessor what formula is used to set tax rates. Kay, the New Jersey financial planner, researched and then challenged the assessed value of his own home and got a 15% rollback.

If you're in a special group, you might get some help from state or local programs. Check around to see what's available in your area. New York State, for example, has its Star Program for giving senior citizens some relief from school-related property taxes.

Richard J. Koreto is a freelance writer. He has been editor of several professional financial magazines and is the author of "Run It Like a Business," a practice management book for financial planners. He and his wife own a pre-Civil War house in Rockland County, N.Y.

Consider comparables.

What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities? If you live in Old Town Alexandria, it's important to look at what homes have sold for in Old Town Alexandria. If you live in Kingstowne look at sales prices of similar homes in Kingstowne. Also, understand the distinction between sales price and listing price. When looking at comparables, the sales price is what the home actually sold for.

Consider competition.

How many other houses are for sale in your area? What condos are for sale in your building? Are you competing against new homes? Are they building a brand new condominium across the street? In this case the listing price is what other people are asking for their homes. I hate to be the one to tell you, but no one cares what you paid for your home. Whether you paid too much or too little, the price is still governed by homes listed for sale now and homes that have sold.

Consider your contingencies.

Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you'll receive? For example, do you want to be able to move in four months? The more hoops you expect to put your buyer through, the lower price you can expect. This is true for buyers moving to the area to work at the Pentagon or for tech savvy buyers working in Tysons Corner.

Get an appraisal.

For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home's value. Your Condo Alexandria REALTOR® can make some recommendations, or if you prefer at no charge we can prepare a comparative market analysis to see what you home might sell for. We'll take a look at homes that are for sale now and similar homes that have sold recently.

Be accurate.

Studies show that homes priced more than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell. This is probably even more true now that we are in a buyer's market.

Know what you'll take.

In the end, it's critical to know what price you'll accept before beginning a negotiation with a buyer.

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Start saving.Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don't forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs --- including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees --- average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5. Get your credit in order.Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments.

6. Determine your mortgage qualifications.How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options --- such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs --- and decide what's best for you.

7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you've saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process.

Want to compare Old Town to Crystal City? I can tell you there are huge differences in the lifestyles, the types of homes and the commutes in these two neighboring villages. But I can't really quantify that information. Fortunately, I don't have to. Our site has a great tool for researching and comparing neighborhoods, with information about schools, education, incomes, age of homes and more.

In the meantime, over the next few days I expect to run a few reports and publish them to give you an idea of what you can learn about neighborhoods of Northern Virginia. By the way, what's nice about this system is that you can use it to compare any neighborhoods in North America. See how Lansing stacks up to Fairfax, or how Falls Church does vs. Peoria. The research engine is here.

22202 (Crystal City)

22314 (Old Town)

This is just one of many stats that you can research and compare on our site, and this one alone is quite telling on the neighborhoods of Crystal City and Old Town. Crystal City is 22202 and Old Town (plus the Carlyle District) is 22314.

22202 (Crystal City)

22314 (Old Town)

This statistic actually doesn't give Old Town Alexandria its full historical range. Many homes in Old Town are older than 80 years of age. But Old Town has a suprising number of new homes as well. Crystal City is definitely younger.

22314 (Old Town)

22314 (Old Town)

22202 (Crystal City)

22202 (Crystal City)

Crystal City and Old Town are both leaders in household income, though perhaps Old Town is a bit more affluent. (Perhaps this is why there are more owners in Old Town?)

The Midtown Station Alexandria is a high-rise condominium community just outside Old Town Alexandria. The Midtowns is located on Huntington Avenue directly across the street from the lower entrance to the Huntington Metro. This proximity to the metro means that you can access many of Northern Virginia and DC's best attractions without moving your vehicle. These condos are one metro stop from the AMC Hoffman at Eisenhower Metro and two stops from King St. at Old Town. In Old Town the King Street Trolley (free) can drop you off anywhere between the Metro and the Potomac.

The Midtowns is a beautiful building with excellent vistas. It's on the Metro and close to I-495 (the Beltway). There are bargains to be found here, but you have to know where to look. Although the Midtowns still has an on-site staff for sales of new condos, the on-site staff will not show you any pre-owned condos at the Midtowns. If you're thinking of buying a brand new condo you might find this article by the Boston Condo Guy helpful. The short story is that having you're own representation doesn't cost you anything, so you would do well to contact Will Nesbitt of Condo 1 Alexandria to tour the property at any time.

The hallmarks of a Midtown condo are expansive windows, many with pleasant city, river and sunset views. The kitchen features Italian cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and gas cooking. Berber carpeting is standard as are the stylish and modern light fixtures. The bathroom has equally stylish fixtures with generous oversize tubs. Many units have built-in computer nooks.

The common areas are very sleek and stylish with broad hallways and tiled floors. The club room has an amazing city view and is well-proportioned with stylish furnishings. There is a rooftop deck (half-way up the building) with recreational amenities such as propane grills, pool and shaded picnic tables. The focus of the rooftop deck is an expansive swimming pool with sundeck, Jacuzzi and beautiful landscaping. On the same level the fitness room is ready with tread mills, work out machines and more, all beside a wall of windows.

The lobby has a view of the Huntington Metro entrance and features a bright new cyber cafe with high-speed Internet access. The front desk is attended and access to the building and the garage is controlled. The garage has a structured parking scheme with reserved spaces and there is guest parking outside.

There are several condo communities in this neighborhood, the most obvious being the Huntington Club, the Hunting Creek Club and Montebello. All three developments are much older and somewhat cheaper. If you're seeking a bargain you probably will prefer the Huntington Club. Montebello offers a gated community and famed amenities. Hunting Creek Club offers views that equal or exceed the Midtowns in a structure that lacks the appeal and newness of the Midtowns.

• Self-search condos at Midtown or call Will Nesbitt with Condo 1 Alexandria at 703 765 0300.
  

The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream. If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009,  single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000---may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income---over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale

If you're considering buying a home in Old Town Alexandria, or if you're moving to an older neighborhood anywhere in Northern Virginia, you might want to consider this before taking on a historic preservation project.

Properties with historical significance may qualify for a tax credit worth 10% or 20% of the renovation costs. Image: Jon Skvarka, Rebuilding Together New Orleans

Tax breaks at the federal and state levels are available to homeowners to encourage the preservation of historic properties. The incentives range from tax credits that reduce dollar for dollar the amount you owe the IRS, to easements that can increase deductions and decrease estate and property taxes.

The tax rules are complicated---some incentives apply to investment properties only, while others include owner-occupied homes---but the financial rewards can be worth the effort. Be prepared to do significant research, file a lot of paperwork, and quite possibly seek out professional help.

Federal tax credits for historic investment properties

The federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program offers tax credits equal to either 10% or 20% of qualifying renovation costs. Depending on what you own, you may be eligible for one or the other, but not both. The main drawback is the tax credits don't apply to owner-occupied homes. Investment properties qualify, however.

The 20% tax credit is for properties certified as historic or in a historic district, as approved by the National Park Service. Although certification is a national program, owners have to go through their state historic preservation office. Eligible properties, including rowhouses and wood-framed homes, must be rehabilitated for commercial, industrial, agricultural, or rental residential purposes.

Essentially, a home has to be at least 50 years old with minimal changes from the past to be eligible for the 20% tax credit. It should be associated with important historic events or people, for example, or display significant aspects of architectural history. Renovation expenses must total at least $5,000.

The three-part certification process can be involved---and expensive. There's a $250 processing fee. A second fee, which can run as high as $2,500, is based on the total cost of the project and is due when the renovation is completed. Fees are waived for projects under $20,000. The initial review by the National Park Service and your state historic preservation office can take as long as 60 days.

But if you are certified and follow the technical guidelines, Uncle Sam essentially reimburses 20% of the cost of renovations. As NPS spokesman Michael Auer explains, if you spend $200,000, you reduce your tax liability by $40,000. You may be able to carry forward part of the tax credit to future years, or even back a year. Consult a tax adviser.

The 10% tax credit is for any structure built before 1936 that doesn't qualify as historic under the 20% program. The property can only be used for non-residential purposes. However, use as a hotel is considered commercial, not residential, so an old home converted to a bed-and-breakfast, for example, would likely be acceptable.

For either tax credit, use IRS Form 3468. Owners of historic properties should consider hiring a professional consultant to help with everything from architectural drawings and photographic documentation to accounting and paperwork. Needs will vary greatly. North Carolina's state historic preservation office estimates you may require a consultant's help for one to two weeks at a rate of between $50 and $100 per hour. Consulting and application fees alone can hit $10,000 or more.

State tax breaks for owner-occupied historic homes

Unlike the federal tax credits, which are limited to investment properties, many states offer incentives geared toward the preservation of owner-occupied historic homes. Check with your state historic preservation office.

In Virginia, for example, if your home is listed on the state and national registers of historic places---the two lists usually overlap---you can get a 25% state tax credit for approved renovation expenses. Homes that aren't individually listed but are located in historic districts may also qualify. Virginia has more than 400 historic districts.

Covered costs are spelled out in great detail. Virginia uses the same renovation standards as the National Park Service. If you fail to follow the guidelines, such as using materials that don't convey the proper visual appearance, you can lose the credit. Application fees can add up to as much as $3,000, depending on the total cost of a renovation.

Virginia also has an easements program, which in effect offers owners of historic properties tax incentives in exchange for signing away rights to alter the historic character of the properties. Easements are usually permanent and binding on all future owners.

There are considerable financial advantages. An easement will likely reduce a property's value, so you might be able to take the difference as a charitable deduction on your federal tax return. Your local property taxes will likely fall as well. Estate taxes could be lowered too, since the value of the property you leave to your heirs would've declined.

New York, too, has tax breaks specifically for owner-occupied historic houses. The state offers a tax credit worth 20% of qualified rehabilitation costs. Effective in 2010, the value of the credit can go as high as $50,000.

Homes must be owner-occupied and listed on the state or national register of historic places, either individually or as part of a historic district. The program is aimed at economically distressed areas. Among other stipulations, the project must cost more than $5,000 and be pre-approved by the state historic preservation office.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

Richard J. Koreto is a freelance writer. He has been editor of several professional financial magazines and is the author of Run It Like a Business, a practice management book for financial planners. He and his wife own a pre-Civil War house in Rockland County, N.Y.

WASHINGTON, December 30, 2009---At the beginning of the 21st century, most home buyers had never viewed a home online; the three top home sale marketing methods were yard signs, newspaper ads and open houses; and nearly nine out of 10 buyers financed their purchase with a fixed-rate, 30-year mortgage.

What a difference a decade makes.

"The real estate industry has seen tremendous change and evolution over the past decade," said National Association of Realtors® President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz.

In 1999, buyers who went online in search for a home were in the minority---only 37% of buyers used the Internet in their home search, according to data from the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Today, 90% of buyers are searching online, and the real estate industry has responded. Sites like REALTOR.com, which attracts nearly 12 million total visits every month, have not just property listings, but multiple photos, online videos, mapping features, and comprehensive neighborhood information, as well. That one of the reasons Will Nesbitt Realty LLC focuses on Condo-Alexandria.com and Condos-and-Homes.com.

Median home values over the past decade have increased more than 25%, from $137,600 in November 1999 to $172,600 in November 2009 (the most recent existing-home data available). Fewer people are buying detached, single family homes---82% in 1999 compared to 78% in 2009---but more people are buying homes in suburban neighborhoods---46% in 1999 compared to 54% today.

Buyers themselves have also changed. A smaller proportion of married couples are buying homes these days; while married couples comprised 68% of all home purchases at the beginning of this century, they represent 60% of all buyers today. Single men and women have made up the difference---single men purchased 10% of all homes last year, compared to only 7% 10 years ago. Single women now represent more than one-fifth of all home buyers---21%, up from 15% in 1999.

Other things haven’t changed. The median age for home buyers last year was 39, just as it was in 1999. Neighborhood quality, affordability, and convenience to work and school have consistently been top priorities for both past and present buyers. And eight out of 10 recently surveyed consumers believe that owning a home is an investment in their future.

Source: National Association of Realtors®

Here are a few interesting year end facts about Northern Virginia real estate

• November's average sales price is UP 1.3% from 2008 to $428,481
• In January 2009, the average sales price was down 22.51% to $376,669

MRIS data indicates that the Total Sold Dollar Volume is up 44.3% over November 2008. Similarly the Total Units Sold is up 43.45% over November 2008. According the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors and MLS data from the MRIS, "The market is shifting and slowly recovering; we're coming back.

The average sales prices for Northern Virginia real estate is up from 2008.

The number of listings sold in Northern Virginia is up to levels not seen since 2006!

The Preston Condos of Potomac Yards are located near the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia. The Preston offers something for everyone and cuts down on what could be an otherwise lengthy commute because of the ease of access to the Parkway. Located across the street from the Preston Condos is the Potomac Yard Shopping Center where you'll find great shopping, entertainment and dining for the whole family. In addition, the Preston is located near the Four-Mile Run Bike Trail and the historic Mount Vernon Trail, and the Preston is within ten minutes of Regan National Airport. The Preston is situated within a few minutes of the Potomac River and residents can participate in the fishing and sailing recreational ventures that this natural landscape provides. Residents can also enjoy a convenient shuttle bus that connects to Braddock Road and the Crystal City Metro stations along Jefferson Davis Highway.

The Preston features steel and concrete construction and offers a sleek architectural style with a crisp, urban design. Aside from the outstanding views, other amenities include high ceilings, individual storage units, an exercise room, a private rooftop deck, and underground private parking. The Preston houses 53 contemporary one and two bedroom homes with a balcony or terrace depending on the unit. The Preston is located at 181 East Reed Avenue in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Waterford House Condominiums are located at 1200 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia, at the North end of Crystal City. Built in 1986, the Waterford House maintains 68 condo units with only 4 units per floor, offering its residents the epitome of privacy along with an ideal location. The Waterford House provides easy access to Washington D.C., Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon, Arlington and Alexandria. The building features a concierge, a gym, extra storage, a clubroom, and a parking garage; however, the Waterford House does not allow pets.

The most unique element of the Waterford House is that its residents can enjoy an underground, pedestrian walk-way to access the Metro and the Crystal Mall, which means that transportation, shopping, dining and entertainment are all within minutes of this luxury community. Between the convenient location, dramatic views, and the ease of access the Waterford House is one of the best condominium locations in Northern Virginia! 

Kingstowne real estate includes 2788 townhouses (many with a one or two-car garage), 712 condominiums, 421 luxurious single-family houses and 1213 rental apartments. In total there are 5100 pieces of real estate, providing 5100 homes in a planned community that provides a suburban lifestyle in the Franconia/Springfield area of Northern Virginia's Fairfax County. These numbers go up even higher if you include nearby Franconia and Springfield. Kingstowne is located just outside the Capital Beltway I-495 and close to I-395. (Interstate 395 feeds directly into downtown Washington DC from Kingstowne.)

Click Kingstowne to see a map of homes for sale in Kingstowne. (Check here for latest sales updates.) You might find the following links useful if you're search for a home in Kingstowne or near Kingstowne.

• Carrdinal Place -- New condos with a suburban feel.
• Eton Square -- In close proximity to the Kingstowne Towne Center.
• Founder's Walk -- Within walking distance of the Van Dorn Metro
• Island Creek -- Homes, townhomes and condos near Springfield Metro and Kingstowne
• Kingstowne -- Kingstowne provides a choice of lifestyles and homes.
• Manchester Lakes -- A mix of condos near the Kingstowne Towne Center.
• Rose Hill -- Solid construction in older (mostly brick) homes near Franconia
• Springfield -- North of Kingstowne with easy access to the Springfield Metro
• Sycamores at Van Dorn -- Walk to the Van Dorn Metro from these condos just outside the Beltway.
• Tiers of Manchester Lakes -- One of my favorite Manchester Lakes communities, offering swiss-style living.
• Victoria Crossings -- Nice sized garden-style condos near the Towne Center.

Crystal City is located mostly just east of Jefferson Davis Highway (US Rt 1) in Arlington County south of I-395 and the Pentagon. Crystal City has an enviable location between Old Town Alexandria and uptown Arlington/Rosslyn.

Crystal City is highly metro accessible via both the Blue and Yellow Lines, and is well-served by several bus lines. Crystal City was never a bad place to live, but is even better with the addition of several upscale restaurants that have contributed to the renewal of this part of town. Click Crystal City for a map of the area and a list of condos and homes for sale here in Crystal City . If you are looking for a condo for sale or a home in Crystal City, our team of realtors suggest checking though some of the following communities:

• Aurora Highlands -- Also known as Aurora Hieghts and Aurora Hills, this incredibly convenient neighborhood near Crystal City features single family homes with traditional stylings.
• Bella Vista -- From high-end luxury to small condos, Bella Vista offers high-rise living just west of Crystal City.
• Crystal Gateway -- One of Crystal City's namesakes, Crystal Gateway offers amenities, location and ample proportions.
• Crystal Park -- Another Crystal City original.
• Eclipse at Center Park -- New condos at the National Gateway, offering the convenience of Harris Teeter in the building.
• Pentagon City -- Crystal City's sister village, just west of Crystal City near the Pentagon City Metro.
• the Representative -- On Arlington Ridge Road overlooking the Potomac and all of Crystal City.
• Southampton -- Highly desirable, hard to find townhouses between Pentagon Row and Crystal City.
• Waterford House -- Luxury condos at the northern end of Crystal Drive.

Looking for a home in Old Town with a price between $200,000 and $300,000? Then you're probably looking for a condominium. Some of the first places you should check are:

• Braddock Rd. Metro --- There are several condos very close to the metro with great prices.
• Canal Place --- It's hard to find one here for less than $300k but this is the place to check. Canal Place offers brick garden-style condos at the north end near the Potomac.
• Port Royal --- Port Royal is older, but trendy and youthful. Condo fees include all utilities.
• Potowmack Crossing --- Brick garden-style condos near the George Washington Parkway.

If your budget is a bit bigger and you're looking in Old Town for a home priced between say $300k to $400k, you might check out some of the following residences.

• 1600 Prince --- Very convenient condominiums near the King St. Metro. Condo fees are relatively low here owing to minimal amenities.
• Bearings South --- Brick garden-style condos at the South End of Old Town
• Braddock Rd. Metro ---As above, there are several choices here.
• Canal Place -- Interesting architecture and green courtyards in the north end of Old Town.
• Harbor Terrace -- Garden-style condos between the GW Parkway and the Potomac River
• Port Royal --- If you can catch a river view, you'll get one of the best bargains in Old Town
• Potowmack Crossing --- This end of Old Town provides a quick commute into DC and Arlington.

The following list features communities with homes that range in price from $400,000 to around $500,000

• 900 N. Washington --- "Green" condos for the eco-conscious.
• 1600 Prince --- Balconies and smart floorplans between the metro and Whole Foods.
• Abingdon Row --- The outside looks like Old Town, but the insides are sparkling new and beautiful.
• Alexandria House --- The biggest balconies in Old Town, many with views of the Potomac.
• Arch Hall --- Quaint, Old Town styled condos take you back in time.
• Colecroft --- On the Braddock Metro.
• the Duke at Old Town --- At the periphery of the Carlyle District. Under construction and newly constructed.
• Marina Towers --- On the Potomac at the North End of Old Town.
• Old Town Village --- Tucked in a hidden corner at the Southside of Old Town
• Porto Vecchio --- Riviera-styled condos on the Potomac at Cameron Run
• Prescott --- In the center of Old Town, just paces from everything.
• St. Asaph Square --- Brick condos around a central courtyard not far from Balducci's.
• Tannery House --- Understated exterior with stately interiors, the condos are south of King Street and west of Washington St.
• Torpedo Factory Condos --- No better location in Old Town. Paces from the Potomac, the trolley and King St.
• Watergate of Alexandria --- A private community within the Old Town Community.

For those seeking the finest Old Town has to offer the following communities are suggested:

• 900 N. Washington -- Upscale "green" condos with easy access to DC and Arlington
• Ford's Landing -- Some of the finest residences in Old Town are found near the water with view of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
• General Washington Club -- A small community of condos in a converted manor in the Southside of Old Town
• Harborside --- Another desirable waterfront community.
• Liberty Row --- Brick, colonial stylings with traditional accents with an upscale feel and location.
• Old Town Crescent --- Another of Old Town's gems.
• Potomac Greens --- Tucked between the GW Parkway and Rt. 1 with easy access to points north.
• Torpedo Factory Condos --- Old Town's flagship address.

Check what's available now.

Here's a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.

Unit Type	For Sale	Rental
One Bedroom, about 1120 sf	300,000	2075 (1750-2500)
Two Bedroom, about 1450 to 1740 sf	720,000 (490,000 to 815,000)	2725 (2195 to 3200)
Three Bedroom, 1880 to 2250 sf	725,000 (690,000 to 1,099,000)	3000

Porto Vecchio is located at 1250 Washington Blvd (George Washington Parkway) at the south end of Old Town Alexandria, VA. With easy access to I-495/I-95, and 395. Porto Vecchio was built in the early 80s, and is a 15 minute commute to D.C.

Amenities include:

• Party Room
• Outdoor pool
• Tennis Courts
• Sauna
• Gym
• Pier on the Potomac
• Garage Parking
• In Unit Washer/Dryer
• Electric Heating and Cooling, Gas Hot Water Heater
• Zoned Wall Unit A/C

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Polybutylene is a type of plastic resin that was widely used in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. During that time polybutylene pipes were often considered the pipes of the future because they were easy to install and cost less than other materials such as traditional copper piping. Polybutylene piping systems were used both for underground water mains and for interior water distribution. Most probably, polybutylene piping was installed in about one in every four or five homes built during the years in which the pipe was manufactured.

Does your home have polybutylene?

You should probably contact an expert or have a home inspection if your home was constructed from 1978 to 1995.

It's easy to see if you have copper pipes, but it might not be obvious if you have polybutylene pipes as opposed to PVC (polyvinyl-chloride). In exterior uses polybutylene underground water mains are usually blue, but may be gray or black. You can see your main Your water main near the shutoff valve is attached to the end of the water main. Or, you can check the pipes at the water meter on the city street, near the city water main. Experts suggest checking both ends of the pipe because there are cases where copper pipe enters the home, and poly pipe is at the water meter. This indicates that both pipes were used and connected somewhere underground.

Inside your home you can find polybutylene near the water heater, running across the ceiling in unfinished basements, and coming out of the walls to feed sinks and toilets. Warning: In some regions of the country plumbers used copper "stub outs" where the pipe exits a wall to feed a fixture, so seeing copper here does not mean that you do not have poly. If this all sounds a little confusing, contact an expert.

Will the Pipes Fail?

Steven Reiber, HDR Engineering, American Water Works Association Research Foundation writes, "A series of reports have suggested that increased use of choloramines accelerates corrosion and degradation of some metals and elastomers common to distribution plumbing and appurtenances. With regard to elastomers, the study showed that with few exceptions, solutions of chloramines (either monochloramine or dichloramine) produced greater material swelling, deeper and more dense surface cracking, a more rapid loss of elasticity, and greater loss of tensile strength than equivalent concentrations of free chlorine."

Throughout the 1980's lawsuits were filed complaining of allegedly defective manufacturing and defective installation causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Although the manufacturers have never admitted that poly is defective, they have agreed to fund the Class Action settlement with an initial and minimum amount of $950 million. You'll have to contact the appropriate settlement claim company to find out if you qualify under this settlement.

The truth is that the scientific evidence of failures is a little shaky. Some people believe that oxidants in the public water supply, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene piping and acetal fittings causing them to scale and flake and become brittle. If this is true, this causes micro-fractures. Micro-fractures reduce the basic structural integrity of the system. Thus, the pipes are at risk of becoming weak and may fail without warning causing damage to the building structure and personal property. On the other hand, some believe that other factors may also contribute to the failure of polybutylene systems, such as improper installation, but it is virtually impossible to detect installation problems throughout an entire system. But in the end it's about your tolerance for risk. If you have polybutylene pipes, you owe it to yourself to have nothing less than a risk assessment.

Check what's available now.

Here's a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.

Unit Type	For Sale	Rental
One Bedroom, about 750 sf	137,500 (111,500 to 150,000)	1150 (1000 to 1250)
Two Bedroom, about 850-1150 sf	160,000 (124,000 to 210,975)	1400 (1260-1500)
Three Bedroom, about 1370-1420 sf	229,000 (145,000 to 245,000)	1800-1900

Huntington Club is located near the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Telegraph Road in (Fairfax County) Alexandria, VA. With easy access to I-495/I-95, and Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway). Huntington Club was built in the 1967, and is a 20 minute commute to D.C.

Amenities include:

• Easy access to Huntington Metro (right next door)
• Outdoor pool
• Assigned and Guest Parking
• Electricity, Water, Sewer, (Heating and Cooling) included in Condo Fees
• Tennis Courts
• Party Room
• Community Washer/Dryer

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

I was born in Northern Virginia, and have lived here most of my life, but there are no end of things to do. When Christmas approaches in Northern Virginia, the Holiday Season is a great time to get out and see some of what the area has to offer. Julie and I have already started to enjoy some of the many sites of the season and I thought I'd share a bit with friends and soon to be friends who are considering moving to this area.

Just across the Potomac River from Alexandria VA is the National Convention Center at National Harbor. This recently developed area is home to many high-end shops and restaurants, and makes a nice day-trip anytime. Julie and I visited ICE! a holiday display of ice sculptures. The attraction was billed as "a world unlike any other ... a winter wonderland made entirely of ice. We explored ten different holiday scenes made from two million pounds of ice, including a life-sized Santa's Workshop, a penguin village... and even ice slides that stood more than two stories tall! ICE! was created by a team of 40 artisans and sculptors.

The tunnel had white branches that were covered in ice. Inside the exhibit the air was a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit. All visitors wore special blue parkas over their coats that kept us nice and warm.

My son Stuart and I goofed around at the penguins near the glass-like ice igloo. National Harbor can be seen from Alexandria, but a few nights ago we took a short drive around the Beltway to the Washington, DC Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, also known as the Mormon Temple.

The ground of the Mormon Temple are open to all visitors during the Christmas season. This impressive church and its surrounding grounds shine brightly with nearly a half-million sparkling Christmas lights. Each night, a different local musical group performs a live concert in a state-of-the-art theater. Best of all: all events are free!

It's hard for my little picture to really catch the brilliance of the winter night, but in both of these pictures you can see a representative of the Star of David shining in the distance over a Nativity Sceen near the visitors' center.

We grabbed some photos outside and walked the grounds. They were plenty of people there, but the crowds were very polite and nice. The Mormon ushers and parking attendants were very welcoming to all who approached.

It was a chilly night, so we came in the visitor's center to warm up. There were Christmas Trees from around the area and I took Julie's picture near the Mount Vernon tree. I really liked the trees with contributions from nations around the world. Those trees were themed by continents so there was a tree themed with decorations from Africa, from South American, from Europe and from Asia.

Another great spot to check out is the National Christmas Tree near the lawn of the Whitehouse near the Ellipse in Washington DC.

We parked in front of the Washington Monument and then headed across the lawn toward the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah. On the way we passed an enormous Yule Log burning brightly to warm visitors. There is a parade of free entertainment and there are trees representing all the states and territories of the USA.

The National Christmas Tree is between the Washington Monument and the Whitehouse, but very close to the Whitehouse.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

When buying a condo or, realistically, almost any other large financial purchase, you can count on the fact that at least one (if not several) contracts will be involved in the process. However, many people may not know what a contract actually is.

Even if you do know what constitutes the basic elements of a contract, it helps to have a working knowledge of the legal terminology that is typically associated with general contracts in order to fully understand their rudimentary function. And while condo owners and those who maintain rental lease agreements may have more experience with contracts than those who don’t, contracts are nonetheless very much a part of every day life for most people (think: contracts with your cell phone company or signing a credit card slip after making a small purchase). What follows is intended to serve as an introduction to contract principals and, hopefully, provide some helpful information to individuals who want to know a little more about basic contract law.

What is a contract?

At its fundamental core, a contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties where a valid offer made by one party is accepted by the other, which is indicated by some mutual exchange of value. Under common contract law, this mutual exchange of value is called "consideration", which must be reasonably relied upon by both parties who agree to contract. Therefore, the three most fundamental elements of all legally valid contracts are offer, acceptance, and consideration.

What types of contracts are there?

There are a variety of legally viable contracts under current common law standards, not all of which must necessarily be in writing. A contract can be written, oral, or implied depending on the parties' actions at the time of the original contract formation. For example, a written document that claims to be a contract is often no more than evidence of the details of the contract, and not the contract itself. A valid contract offer must indicate a desire to enter into a contract (and thereby invite acceptance); should indicate a time period for acceptance; and must reasonably indicate that upon acceptance the contract will form without further approval from offeror. Here, it is the traditional practice in most situations to determine the details to which both parties agree and to transcribe the specifications into writing. This is particularly important if either party wishes to modify the contract at a later time.

In addition, signing a written document is not necessarily an act of acceptance that therefore creates a contract. If the parties have already reached an agreement the written document and signatures may be introduced to the courts as parole evidence of an already existing agreement, but may not determine the validity of the contract on its own. If, for example, the court determines that the original offer was in fact rejected or, if there was a counteroffer which was accepted but without any new consideration, the written and signed contract may prove not to be a contract at all.

Alternatively, if there is nothing in writing or if parts of a written contract are missing, a court may hold that there was an implied contract that existed between the parties and in this instance, a list of the complete terms is not always required. In real estate transactions, for example, an incomplete description of a property may still validate the terms of the contract where the intent of the parties would be used to clarify the specific obligations or missing information that was otherwise implied. On the other hand, to be enforceable, a property sales contract must be written in some form (even if it is incomplete) and oral agreements to sell real estate are not legally binding. In real property contracts, the contract must identify the buyer, the seller and the property itself, even if some details are omitted. Lastly, a real estate contract must establish a purchase price and the terms of the sale in order to validate the agreement.

Finally, a contract can be either unilateral or bilateral in nature. A unilateral contract is a promise for an act where acceptance of the offer is synonymous with the performance of the act and thus, a contract is only created when the act itself is done. Until then, the offeror reserves the right to withdraw the offer. For example, if I offer to pay you $20.00 to jump into the mud, you can either accept my offer by jumping into the mud and I would owe you $20.00 or, if I decide that I would rather keep the money, I can choose to withdrawal my offer so long as you have yet to jump in.

A bilateral contract, in contrast, is a promise for a promise where, as soon as promises are exchanged, both parties are instantly bound by each promise respectively. The vast majority of contracts are bilateral. Here, if I promise to give you $20.00 and you promise to jump into the mud, the contract is accepted by this exchange of promises and not by the performance of the promises themselves.  

So...what did we learn?

While there are many, many other legal constructs that are fundamental to basic contract law (all of which are best left to a legal or other certified professional who can advise you of your rights and responsibilities), the golden principals of all contract law include an offer, acceptance, and some consideration that can be reasonably relied upon by both parties in order to make the contract legally enforceable. While there are different kinds of contracts which include oral, written and implied contracts, all jurisdictions within the United States require that certain kinds of contracts, such as those involving real estate transactions, must be in writing and, in such cases, must identify the buyer, the seller, and the property itself, as well as the purchase price for the property.

Lastly, a contract can be either unilateral or bilateral and knowing the distinction between the two outlines the liability and responsibility that each party may or may not assume. One of the many benefits of living in a free market is that anyone who is legally competent to contract (save for juveniles and those who are legally defined as mentally incompetent) has the right to do so. This is a powerful right and one which must be used responsibly and knowledgeably. The more you know about these kinds of the contractual agreements, the more prepared you will be to make educated decisions when, and if, you decide to sign on the dotted line.

The Spectrum at Falls Church is a "green condo" development in Falls Church, Virginia. An affordable and eco-friendly condo building that features a "green roof" which saves residents money on utilities such as electricity, the Spectrum is one of several condo communities in Northern Virginia that has gotten on board with the environmentally-friendly bandwagon. The Spectrum at Falls Church is located at 444 West Broad Street just off of Route 7 in Falls Church, Virginia, and is approximately a ten-minute drive to the East Falls Church Metro on the Orange Line. The Spectrum at Falls Church houses 189 condo units throughout the development and offers 15 different floor-plans for the one and two bedroom condos. The Spectrum also features two-story lofts that vary in size from 800 to 1,600 square feet. The Spectrum Condominium building had numerous environmentally-friendly features and is therefore known as what is currently understood as a "green condo". Every unit features bamboo or cork flooring, both of which are sustainable materials, and the hot water, central air, and natural gas utility components within the units offer energy saving and energy efficient elements.

The roof of the Spectrum is a "green roof" that was designed to improve air quality and filter storm water. The plants that grow on the roof are intended to provide thermal insulation, which in turn help to reduce energy consumption throughout the building and thus increase insulation for the community residents. Because the roof helps residents conserve energy, it is also notable that the roof, therefore, saves residents money.

The Spectrum community features include a large clubroom with a pool table, lounge, and fireplace, as well as a business center, conference room, catering kitchen, and a movie screening or theater room. Other amenities include a fitness center, a garden area, and a rooftop observation deck overlooking the "green roof".

In today's current market, saving money and the environment are two important but often wholly separate matters. The benefit of the Spectrum Condominiums at Falls Church is that the building provides residents the opportunity for both, setting the standard for a harmonious relationship between urban society and the natural world.  Check the Spectrum for a map of the location and a list of what's for sale at the Spectrum.

Check what's available now.

Here's a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.

Unit Type	For Sale	Rental
One Bedroom, about 800 sf	186,000-296,000	990-1695
Two Bedroom, about 900 sf	224,900-365,000	1250-1850
Three Bedroom, 1500 sf	377,000-420,000	1495-3500

Park Fairfax is located near the intersection of Quaker St and 395 in Alexandria, VA. With easy access to I-495/I-95, and 395. Park Fairfax was built in the 1940s, and is a 15 minute commute to D.C.

Amenities include:

• Open spaces
• Outdoor pools
• Gym
• Ample Public Parking
• Garage Parking
• Wood Floors
• Tennis Courts
• Children's Playgrounds
• Gym
• In Unit Washer/Dryer
• Electric Baseboard Heat
• Zoned Wall Unit A/C

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

The Hyde Park Condominiums of Arlington, Virginia, are located at 4141 North Henderson Road and boasts that they are the Ballston communities' first condominium. After over a decade of discussion and debate regarding land use near the Ballston Metrorail's Orange Line, the Ballston Sector Plan was finally established in 1980; which ultimately set the framework for what is now the Ballston urban metropolis. Today, the Hyde Park Condominiums serve as an attractive and important gateway into Ballston's North Glebe Road intersection where the condos are conveniently located between both North Quincy and North Henderson Street. The Hyde Park condos can be conveniently accessed from Interstate 66 and Route 50 and are located directly next to a Harris Tetter grocery store and the Ballston Commons Mall.

The Hyde Park condos are a luxurious 12 story high-rise community located four blocks from the Ballston Metro on the Orange Line plus one lower level floor for commercial use which was built in anticipation of Ballston's thriving urban growth. The condos feature 24-hour security and secretarial services, a night time security guard, a swimming pool, washers and dryers on each residential floor, and an award-winning plaza that reflects the spirit of the original Hyde Park itself.

A newly renovated feature that residents of the Hyde Park condos can enjoy is the new 3-level, enclosed parking garage. In addition, residents may arrange for daytime or overnight parking in the garage for their guests.

Between both the ease of access to the Hyde Park Condominiums and the convenience of the nearby Metro, grocery stores, and Ballston Commons Mall, the Hyde Park condos capture the urban feel of the Ballston community while maintaining the ideal comfort and safety of a residential neighborhood.  

We can all agree that there are two things we all want: a little more money and a little better environment. With that in mind many communities, especially condominium complexes, are working harder than ever to--- literally--- make money grow on trees.

Better than a hybrid ...

A mass study of recent recycling and envori-friendly residential communities found that people who move into compact areas have a lower carbon footprint than folks living in outlying areas. The study refers to metropolitan residents as “green living" because folks who walk to the metro, to shops and to work have a much reduced impact on the environment. Common sense tells us that condo residents in compact areas will use less fossil fuels than outliers who buy even the most efficient hybrid vehicles.

Market research and personal experience indicates that the majority of future housing demand will be found in houses, townhouses and condos where jobs and activities are close by. People need and want homes where public transportation is easily accessible. Simply by living in highly compact neighborhoods such as Rosslyn, Courthouse, and Clarendon residents contribute greatly to the cause of protecting our natural environment through reduced fossil fuel emissions. .That's right, even in extremely urban areas such as metropolitan Northern Virginia, you can do your part to keep our environment clean and green.

Recycle!

In Arlington, Virginia local ordinances require condominium properties and business to recycle. The goals of the Arlington County are basic but important and their aim is to:

• Make it easy in Arlington to recycle at home, work and play.
• Reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Exceed Virginia's mandatory recycling rate.

Outside of Arlington, it's rare to find condominium communities in Northern Virginia that don't offer recycle bins. The economic benefits of recycling programs within a condominium community can really help our environment and our bottom line. Recycling:

• Keeps condo fees down;
• Reduces trash disposal;
• Rebates some trash fees to those who haul the recycled material;
• Reduces manufacturing costs;
• Fuels the U.S. economy --- both jobs and sales are created by recycling.

Want to help our environment? Get involved.

So for all you concerned condo owners who would like to get involved and make a difference in your community, here some basic information for residents of condos regarding what you can do right now:

• Get involved and begin by telling others who live in your condo or any multi-family property how easy it is to set up recycling systems for newspapers, glass bottles and jars, and metal food and beverage containers. Knowledge is power!
• When preparing materials for recycling, residents should follow property manager instructions or use a guide such as the one available on the Arlington county website.
• Establish and maintain a recycling program for residents to recycle and reuse all required recyclable materials. Here, the recycling collection system must be separate from trash/ refuse collection. Properties are encouraged to include additional recyclable materials such as plastic bottles and jugs, magazines, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard.

By demonstrating environmental leadership you can publicly show your commitment to the environment by raising the recycling bar to your condo communities' recyclable goods facility by adding mixed paper, cardboard, and yard waste to your recycling program. Your personal conviction to save to environment will increase community interest in recycling participation and because going green is the new black, you don't even have to be a tree-hugging hippie to make both your social status and the planet a little cleaner.

If you're looking for a green condo in Northern Virginia, some new developments like 900 N. Washington have a environmental conscience. Contact me for details.

Yet another one of Arlington's premier and ultra-luxurious condo properties featuring generous amenities and the epitome in location, the Odyssey Condominium is located at 2001 North 15th Street in Arlington, Virginia. Developed by Monument Realty and Lehman Brothers, the Odyssey Condominium features units ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans. The condominium is set in the heart of Arlington, within two blocks of the Courthouse Metro Station, as well as an outstanding proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and theaters. The architecture is stark but striking, with a high-end and polished look, and includes on-site amenities and services both. The prime location to both entertainment and the Courthouse Metro community combine to make the Odyssey one of the most attractive condo developments in Northern Virginia.

The Odyssey is a 274-unit property which also features a limited series of Platinum Penthouse Suites that offer expansive floor plans, premium finishes and appliances, and exceptional views of the Potomac River. Building amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, resident club room, landscaped plaza, underground parking, and 6,586 square feet of street-level retail.

Although there are numerous benefits to owning a condo which include the lifestyle that such ownership entails; individuals living as single, young professionals who are just starting out, are arguably the most notable beneficiaries. The economic benefits that condo ownership provides for this particular demographic are two-fold. First, owning a condo is certainly less expensive than owning residential property insofar as the material upkeep and residual costs that homeownership necessitates. Second, most contemporary condo buildings offer a host of wide-ranging amenities that would command a considerable cost to an individual homeowner but which can be enjoyed instead at a significantly reduced rate to condo-owners who share jointly in the overall expense. These otherwise high-priced features and amenities usually include guarded and/or private, enclosed parking; 24-hour security and front desk staff; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; clubhouses; gated recreational facilities; etc., etc. (the list goes on and on!!). To that extent, condo ownership is therefore an ideal middle ground for the single, young professional who may very well aspire towards homeownership someday but who still remains a far cry away from white picket fences, two-car garages and 2.5 children.

In addition to the economically sound benefits that condo ownership provides, there are other elemental and lifestyle benefits that are associated with condominium ownership as well. Today, there are as many types of condominiums out there as there are types of people. Plainly put, the condominium marketplace has progressed with such rapidity that the variety and availability of choice in condo options is as original and unique as individual homes. Thusly, each type can satisfy the different needs of different individuals and therefore enhance and accommodate every kind of lifestyle. For example, there are distinctions between what are popularly thought of as 'condominium apartments' versus those that are known as 'condominium townhouses', which might have small differences from one another save for their structure regulations. There are also condominiums known as freeholds whereby a condo owner owns the plot of land as well as any structure on the land such as a house or townhouse.

Finally, for single or young professionals who are still growing into their grownup-ness, condo ownership signifies an increase in responsibility and a commitment to ownership. To be clear, condo living isn't like renting a single dwelling home or apartment and this is due to the dual nature that comes with owning any condo unit. Condominium owners hold ownership over their respective units but, additionally, each owner is also responsible for the operating costs and maintenance of the all of the shared elements on the property such as lobbies, passageways, and elevators. Here, owning a condo is effectively choosing to live within a community of other condo unit owners and thus, your neighbors. Each condominium complex is a unique community and each owner accepts the rules and regulations that are equally unique to condo living.

In a condominium complex, you also become part of a distinctive community where you as an individual become an integral part in the community as a whole; and this includes being an essential part of the decision making process. However, the advantages that come with shared communal facilities like the pool, clubhouse, and state-of-the-art gym are collectively a strong incentive to watch your neighbors' back.

In summation, owning a condo can provide both economically sensible and personally enjoyable benefits to any owner looking to buy but especially for individuals who are single, working and fairly young professionals who are new to the game but ready for more. In addition, because of the multiplicity and vast assortment of condominium units and styles that are available, condo ownership includes something for everyone. Lastly, although buying a condo certainly signifies a new level of maturation and grownup responsibility; the advantages to living in a shared community and to be able to engage as an honest and responsible neighbor will hopefully serve you both by keeping your pocketbook and your sense of self a little more full.

• price drops in Alexandria
• price drops in Arlington
• price drops in Crystal City
• price drops in Old Town
• price drops in Kingstowne

If you'd like to learn more about Abingdon Row Condos click here.

Check what's available now. Here's a price report based on the last two years of sales and rentals.

Abingdon Row Condos is located at 1023 Royal St N in Alexandria, VA near I-495/I-95, Route 1, GW Parkway, and 11 blocks from the Braddock Metro Station. Abingdon Row Condos is a 15 minute commute to D.C.

Amenities include:

• Gourmet Kitchens
• High Ceilings
• Wall to wall carpet
• Gym
• Controlled Access
• Garage Parking
• Storage Unit
• Custodial Services
• Wood Floors
• In Unit Washer/Dryer
• Electric Heat
• Central A/C

Street View:

Current Listings

$495,000 :: 1023 Royal St N #210, Alexandria VA, 22314
Monday, November 23, 2009 9:07 PM



2 beds, 2 baths
Size: 983 sq ft
 Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 08/28/09, Last Updated: 11/24/09
Property Type: Residential for Sale, Res. Condo for Sale
MLS Number: AX7145476
Tract: Abingdon Row
The price of this listing was last reduced on 11/10/2009 by 2%


Gorgeous 1BR with 19x13 den in prestigious Abingdon Row located 1 block from Rivergate Park! Gourmet cherry kitch w/granite counters & SS appl. Amenities: 9'ft ceilings, hrdwd flrs throughout, tile baths, 2 MBR closets, CA closet organizers, 12"crown molding, balcony, extra storage & W/D in unit! TWO full size gar spaces, roof top terrace, elevator, secure pet friendly building. OPEN 9/19 SAT 2-4 Listed with Avery-Hess, REALTORS

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walk Score attempts to numerically measure how easy it is to live a car-lite lifestyle---not how pretty the area is for walking. If you're looking for a walkable area, check out what Condo-Alexandria.com can do:

1. Search by Walk Score. Now this is cool. You can decide what your minimum walkable criteria is when you search for properties.
2. Sort by Walk Score. If you can search by Walk Score, you should be able to sort by Walk Score too. Just click in the "sort by" box at the top of the results and choose "Walk Score, Highest First" to order the search results from highest to lowest Walk Score.
3. View the Walk Score in both the search results and property details. Every time you search for property you'll find out just how walkable the area is!
4. View the Walk Score tile. When you click on the "Walk Score" link at the top-right of the property details area, you’ll see the Walk Score tile that shows all of the amenities that are factored into the score.

We hope you'll enjoy using Walk Score as much as we enjoyed building it into our system. We're really excited to say that we’re one of the first providers of this type of functionality. We spent quite some time on the UI for this feature in order to make everyone happy.

And in case you haven't heard, Walk Score just improved its usefulness. Previous versions of Walk Score did not include public transportation. That is to say, a property next door to a metro station had no higher Walk Score than a property far from public transportation. Well, that's all changed now!

Our latest enhancement adds mass transit to the Walk Score calculations. See for yourself now.

Montebello is hidden behind a veil of foliage ensuring the peace and privacy of all residents. Montebello condominiums are within walking distance of the metro, but still offer a secluded private retreat for residents.

Montebello is well hidden behind a canopy of trees at Mount Eagle.

Views

The building site at Montebello was selected not only for its proximity to Old Towne and the Metro, but also because of the commanding views afforded on the hilltop. The four towers of Montebello are 16 floors tall each with its own unique view.

North facing units look down upon Alexandria's rich skyline.

To the west the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains
and a view toward Huntington Metro and Mount Eagle Park.

Watch the sunrise in the east and south over the Potomac River.

Parks & Grounds

Montebello is surrounded by beautiful parks and grounds.

In the autumn watch the leaves turn from your secure perch at Montebello.

All summer flowers bloom through-out Montebello.

The grounds are well-maintained and full of color.

The Prescott Condominiums in Alexandria, Virginia, is a luxury condo building located at 1115 Cameron Street featuring 64 units including 58 two bedroom units and 6 one bedroom units. The Prescott features include 9-foot high ceilings, hardwood floors, brushed chrome fixtures, and designer kitchens such as stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets and granite countertops. The 64 condominiums at The Prescott feature such amenities as a rooftop terrace with grilling areas, views of the Masonic Temple, and controlled access underground parking. The Prescott is ideally located one block off of King Street at the intersection of Cameron Street and North Henry Street in the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. With its central Old Town Alexandria location and fully equipped homes, The Prescott is a great value for anyone looking to live in Old Town.

The Old Town district in Alexandria includes more than 4,000 historic buildings that are outstanding examples of early American architecture and that now house small businesses and gracious homes alike to create a modern, yet neighborhood and community-centered feel. The Prescott is therefore a good buy for many young families and young professional alike.

The Jamieson is located near the heart of Alexandria VA's Carlyle District. The United States Patent and Trademark Office is right around the corner, as is the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse. The Carlyle District is home to respected and admired developments like Carlyle Towers and the Royalton. The Jamieson fits in nicely with the brick high-rises of the Carlyle District, but the Jamieson is also uniquely different from other nearby condos and homes.

The Jamieson differs from neighboring condos because it's the only condo in the 22314 zip code that is situatued atop a hotel. That's right: the Jamieson is sited directly atop the Westin Alexandria Hotel. And this unique setting confers a number of distinct advantages.

Residents at the Jamieson have access to many of the services offered by The Westin Alexandria. Hotel staff can assist with everyday chores and visitors can stay in a guest suite just a few floors below the condominium residences of the Jamieson. The amenities of the building include:

• Swimming Pool
• Rooftop Terrace (pictured above)
• Reserved Parking
• Valet Parking
• Maid Service
• Catering

The building is unique but the units themselves have the quality and details that shoppers in the Carlyle District have come to expect in most homes in this neighborhood:

• Rich, hardwood floors in living/dining rooms
• Elegant tile floors in bathrooms and kitchen
• Granite countertops and vanities
• Stainless steel appliances
• Reserved parking
• Expansive windows many with beautiful views

Here's a look at what's listed for sale as of the time of this posting:

$494,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1407, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT.

$356,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1105, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:59:00 GMT.

$431,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1102, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 GMT.

$259,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1109, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:56:00 GMT.

$519,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1013, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:54:00 GMT.

$764,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1405, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:00 GMT.

$489,900 :: 2050 Jamieson Ave #1110, Alexandria VA, 22314

Brought to you by Will Nesbitt, Condo Alexandria. To schedule a showing or learn more call me today at 703 765 0300, or visit my website at www.condo-alexandria.com!

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:26:00 GMT.

Of the thousands of condominiums located throughout Arlington Virginia, the Turnberry Towers stand apart as an ultra-luxurious, 25-story high rise condominium in the heart of downtown Rosslyn. The Turnberry Towers feature cutting edge security and privacy, direct entry elevators, a multi-level garage, and even private garages for cars and motorcycles both. The amenities at Turnberry Towers also set a new standard for condo dwellers in luxury, class and style.  These in vogue facilities include a cafe, a surround sound entertainment media room, multiple social rooms, private spa and fitness centers with an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour valet, as well as a 24-houe concierge. Finally, Turnberry Towers boasts outdoor balconies, gourmet kitchens, 10 foot ceilings, custom made hard floors, fireplaces, generous closet space, and secondary entrances on some units.

All of the units represent the trend setting standards of this well-established neighborhood in Rosslyn. The Towers are located 1820 North Fort Myer Drive in Arlington, Virginia and are a 2 minutes of the Orange Line Metro Station in Rosslyn. Between the location and the high-end convenience and facilities of this condo high-rise, Turnberry Towers sets the bar as the epitome of opulence. Check here for information about condos for sale at Turnberry Towers.

Carlyle Towers condominiums in Alexandria present a pleasant combination of a prestigious zip code, newer construction in Alexandria and tremendous convenience. The Carlyle Towers community has a variety of floorplans and models spread over three high-rise buildings and twelve townhouse-style residences.

Carlyle Towers is plugged into the heart of a transportation network for vehicles, Metrorail or Dash Bus. Carlyle Towers is sited just three blocks from the King Street Metro Station and four blocks from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station on Metrorail's Yellow and Blue Lines. Carlyle Towers is in the Carlyle District of Alexandria, Virginia. Carlyle Towers is also just four blocks from the Alexandria Amtrak Station with Metroliner service to all points on the Amtrak system, and trains from the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines of the Virginia Railway Express.

Carlyle Towers was developed by the IDI GROUP. They were recently ranked #1 builder in the Washington, D. C. area in a survey conducted by J. D. Powers & Associates. Carlyle Towers has a complete bank of amenities including:

• exercise facilities,
• spas,
• saunas,
• outdoor pools,
• tennis courts,
• a beautiful party and conference room,
• a putting green and
• shuffleboard court.

Carlyle Towers Condos for Sale (as of 11/14/2009)

• $475,000 :: 2121 Jamieson Ave #1806, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $760,000 :: 2151 Jamieson Ave #606-607, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $450,000 :: 2181 Jamieson Ave #2102, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $775,000 :: 2151 Jamieson Ave #1904, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $390,000 :: 2121 Jamieson Ave #510, Alexandria VA, 22314
• $825,000 :: 2151 Jamieson Ave #1601, Alexandria VA, 22314

Here's what's on the market as of the time of this post (or, check here for more updated information.)

$795,000 :: at Liberty Row in Alexandria, VA 22314

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:07:00 GMT.

$649,000 :: 540 Second St #403, Alexandria VA, 22314

The condominium homes of Clarendon 1021, located at the cross streets of North Garfield and North Filmore in Arlington, Virginia, were built in 2005 and comprise of 419 condo units in a 9-story high rise style building. The condos of Clarendon 1021 capture the exciting and vibrant feel of the surrounding neighborhood by featuring large, private balconies and wall-to-wall windows that flood each unit with light. By combining urban chic with a comfortable and low-key sensibility, the condos of Clarendon 1021 are an ideal living community.

The property features stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and the condos are located minutes away from the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations as well as a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, outstanding retail shopping and everyday business services such as a drycleaners, a nearby gas station, and a shoe repair store. The feel of the surrounding neighborhood is upbeat, active, and professional. The condos as Clarendon 1021 are perfectly positioned at the hub of the Courthouse business community and are located only minutes away from many of the major highway and mass transit routes. In addition, Arlington is known nationwide as an up-and-coming urban community that was originally part of a 10 mile parcel of land surveyed in 1791, and has since become a major metropolis in its own right located just outside of the Nation's Capital. Geographically, it is known as one of the smallest self-governing counties in Virginia and yet it maintains a largely urban feel with a highly active community which combine to the Clarendon 1021 condos a rich and prosperous locale to call home.

Recent studies suggest that single women currently make up approximately 47 percent of the condominium buying market in the United States. The reason is pretty obvious, if you think about it. Condominiums are an increasingly popularly housing choice for single women because of the various benefits that condos offer including convenience, security, and often virtually maintenance-free living.    

For starters, security matters. For single women living alone in large, urban areas, one of the many benefits of living in a condominium are 24-hour concierge and security desks, video and security cameras in hallways and stairwells, and gated or enclosed parking areas. So if you're thinking about buying a condo, carefully consider first the kinds of security features and amenities that are available in the unit; very often peace of mind is worth its weight in condo fees. Additionally, it's important to know your potential new neighborhood. Condominiums tend to be located in urban areas where there are other young, working professionals as well as families. Make sure you know your neighborhood inside and out before you make an offer on a condominium and check the local county website for crime rates, local community news, and other annual statistics and reports.

Next, convenience is the key. Another factor that is crucially important when considering buying a condo if you are living as a single professional woman. In many condominium communities and developments there are office personnel to receive packages as well as other day-to-day business services such as dry cleaning, tailoring, and spa and fitness facilities. Some of the larger condominium developments also feature even more advanced amenities such as a grocers, bank branches and ATM's, and many other services that make a single working woman's life just a little easier.

Finally, consider maintenance in relation to time and money. Many single family homes require lengthy, time consuming and ongoing maintenance such as painting every three to five years, worrying about pipes freezing during the winter or getting the rain gutters cleaned. While it's true that you as a condo owner must be financially responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your condo's common area, typically condo associations oversee the day-to-day management of the property itself. What does this mean for the busy single woman? Well, if the doors stick and the roof springs a leak, you can bet that your sassy self won't be called upon to find someone to fix it. But be sure to check your condo buildings' rules and regulations first. Most condo associations have a list of rules and regulations that you will have to agree to before you purchase a unit in the building. These rules may limit the number and weight of pets; how many visitors you can have at a time including how often and for how long; if you can rent out your unit; and when you can have work done in your unit. Ask the listing broker for the complete set of building rules and regulations.

Before you make an offer on a condo you want to be sure to consider what matters to you most as a busy single woman and those major concerns include safety and security, convenience and location, and matters of maintenance compared to other home ownerships costs. Happy Hunting Miss Independent!

For the latest sales and pricing at Canal Place check here. 

Without further ado, as of the time of this posting, here's a comparison of what's available at Canal Place:

$314,900 :: 1115 Pitt St N #3b, Alexandria VA, 22314

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:11:00 GMT.

$299,900 :: 1117 Pitt St N #3b, Alexandria VA, 22314

Information deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:17:00 GMT.

The Eclipse Condominiums in Center Park is located at 3600 and 3650 South Glebe Road in Arlington, Virginia.  The sky high, two-tiered condominium development provides breathtaking views of the D.C. horizon and the Potomac River. The unique layout of the grounds and the livelihood of the Eclipse residents combine to make this condo community one of the most exceptional and exclusive places to live in Arlington.
 
Featuring an on-site Harris Teeter grocery store and pharmacy, a number of retail stores and restaurants, as well as several convenient services such as a dry cleaners and additional storage, the Eclipse is a condo community that has it all. Including amenities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness facility, a party and social room, a 24-hour concierge and a community center; the Eclipse condominiums are a community unto themselves. Finally, the Eclipse is a pet friendly community with immediate access to the Crystal City Metro, Regan National Airport, and is only minutes from Old Town Alexandria and Washington D.C. Between the many included amenities and the ultra-centralized location, the Eclipse in Crystal City is one of the premiere condo communities in Arlington, Virginia. 

Located at 1111 North 19th Street in Arlington, Virginia, the Waterview Condominiums are among the area's most desirable and luxurious residential condo communities. Last year, the Waterview Condominiums were rated one of Arlington County's top 12 condominium facilities; and with the Hotel Palomar located directly below the condo units, Waterview residents can enjoy all of the perks that this particularly convenient locale has to offer. Residents have access to the Hotel Palomar's conference rooms and business centers, as well as the Hotel bar and restaurant.

The Waterview condos feature a 24-hour concierge, a private residents-only lounge, a rooftop observation deck with some of the most breathtaking and panoramic views in the area, an outdoor terrace located 100 feet from the Potomac River, a spa and fitness facility, and a reserved parking garage. Individual condo units feature hardwood and parquet floors, floor to ceiling glass windows, and imported granite countertops.

Apart from the obvious luxury of the Hotel and the condominium building, the location of the Waterview is superbly positioned for the Washington Metro commuter. Located in the epicenter of Rosslyn and less than five minutes away from greater Washington D.C., the Waterview offers easy access to Reagan National and Dulles airport as well as downtown Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.