Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate

Buying a home is more than a transaction. It's much more than a deal. In fact, it's a very big deal! For most people, buying a home, whether it's their first, second, or fourteenth, is usually one of the largest purchases they ever make, and there's a lot more emotion involved than when they buy a computer, a car, or the latest technology stock.

After all, have you ever been invited to somebody's car-warming? Do you know anyone who's thrown a party and called their 20 closest friends to come see the most recent app they purchased for their smartphone?

Don't answer those questions. The answer is obvious.

However, when it comes to buying a home, people celebrate. They celebrate their new digs. They celebrate their freedom. They celebrate the American Dream. Yes, they celebrate homeownership.

And, in Northern Virginia when my clients purchase a home, I celebrate with them:

That's the new Happy Homeowner on the left and me holding the bottle of wine in between his parents who visited from Connecticut to see the new condo!

And my wife Deborah on the far left came to celebrate too as we gave my client Sam a specially prepared gift basket to help celebrate his new condo in Alexandria.

Are you ready to get started on the path towards celebrating homeownership in Northern Virginia?

Click here and you'll be on the way to getting the bottle below for your celebration!

Are you wondering about Northern Virginia real estate and pondering what has sold recently?

Here's some information about the most expensive home sales in Northern Virginia (Arlington County, Alexandria City, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church City) for May 2011. All information was obtained through MRIS.

Overall, there were 128 Northern Virginia home sales topping $1 million during June 2011. This is a huge increase from the 78 sold in May and the 61 sold in April. The spring/summer market in luxury homes is definitely heating up! In fact, all indications are that the busy selling season which usually starts around March, didn't really get revved up until May this year.

Currently, there are 797 homes on the market in Northern Virginia with list prices topping $1 million - this is just a slight decrease from the number that were on the market at this time last month.

JUNE 2011'S MOST EXPENSIVE SALES

Single Family Detached Homes:

• 1012 Founders Ridge Lane, McLean, VA 22102 -- Sold on June 6th for $5,975,000
  A really big sale! Located in The Reserve, this 15,000 square foot custom home has 6 bedroom, 8 full bathrooms, an elevator, custom theater, Lutron lighting system and much more. It was built in 2006 and includes a stone enclosed courtyard and terraces.
  
  
• 7712 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102 -- Sold on June 1st for $5,004,000
  On 2.6 private wooded acres, this 5 bedroom home includes 2 opulent msater suites. the finished lower level has a billiards room, exercise room, home theater, game room, bar and wine cellar. The detached carriage house has a second level studio apartment. The home also has a tennis court, pool and spac. It sold for about $800K below the asking price.

• 1043 Founders Ridge Lane, McLean, VA 22102 -- Sold on June 23rd for $4,950,000
  Sold for $300K under the asking price, this custom built Tuscan Villa in the reserve is set on 1.08 acres of landscaping and hardscaping. The 11,300 square foot home has soaring ceilings and 3 gas log fireplaces. 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, a climate controlled wine cellar, home theater and outdoor cabana are some of the luxuries at theis home located in The Reserve in McLean.
  
  
• 510 Cathedral Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 28th for $3,250,000
  Discounted almost $400K from the listing price, this Malvern Hill home is located on more than 1.5 acres and features almost 5000 square feet with most of the living space on the main level. There's a heated swimming pool, lush landscaping and four bedroom suites. A gourmet kitchen, screen in proch and walnut paneled library complete this luxury rambler built in 1959.
  

CLICK TO SEARCH FOR AVAILABLE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Townhouses:

• 121 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 3rd for $2,450,000
  Built in 1815, this brick residence on a large double lot has many modern conveniences including renovated bathrooms and kitchens, and expansive garden and a two car garage. With 8 fireplaces, 5 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms and so close to the Potomac River, this Old Town Alexandria townhouse sold for the asking price after over a year on the market.
  
  
• 202 Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 10th for $2,100,000
  Talk about historic! This home was built in 1793 and has stood the test of time. It has a large patio area and built-in pool, 2 off-street parking spaces and 3,263 square feet of lviing space spread between 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. It sold for $260K below the asking price.
  
  
• 702 Kahn Place, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 9th for $1,800,000
  Located at Fords Landing, this Potomac River-front home has 5 bedrooms and 3,192 square feet of space on 4 levels. The home has been extensively redesigned and upgraded with a gourmet kitchen and a private terrace wired for sound. It was built in 1998, so it will be quite a few years until it's as historic as the first two homes on this list!
  
  
• 509 S. Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 22nd for $1,600,000
  All of this month's priciest townhomes were in Old Town Alexandria. This one is another historic gem, built in 1790 with 2,849 square feet of living space with views of Lee Street Park and the Potomac River.
  
  

SEARCH AVAILABLE TOWNHOUSES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Condominiums:

• 1881 N. Nash Street #1910, Arlington, VA 22209 -- Sold on June 6th for $1,675,000
  At Turnberry Tower in Rosslyn, this 2 bedroom condo features 2,267 square feet of space plus a 500 square foot balcony, gourmet kitchen, family room with walk-in closets, marble baths, plus all the amenities of the luxury builing, including valet parking.
  
  
• 1450 Emerson Avenue #509, McLean, VA 22101 -- Sold on June 24th for $1,150,000
  Located at the luxury Palladium at McLean, this penthouse unit has its own private elevator from the underground garage. Built in 2005 but never lived-in, this two bedroom condo has Brazilian cherry floors, a gourmet kitchen, and over 2,600 square feet of living space right in downtown McLean.
  
  
• 635 First Street #201, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 24th for $960,000
  Built in 2004, this Liberty Row condo in Old Town Alexandria features granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a marble foyer. With 3 bedrooms and 2,080 square feet of space right in Old Town, this condo sold for a mere $25K below the asking price.
  
  
• 12151 Jamieson Avenue #1804, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- Sold on June 10th for $910,000
  Located on a high floor at Carlyle Towers, this 3 bedroom, 1,713 sqaure foot unit includes a 35 foot terrace with fountain, ivy topiary trees, and roses. The condo also has a marble foyer and a tumbled marble floor in the the enclosed sunroom area.

SEARCH AVAILABLE CONDOMINIUMS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

"Highest and Best"

Highest and Best Offer. The phrase brings back nightmares of 2004 and 2005 when every potential homebuyer had to write 5 or 6 offers, waive inspections, appraisals, bring extra cash, and write mushy notes to the seller about why they loved their spectacular home (even if that home was an 1,150 sq. ft. hovel of you-know-what). Back then, no sooner was the sign in the ground and the lockbox on the door then multiple offers started showing up on the fax machines or e-mail accounts. Those were the days of putting homes on the market on Thursday with remarks that "Sellers will review all contracts on Tuesday evening!" Confident. Arrogant. Maybe? But, it was the real estate reality.

The market correction adjustment debacle was supposed to have changed all that. And it did. For a while.

Guess what Washington D.C. & Northern Virginia....? "Highest and Best" is back. It's rested. It's tanned. And, it's back for action this Summer in the D.C. region. This might not be what you want to hear as a homebuyer, but if you're thinking about selling your home, it may be music to your ears!

"Highest and Best" occurs when a listing agent gets multiple offers submitted on a home. Rather than counter-offering each one, the sellers decide to set up a closed-bidding where each buyer resubmits their "highest and best" offer by a certain deadline and the sellers pick the one that generally will net them the most money.

A recent story from The Washington Post confirms the present market conditions: Real estate bidding wars are back in parts of D.C. area

I've personally had two situations this week alone with buyer clients which have turned into "Highest and Best" situations. There are two differences from the height of the market until now. First, these homes have been on the market for quite some time (about 60+ days) and their listing prices have been gradually reduced. Second, the offers are below asking price and the sellers are hoping to get offers close to or at asking price. Several years back, the listing price was more like the starting price and homes got bid up from there.

Ready to get the highest and best price for your Northern Virginia or D.C. home?

Give me a call at 703-626-0715 or contact me by e-mail at brian@brianblock.com

Click here today for a price analysis of your home

What signifies Summertime more than a delicious bowl of fresh cherries? How about some fantastic ripe peaches, crisp asparagus, or big red juicy tomatoes? If you're like me and looking for the best produce and some Summer fun, why not visit one of the many local Farmers Markets held in throughout Northern Virginia?

The FDA recently re-emphasized the importnace of eating your fruits and veggies! Go get 'em at a Northern Virginia Farmers Market!

Farmers Markets are not only on Saturday mornings any more (though some still are). Many Northern Virginia farmers markets have have extended morning hours, afternoon hours and some are held throughout the week. Almost every day of the week, you can find a Farmers Market open somewhere in Northern Virginia. You can usually get some of the best fruits and vegetables (and sometimes organic meats) as well as some crafts at the Farmers Markets and get to spend some time outdoors soaking up some sunshine. Many of the farmers drive several hours to participate in the market, and it is important to support our local farmers.

Here is information on the locations and times for some Farmers Markets throughout Northern Virginia:

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA FARMERS MARKETS:

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market: Saturdays from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (for those early risers). Located at Market Square, 301 King Street in Old Town Alexandria. Includes meat, dairy products, fish, fruit and vegetables. This market is held year-round.

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers Market: Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. Located at King Street Gardnes Park, 1806 King Street from May through October. More information available at www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/UpperKingStreetFreshFarmersMarket

West End Farmers' Market: Sundays from May through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located in the parking lot of Ben Brenman Park (at the end of Somerville Dr. near the railroad tracks) adjacent to Cameron Station. More information at www.alexandriava.gov/FarmersMarket

Del Ray Farmers market: Year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and located at the Corner of East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues.

Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market: Held on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 20th through Octover 31st. Located at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue. More info online at www.4mrmarket.org

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA FARMERS MARKETS:

Arlington County Farmers Market: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, year-round. Located at N. 14th Street and N. Courthouse Road. Check out www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.com

Ballston Farmers Market: Fridays from June through October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and located at N. Stuart and 9th Streets. On the web at www.ballstonvasquare.org/farmersmarket

Clarendon Metro Park: This Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market runs from 3-7 p.m. from May through October at 1890 N. Lynn Street. Online at www.clarendon.org/events/clarendonfarmersmarket

Columbia Pike Home Grown Market: A Sunday Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through November at Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive (www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/columbiapikefarmersmarket)

Crystal City Farmers Market: This one's on Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. May through October on Crystal Drive between 18th and 20th Streets. Look at www.crystalcity.org/green/farmersmarket for more details.

Rosslyn Farmers Market: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 12 through October 20th at Wilson Blvd. and N. Oak Street. www.rosslynva.org/play/markets

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA FARMERS MARKETS:

Annandale Farmers Market: Thursday mornings 8 a.m. to Noon from May 5th through November 3rd at mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale.

Burke Centre Farmers Market: Saturday mornings 8 a.m. to Noon in the VRE parking lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway.

Great Falls Farmers Market: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25th through November 21st in the parking lot of Village Centre, 776 Walker Road.

Kingstowne Farmers Market: Friday afternoons from 4-7 p.m. May 6th through October 28th at 5955 Kingstowne Center. Catch a movie afterwards!

McLean Farmers Market: Friday mornings 8 a.m. to Noon from May 6th through November 18th at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road

Mount Vernon Farmers Market: Tuesday mornings from 8 a.m to Noon from May 4th through November 23rd located at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, www.mountvernonfarmersmarket.org

Vienna Farmers Market: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon from May through October at 131 Church Street NE, www.viennafarmersmarket.com

Did I miss a Northern Virginia Farmers Market that you know about? Post a comment or send me an e-mail and I'll add it to the list.

Enjoy some healthy eating this Summer!

Not once, but twice in this past week, the media came my way asking for information about the real estate market. Not to toot my own horn (okay, I am tooting my own horn, but sometimes it is warranted), but this has become a regular occurrence over the last several years. Take a look at my Press Page to view all the articles in local and national media outlets as well as watch clips of my television appearances.

Last week, I was interviewed in person by Nicholas (Nick) Horrock at my office. He's now a reporter with the Connection Newspapers, a string of local papers covering various cities and towns throughout Northern Virginia. We spent about half an hour discussing Northern Virginia real estate. During the conversation I also learned that Nick used to cover the White House, had flown numerous times on Air Force One and traveled around the world with several presidents -- Wow! And now he sat in my RE/MAX office in McLean interviewing me.

His article about Northern Virginia real estate was published on June 21st. Here's a link to read the full article:

Median, Average Sold Price of Homes Increased in May

Then, just yesterday, I was contacted by Cory Jo Vasquez at RE/MAX International Headquarters in Denver, CO. Cory is the Senior Public Relations Manager for all of RE/MAX. She's contacted me several times in the past after she's gotten media inquiries directed to RE/MAX. This time Cory was looking for someone to share their thoughts on cash buyers and how they're affecting the real estate marketplace with a reporter for TheMReport.com. TheMReport is a website that describes itself as "News and strategies for the evolving mortgage marketplace."

Although I was out with a buyer client yesterday (who's placing an offer on a house today), I told Cory that I would respond to the reporter as soon as possible. Knowing reporters are on tight deadlines, I called Alyse Rzemek around 6:30 p.m. and we discussed real estate and my thoughts on cash buyers and investors. Imagine my surprise when the article was already published on the website before I went to sleep last night.

Here's a link to the article on TheMReport.com:

Cash is King in the Housing Market