Cathy Baumbusch (cathybREALtor)

West Springfield, Virginia is a quiet little "bedroom community" west of I-95 and the infamous "Mixing Bowl". In the 13 years I've lived here, one thing I've always lamented is the lack of really good restaurants in the area. Austin Grill has been a staple here for years, and while the happy hour is good, the food sometimes can be hit or miss.

But in recent months, our little burg is experiencing a bit of a resurgence, updates if you will. First came Walgreens, which is located directly across Rolling Road from our other drugstore, Staples. Walgreens occupies the space previously occupied by Party Depot, which moved further east to the Springfield Plaza shopping area.

Then, this past fall, Panera quietly opened a restaurant in what used to be Blockbuster Video. (Thank you Netflix). There was a bit of a learning curve, but, although small, the Panera is here to stay.

Then, a few weeks ago, The Burger Joint graced little ol' West Springfield with its presence. Coincidentally, I had enjoyed my very first BGR burger in Arlington about a week before noticing the restaurant located at 8420 Old Keene Mill Road. True to my roots, I tried the Southwestern on for size. With its mango salsa giving it a little bit of a twang, it was truly remarkable. And the french fries/onion rings combo was so generous in size, it literally fed 3 people.

At the Springfield BGR, I sampled just The Burger with provolone cheese. I shudder to think what the calorie count was on that. But that was before my new fitness plan went into effect. I did also notice that they are not nearly as generous with the fries and rings as they are in Arlington. They only gave us 4 onion rings. But who needs that many fries and onion rings anyway?

So, Chicken Out is out, The Burger Joint is in. One more reason to move to West Springfield.

Ground-breaking for the Springfield Mall renovations is set to take place in 30-60 days. It has been reported that Vornado Realty Trust paid $115 million to reacquire its loan as well as $25 million to acquire a partner's interest in the property. This transaction is reportedly going to give Vornado a $98 million profit for 2010.

According to Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay, Vornado has been busy processing site plans and building permits with Fairfax County. The project has four phases. Phase I involves renovating the interior of the current buildings. The movie theatre will return and a new food court will be built. Phase I also includes improvements and additions of buildings along Loisdale Road. Phase II involves the addition of second floor office space as well as new buildings along the perimeter of the property. Phase III is set to include a major high density hotel similar to the Springfield Hilton across the street. Condos and townhomes will round out the project in Phase IV. The phases and the order in which they are completed will be dependent on the market- a market that has so far kept this project from moving forward.

However, it is likely that Phase I will be first. It makes sense, says McKay that with anchor stores Target and JCPenney recently completing their renovations at a significant cost.

Time frames for completion have not been released, however, since renovations will take place while the mall is open, it is thought that the entire project will take 10 years to complete.

A little known fact is that VDOT and Fairfax County heavily debated the transportation improvements for the area, VDOT wanting to widen Loisdale road and add extra lanes to the Franconia-Springfield Parkway. However, Fairfax County prevailed in those discussions and will get their mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly town center. An unofficial Springfield Road Fund has been established as part of the project, with monies going to improvements all over Springfield, not just the mall areas.

McKay also added that Springfield Town Center will more resemble Pentagon City than Tysons Corner or Reston Town Center. Currently residents in Springfield must travel to Tysons or Fair Oaks to enjoy quality shopping. Springfield Mall will answer the mail on this problem.

According to a report in the Springfield Connection Jan 6-12, 2011, Vornado Realty Trust is set to begin a multi-phase renovation project in the March-April timeframe.

Nancy-Jo Manney, Director of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce stated that the mall owners were currently in talks with potential tenants.

Word is that last month, Vornado settled on a new purchase price of $115 million, down from $171 million, and can now move forward with renovation.

The renovations scheduled will focus on the mall's interior, including bringing back the movie theatres with new stadium seating, and a new food court. The company has already started testing out new floor tiles in front of its Macy's store.

It is not yet known when grandiose plans for the Springfield Town Center will be put into place, if ever.

Most major markets have their exclusive luxury home neighborhoods. DC is no exception. Many luxury homes are inhabited by politicians, diplomats, and prestigious business owners. Today we take a look at the Top 10 most luxurious homes in DC that have sold in the last 6 months. As you would expect, most of these homes can be found in Georgetown, Kalorama, and the Mass Ave corridor.

1. 3210 R ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. After zero days on the market, this palacial 8/BR/8BA pre-war home in East Village (near Dumbarton Oaks) features 3 fireplaces, a south-facing garden, a swimming pool and a detached garage. Sold price: $11,111,111.00.

2.3220 NEBRASKA AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20016. This 6BR/6FB/4HB home in Spring Valley subdivision is a gorgeous 10,000+sf colonial sitting on almost an acre. There is a swimming pool, two reflecting ponds, a 2-car garage and large circular driveway. There is also a library, 12-seat theatre, 6 fireplaces and staff quarters. Sold price: $7,525,000.

3. 2414 TRACY PL NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20008. 6BR/6FB/1HB. This luxury residence in Kalorama was built in 1924 but underwent a complete reconstruction which added a 2-story addition. There are private gardens, 2 fireplaces, a swimming pool and spa. Sold price: $6, 375, 000.

4. 3303 WATER ST NW #N-8, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. 3BR/4FB/1HB. This 2-level home is situated in a luxury condo building along the Potomac River waterfront. With gorgeous views of the Potomac from the floor-to-ceiling windows, this 3754sf condo features ultra-modern kitchen and baths. There is an upper level den and roof deck, a custom wine cooler and state-of-the-art audio system. Sold price: $5,750,000.

5. 2808 WOODLAND DR NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20008. 5BR/8FB/1HB. This stately Georgian home built in 1989 features an exclusive upgraded kitchen, several public rooms fit for an embassy, 4 fireplaces, an au-pair suite, and state-of-the-art technology. The grounds and gardens are lighted, and of course, there is a swimming pool. Sold price: $5,225,000.

6. 1231-1235 31ST ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. 5BR/4FB/2HB. This stunning all brick white Georgetown classic semi-detached features an attached garage, gorgeous center hall, 3 fireplaces, and 6714sf. Gourmet kitchen, marble floors, delectable gardens with in-ground fountain along the cobblestone walk, and a pool. Sold price: $4,750,000.

7. 1515 30TH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. 6BR/4FB/1HB. This 4000sf turn-of-the-century East Village Federal-style home was completely renovated in 2010. This end unit townhome features a double parlor, walls of windows facing the gardens, arched doorways, curved staircase, 3 fireplaces, a butler's pantry with fantastic wood detailing, gourmet kitchen, swimming pool, a stunning "natural" pergola for shade, hopelessly gorgeous wood floors, marble detail in the main bath, and an assigned parking space a block away. Sold price: $4,050,000

8. 2104 DUNMORE LN NW #LOT 40, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. This newly completed Italian villa style 6BR/5FB/2HB masterpiece has 3 fireplaces, a butler's pantry, dual staircastes, custom steam shower, 2-story great room, wine room, media room, and au-pair suite. There is a dining terrace, pool and elevator. Sold price: $3,650,000.

9. 4815 DEXTER ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20007. 7BR/7FB/1HB. This stunning stone and shingle newer home (2003) features 4 levels and 3 fireplaces. Situated on almost half an acre in Wesley Heights/Berkley, this home boats a remarkable chef's kitchen with commercial detail, an office detailed in mahogany and rosewood, his and her dressing areas in the master suite, in-law suite with kitchenette in basement. Steps to Battery Kemble park, this outstanding home is superb. Sold price:$3,600,000.

10. 84 KALORAMA CIR NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20008. 6BR/5FB/2HB. The new owners of this European-style detached home in Kalorama are no doubt looking forward to enjoying cool summer nights in the garden next to the cocktail pool. The high ceilings & exquisite architectural detailing invoke feelings of Paris or Zurich. Two master suites with sun porches, sunroom, and 5 fireplaces. There is also a 2 car-garage and views of Rock Creek Park. Sold price: $$3,475,000.

Cathy Valdiviez Baumbusch

International Real Estate Specialist (IRES)

REALTOR^®, MBA, CRS, ABR, e-PRO

Phone: 703-969-1691 Fax: 866-508-5743

Email - mailto:Cathy@CathyB.net Web: www.CathyB.Net

Cathy B, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Allegiance

Serving Washington, DC Virginia and Maryland

At Home with Diversity - Certified Auction Specialist

Certified Distressed Property Expert - NFSTI REO Certification Level 1

A Veteran Owned Business

Alot of agents don't do rentals. After 9 years in the biz, I still work with rental clients to find their ideal rental property. The reasons to rent are myriad, so I don't pressure rental customers to purchase a home. I do ask them if they've thought about it, and with today's low interest rates, many people who thought they couldn't buy, actually can.

But, that being said, customers who have decided to rent know that finding the ideal rental can be just as stressful as finding a home to purchase. After all, there is the time factor. Leases end, and contracts have to be signed and the timing has to be just right. So, here are some tips to help you find a rental property in Northern Virginia.

1. If you don't want to work with a real estate agent, and are looking for an apartment the first place to start is an apartment rental catalog or book. You can find these publications on most street corners near bus stops, Metro and shopping centers.

2. Call around to the various apartment leasing offices and inquire about vacancies.

3. Ask the leasing agent to show you the actual apartment that is available, NOT the model. Oftentimes the model will be in much better condition than the apartment you end up renting. The nice upgrades in the model may not be present in the unit you get.

4. If you are looking for a rental home in Northern Virginia, its not necessary to call multiple agents on each property. Your best option is to ask friends, relatives, or co-workers for the name of a real estate agent that they have worked with and are happy with. Call the agent and find out if they work with rental clients. If not, ask for a recommendation in their office.

5. A real estate agent can show you any property listed by any company. All rental listings are posted in the local MLS database and all agents have access to them. So instead of calling multiple agents to see their listings, you can work with one agent who can show you all the listings.

6. Give your agent the criteria you are looking for. He/she will run a search in the MLS and find properties that match your criteria.

7. Sometimes its possible to negotiate the monthly rental price. It depends on the time the property has been on the market, the length of the lease, and sometimes the financial strength of the person renting.

8. Your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are the most important factors in whether you get approved for a rental property. In general, apartments are more liberal in their approval process then landlords.

9. For each application you make there will be a processing fee of $35-50. In Virginia, the max processing fee is $50. When you make application, you will give a check for the processing fee, and a separate check for the security deposit. Security deposits cannot exceed 2 months rent.

10. Once your application is accepted, then you will sign a lease and do a walk through with the landlord. At the time that you sign the lease, you will also pay your first months' rent.

11. All there's left to do is move in.

12. After you move in, any issues are handled directly between you and the landlord. However, your agent is still working for you, so if you have any questions or any problems with the landlord, you should call your agent for advice first. They can direct you to legal channels that will help you.

P.S. Beware of Craigslist ads. A popular scam is to advertise a home for sale at a ridiculously low price (the first clue) and then after you inquire, they tell you that the low price is because all they want is for you to maintain the property. They tell you to drive by the house first, look inside and if you like it, email them. They will instruct you to send them a deposit and the rent money. You'll never get the keys. The reason is that they are not the real owners. They have identified a vacant house and are trying to dupe you. The home is probably even for sale. You will be able to tell this when you go by if there is a sign at the property, but this is not always the case. There are lots of similar scams like this on Craigslist. Which makes it all the more important to use a REALTOR.