OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA IS ON SALE Saturday, August 14.
Don't Miss the OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA Summer Sidewalk Sale!!
Yep, that's right, many of Old Town Alexandria's merchants are participating in the Old Town Alexandria Sidewalk Sale being held this Saturday, August 14. Merchants such as my personal favorite (cuz I'm a 365-day-a-year Christmas gal) THE CHRISTMAS ATTIC...or, yes, another one of my absolute favorite places for a sandwich, cup of joe or treat, BITTERSWEET CAFE AND CATERING, which has served Alexandria for more than 25 years. (And served us well, I might add!)
Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention probably my all time favorite store in Old Town Alexandria, PATRICK'S FINE LINENS AND HOME DECOR, where I have spent way too many hours (and my husband would maintain too much money). This Saturday, they are offering 10% off all Scandia Down and Yves Delorme bedding.
To be honest, I go there as much for the kisses I get from Bentley, Chelsea and Shannon, the owners' three irresistably sweet Bedlington Terriers (they are featured in the video below) as I do for the sumptious bed and bath linens, dazzling tabletop displays, soaps, home fragrances, crystal, china and well, just too much to list here, including fine furniture and artwork. Click on the video below to take a brief video tour of the store. While the store is a sublime shopping experience, PATRICK's offers full service design service as well as exclusive product lines you simply won't find anywhere else in Alexandria (or quite possibly, the DC Metro area). Stop in and tell Troy or Patrick that I sent you.
The City of Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities just released it's Fall Program Guide - it's 48 pages long - and it's chock full of every program, event, class and activity you can imagine. 
From Ballroom Dancing and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society to Belly Dancing, Martial Arts, Tennis, Fencing - even Snorkeling and SCUBA diving classes - there is something for the most - and the least -active of children and adults. No matter your level of fitness or expertise, there is something for the adults and children in your family.
New moms looking for a shape up? Try Stroller Strides, the total fitness program for moms with their babies.
Someone in your family with a little gray in their hair? Seniors, the city has a program for you! Choose from Art Class, Aquatic Exercise, Bridge Club, Nordic Walking and Exercise, Pinochle Club, Senior Knitting, International Language classes, Square Dance, Yoga, Computer classes and Day Trips. And that's not even everything!
The City of Alexandria strives to provide programs and services for every one of its citizens, including those with a variety of disabilities. And the City can help with special transportation and will make reasonable accommodations, too. You only have to ask. 
And, of course, being the canine-friendly city we are, there is something for Fido, too...from Puppy Kindergarten to Family Dog classes. And for the two legged members of your family - adult or youth - there are plenty of Organized Sports.
From sports to nature, music and arts, extended after school child care services and an extensive Just-4-Teens program, Recreation Centers and year round swimming pools, the City of Alexandria has a program for you!
Whether it's taking a class, playing cards, taking a day trip or learning something new, the City of Alexandria has something for everyone!
If you are already a resident but don't already take advantage of all the wonderful programs the City provides, check it out. And if you're heading to Alexandria, VA on a house-hunting trip, don't forget to schedule some time to check out the many recreation centers the city has for you!
"Mom, I'm Bored" - Not in Alexandria, VA You Aren't!
I grew up in one of those families where history was important...very important. So important, in fact, that while my friends were at the beach, well, I would usually be with my parents touring Civil War Battlefields and historic homes. And, no, I wasn't always all that happy about it, a fact of which my mother never fails to remind me.
While other families were heading to the "rivah," well, my brother and I were in the car with our parents, riding down country roads, stopping to read every historic marker along the way. 
Although I didn't fully appreciate that complete immersion into the past at the time, one historic home in particular made an impression on me and that was the home of America's first president, George Washington. I think I was probably 12 or 13 years old when we first visited Mount Vernon -- I fell in love with it then...and love it even more today. It is still kind of hard to believe we live just down the road - it's only 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria and well, can go there anytime we want. Imagine!
Open 365 days a year - yes, including all holidays, even Christmas - there is enough to see and do here, you could easily spend a couple of days at Mount Vernon just exploring the grounds - there is so much more than just the Mansion to see, although I wouldn't blame you if you only want to sit in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch and just soak in the beautiful grounds and sweeping views of the Potomac River.
There are more than one dozen outbuildings, a 16-sided treading barn (part of the four acre working farm), beautifully maintained gardens, a Forest Trail and of course, the tomb where George and Martha were both laid to rest - and where there are wreath-laying ceremonies every day.
Two of the newer additions to Mount Vernon are the Ford Orientation Center and Donald Reynolds Museum and Education Center, which include 25 new theatres and galleries that tell the story of George Washington's life, with more than 500 original artifacts, History Channel videos and immersion theatre experiences. While it may not sound too exciting, let me tell you, we visited both of these facilities last year and had that been ALL we did that day, I would not have been disappointed.
And now, there is even a "National Treasure Tour" which is a one hour "behind the scenes" walking tour that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know (and then some!) about the areas where "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" filming took place.
From a wide array of interactive experiences for children to a multitude of ever-changing events like the Fall Wine Festival and Colonial Market and Fair, Mount Vernon has a little something for everyone. If you live in Northern Virginia, it's a wonderful place to visit time and time again.
Coming to Alexandria on a house-hunting trip? Do yourself a favor, make some time and put this spectacular home at the top of your "must see" list of places. You won't regret it - and if your kids complain about spending time at some "boring" old house, don't worry...they will love it. I promise.
Spend a Day - or two - at Alexandria's historic MOUNT VERNON ESTATE AND GARDENS
If you are a prospective buyer - or seller - it's important for you to be armed with the best and latest information available for the Alexandria, VA real estate market.
One of the best ways to stay abreast of the market is to receive automatic updates each month from your Long & Foster REALTOR. (Yes, that would be me).
Unlike some reports that just drone on and on with confusing facts and figures, this very snappy report is easy and quick to read and understand. In fact, it is so easy to read and understand, it's called the Market Minute.
If you would like to stay on top of what's going on out there in the wild world of real estate in Alexandria, VA, you can just let me know and I'll make sure the Long & Foster Market Minute gets in your email in box every month. Click on the video below to learn more. She says it a whole lot better than I can. And, oh, yeah, there's no charge for these reports, no obligation and no pesky real estate agent (me, again) will call.
Couldn't make the Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market (operating continuously since 1753!) or Del Ray Farmers' Markets today? Don't worry! From May through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday, rain or shine, the West End Alexandria Farmers Market will be open for business.
You have another chance tomorrow at the West End Alexandria Farmers Market, located at Ben Brenman Park, adjacent to Cameron Station. Parking's a breeze, too, which is an advantage over the other two markets.
It appears the market has about doubled in size since last year, so if you haven't been this year, try to make it out and see what's new!
Whether you are looking for every fresh vegetable -- or fruit --imaginable, spiced and candied nuts, fresh baked goods, organic meats, milks and cheeses, there is something yummy sure to please at this market.
There's fair-trade coffee, homemade pastas and sauces (sold by a hunky firefighter) plus a variety of artisans, a couple with homemade soaps...plus much, much more.
These folks say it better than I can, plus they have a handy map, recipes and a lot of interesting info on some of the vendors, so check out Culinate's blurb on the West End Farmers Market. And try to make it out there tomorrow - it's going to be another beautiful day here in Alexandria, VA.
UPDATE: West End Farmers' Market Closed at Ben Brenman Park WILL BE CLOSED SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 in preparation for the Annual Cambodian Community Day Festival. The West End Farmers' Market will reopen Sunday, August 29 and continue Sundays through November 21.
*By the way, the city of Alexandria is committed to accessibility for all, so if you would like to request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, just give Jack Browand with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities a call at 703.838.5095, extension 273 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.
West End Alexandria Farmers Market Sunday, August 8 - and every Sunday through October.
Helping you find the perfect home - or find the perfect buyer for your home - in Old Town Alexandria, Cameron Station, Kingstowne, Montebello and many other fine Alexandria neighborhoods.
So here’s the part where I brag about how great I am, how I am a “people person,” how I’m all about great service, how I’m available 24/7.
Yada, yada, yada.
Is it true? Of course…well, except for that 24/7 thing, ‘cuz face it, if you call me at 3 a.m., I’m not answering. Ever.
Yes, I am a “Top Producer,” according to the local REALTOR association. Oh, and a REALTOR, of course, which means I abide by a long list of rules and regulations that mere mortal agents don’t have to abide by.
But let’s be honest, shall we? Do you care so much about that?
Sure, you want to be sure I am a licensed, bona fide agent – and yes, I am. You can always check with my broker, LONG & FOSTER REALTORS at 400 King Street in Alexandria, if you have any questions about that. (The phone number is 703-683-0400). You more than likely want to be assured I have actually sold a house or two in my career, which is completely understandable. I can even show you which ones. (And if you click on “What Others Say About Me” you can get an idea of what a few of my previous clients have had to say about my services).
You are probably much more interested in how my education and experience help you buy, rent or sell a house, though.
You will benefit from my extensive background in marketing (a B.S. in Marketing as well as 20+ years marketing experience) because it means know just how, when and where to promote your home for sale. And my real estate experience means I know how to advise you on condition and price.
Hopefully you will be impressed with my work ethic which holds me in great stead while working those 14 hour days (sorry, still not answering the phone at 3 a.m.) finding just the perfect home for you or perfect buyer for your home.
And, finally, my sense of humor allows me to finesse a lot of difficult situations, which means a smoother, less stressful transaction for you. And the negotiation skills I’ve honed over the years? Well, they translate into a better bottom line for you.
So, in a nutshell, what’s my mission statement?
I am here to help you through the sometimes confusing, sometimes stressful, sometimes harried, often baffling, process of buying or selling a home.
I am here to provide guidance, advice, resources and expert knowledge, from finding a qualified, competent lender or home inspector, to finding the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood for you or finding the qualified buyer for whom your house is THE ONE.
From negotiating a contract to getting through the home inspection and getting to the settlement table with your checkbook and sanity in check, all along the way, I’ll help you avoid the landmines and pitfalls the process can unexpectedly present.
Whew. That’s a mouthful, but then again, there is a lot to the process of buying or selling a house.
I’m here to help. Let me know what I can do for you.
Search http://www.susanmovesyou.com/ for up to the minute active listings. Be the first to know when a new home comes on the market; sign up for automatic email updates.
ALEXANDRIA * OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA * TOWNES AT CAMERON PARKE * CAMERON STATION * MOUNT VERNON/FORT HUNT * MONTEBELLO
~~~Well, I hate to brag, but...my clients insist~~~
"We cannot thank Super Realtor Susan enough for all of her hard work, patience and most of all, her friendship, through the home selling process. Although we came on the market during a changing sales market, Susan diligently worked aggressively to promote our home until we had a qualified buyer. She kept us abreast of showings, feedback and the changing market. Looking back, we now realize how lucky we were to have her on our side."
Paul and Karen, Alexandria, VA
A couple of years ago, my boyfriend and I contacted Susan after seeing her website to help us with a search for a rental. Throughout the rental process, Susan treated us as if we were in the market for a multimillion dollar property, when in reality we were a couple of 20 somethings looking for a temporary rental! We enjoyed our experience with her so much that we contacted her again recently when we decided to buy our first home together.
Susan's unwavering patience and unparalleled expertise found us the starter home of our dreams! She held our hands throughout the entire process and answered every single question with a smile (even 11 PM emails within minutes). It was all SO easy that we still cannot believe we are home owners. We went into the process a bit nervous after some friends had difficulty buying their first home. Well...we we had absolutely no problem and no stress in our experience with her. Everyone kept asking us, "isn't it supposed to be difficult?" Umm.. not with Susan! She approached every situation with a sense of realism and always kept OUR BEST INTEREST in mind. She is definitely the best in the business and has an expansive network of professionals to help with everything her clients may need along the way -- from home inspection professionals to repairmen.
We are just crossing our fingers (and toes) that Susan will be there for any future home purchases. After working with her, we cannot imagine having any other realtor. Simply put -- we adore her!
Rory & Celia - Alexandria VA
Just wanted to send you a note and thank you for making this transaction successful and seamless. Please feel free to use me as a reference, although getting $270K at the Palazzo will most likely get you a lot of street-cred by itself!
Werner and Erin - Alexandria VA
From satisfied clients:
"We will never forget your kindness, professionalism, understanding, and most of all, friendship, through this rough move. We have known what a sub-par realtor is, unfortunately, in our moving about. Now, I am glad to say we know a pro; and, she is a friend. Please keep in touch. Stop by anytime. Use us as a reference often and much! "
Larissa and James, Alexandria VA
“Susan is the best realtor I have ever worked with and I have owned 5 homes. She knows the area, the neighborhoods and how to get the best value for you as either the buyer or the seller. There is a reason she is one of the best Long and Foster Agents in Virginia, she is just that good.”
Rick & Barbara Nolte, Alexandria VA
"We were not sure if we wanted to rent or buy, but even as potential renters, Susan treated us like royalty, with infinite patience and dedication. She never once tried to pressure us into buying, rather, listened to us, provided balanced information and let us make our own decision without pushing. We ended up buying a beautiful home and could not be happier."
Bill and Shannon, Alexandria, VA
And from other real estate professionals:
Susan and I have been members of online networking groups for some time and I am very impressed with her business ethic and approach to real estate. I have gleaned much from her insights and advice which she freely shares with others online.
Obviously, for Susan the customer is treated like royalty and taking care of her customer's needs is first and foremost in her business plan.
I would gladly refer any customer to Susan - I know they would be in good hands.”
Karen Rice, REALTOR, Weichert Realtors Paupack Group
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