In celebration of Black History Month, the Black History Museum brings back its "Movies with a Mission" free of charge on the second Saturday of each month through Saturday, April 9, at the Museum, which is located at 902 Wythe Street. The movies are films from and about Africa and the Diaspora. All screenings will be followed by a discussion and walk through the gallery. Following is a list of the movies planned:
February 12 – “The Lion Mountains: A Journey through Sierra Leone’s History”
A look at pre-colonial Sierra Leone.
March 12 – “Good Fortune”
This films explores the unintentional consequences of international efforts to alleviate povery.
April 9 – “Promised Land”
This film looks at the multiple perspectives of the "ticking time bomb" land issue in South Africa.
In celebration of Black History Month, check out the many exhibits and events being offered by Alexandria VA's Black History Museum, located at 902 Wythe Street.
Alexandria Black History Museum Hosts "Play Date with Pride"One of the ways the Alexandria Black History Museum is celebrating Black History Month is by hosting "Play Date with Pride" on Saturday, February 5 from 1 pm - 2:30 pm, at a cost of $5 per child. This is an interactive workshop with storytelling, crafts, music and dance.
This event is being organized by Culture Kingdom Kids, which is a mobile learning environment helping children experience the heritages of minority Americans through creative arts workshops.
The Alexandria Black History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm.
*Reservations are recommended. Children must be accompanied by parents*
Want to enjoy an OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA VA Happy Hour without worrying about little Spike at home, whom you know has been patiently waiting for you all day? Then take Spike with you! He'll feel right at home at any of the following places:
The Hotel Monaco Alexandria in OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA typically hosts a leash cutting ceremony in mid April to signal the beginning of its Doggie Happy Hour season. Dogs and their human companions enjoy treats in the hotel courtyard every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 until 8 until October.
Pat Troy's Ireland's Own (across the street from Hotel Monaco) shares its patio with dogs, with a happy hour every day from 4 to 7, with half off specials on appetizers and drinks. There's even a doggy dinner menu - $3.95 for chopped chicken or burger, lamb or beef stew, served with a bone on the side.
Feeling like Fido deserves a special treat? Then take a 40-minute Alexandria Seaport Canine Cruise with Potomac Riverboat Company.
S
ure, interest rates are relatively low, prices are lower in many markets than they have been in a while and housing is certainly more affordable.
However, here’s the thing…who is selling in this market, when prices are down (in many cases, far below what a Seller paid) so much in so many places?
Sellers who have to sell because of changes in jobs, family circumstances or other opportunities. There are lot of people, who would love to sell — but simply cannot because they don’t have enough equity in their home. While there are always people who can sell with no issues, there are plenty of homeowners who are simply going to “wait the market out” until prices start to appreciate.
After all, if it is the PERFECT time for Buyers to buy, doesn’t that mean it’s not necessarily the best time for Sellers to sell – unless they have plans that make sense for them to do so right now?
And that means inventory – at least in ALEXANDRIA VA – isn’t all that great, which makes it tough — especially on first time home buyers. Oh, sure, there is always going to be something to look at, houses to buy, but the selection isn’t what it used to be when the market was hot.
So, what’s an excited first time home buyer to do? Well, here is some food for thought:
While you may not be able to get exactly what you want in this market, it doesn’t mean buying a home doesn’t make good financial sense.
After all, you can always add the cosmetic touches as time goes along. And, in a few years, after the market has recovered and prices have started to rise again, you will be able to sell that first home and start looking for your dream home – made possible by the equity and tax advantages you’ve gained from home ownership.
Did you know the Trulia rent vs buy index was released yesterday? It was. And did you know it is cheaper to buy a home than rent one in 72% of major metropolitan areas around the U.S.? Apparently, according to Trulia, the increased demand for rental properties is driving down the cost of homeownership nationwide.
The Washington, D.C. Metro area ranked 13 on the list of Top Cities to Buy Vs. Rent.
Which means it may be the best time in a long time to stop paying your landlords' mortgage and start pocketing some equity and tax benefits for yourself.
Need more convincing? How about this? Rents are on the rise and rental inventory is getting more difficult to find. If buying a home fits in your plans, now would be a good time to at least explore the option.
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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