As homeowners, we tend to think more about the things coming into our house (i.e. electricity, gas, water, pests, etc.) rather than the things going out.  However, lots of stuff leaves our homes every day in the form of waste.

What happens to it?  Do you really want to know?  I think inquiring minds want to know.

I recently met a water engineer who told me that while most people don't think about it, the costs of dirty water leaving our homes is more expensive than the costs of water coming into our homes -- the sewer part of the water & sewer bill makes up more of the expenses.

Arlington County, Virginia recently released a video that explains what happens to our "crap" at its waste treatment facility.  If you've ever driven down South Glebe Road towards the intersection of Route 1 in Arlington (near Crystal City) you've likely noticed the stench. 

Watch the entertaining and very educational video below to learn more about:

CRAP: Where it Goes & What Happens to It!

Get out and do something! Even though it's cold outside, there is always something to do in Arlington, Virginia. Below is a list of five fun, local, and free or low-cost events in Arlington that anyone can enjoy!

1) Children's Theatre Festival

Event: Children's Theatre Festival

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 11 am-5 pm

Location: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209

Event Description:
The Children's Theatre Festival is a full day theatre event including exciting live performances, workshops, theatre activities and more. The theatre lobby will be filled with activities for children such as painting, drawing, and storytelling beginning at 11 am. There will be a performance of The Cat and the Seagull at 12 pm and again at 4pm. This theatre performance is based on The Story of the Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her How to Fly, by Luis Sepulveda. At 1 pm there will be additional performances by Los Quetzalitos, the Children's Mexican Dance Group, and Las Lunitas.

Contact and Other Info:
Admission to The Cat and the Seagull is $10.00. All other activities are free. Free Parking in the building garage. Food and drink will be available for sale throughout the festival. Call 703-548-3092 for more information or visit http://www.teatrodelaluna.org.

2) Painting Class for Beginners

Event: Painting Class for Beginners

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 20, 10 am – 12 pm

Location: Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204

Event Description:
Learning how to paint is easier and more fun than ever! Longtime art teacher Blanche Kirchner is opening her painting class on Wednesday morning to help people who are new to the wonderful world of art creation and painting. Blanche will consult new artists on what materials they should bring and discuss the options of different media. This event will get anyone interested in art on the road to their own creative expression!

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is $24 for 4 sessions. Call Nelly Urbach at 703-228-0955 for more information. Sessions run Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 - March 10. Event website can be located at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerwalterreed.aspx.

3) Comedy Club

Event: Comedy Club

Date/Time: Friday, January 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Location: Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202

Event Description:
Come to laugh and relive the classic comedy of times past at Aurora Hills. Guests will enjoy video and audio selections of The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Bill Dana, and Burns and Allen. Later, guests can take a stab at sharing their own funny stories together. The event will be led by Mike Bloom, comedy book author and former write for Walt Disney pictures.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Julie Albers at 703-228-5722 to register. The Comedy Club meets monthly on Fridays. The event website can be found at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centeraurorahills.aspx.

4) Under the Ice

Event: Under the Ice

Date/Time: Saturday, January 23, 2 pm-3 pm

Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Bring children ages 6 and up to a winter wonderland in the Gulf Branch Nature Center pond. Children will learn what's lurking in that cold dark water and then go outside and discover what can be hauled up from its depths. The nature centers is nestled in lovely park setting and the event will be staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people who are there to help you and your family learn more about the great outdoors. This interactive event is an environmental education programs for both children and adults. Registration is required.

Contact and Other Info:
A fee of $3 will be due upon registration. Event is for children ages 6 and up, registered children only. Call 703-228-3403 or 703-228-4747 for more information or visit the event website located at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/nature/parksrecreationscriptsnaturegulfbranch.aspx.

5) Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Event: Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 27, 1 pm – 3 pm

Location: Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper Street. Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Challenge yourself and learn to work Sudoku puzzles in your head using the systematic approach developed by instructor Nort Beckerman. This two-hour class will build brain function and cognitive abilities, including memory, while teaching strategies for solving Sudoku puzzles. The class is fun and stimulating. Guests must be registered for the event.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Eva Mayor at 703-228-5321 to register for the event. Event website is located at:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerlangstonbrown.aspx.

Nestled atop the cul-de-sac in established Berkshire Oakwood in Arlington Virginia, sits Arlington Designer Homes, Inc.’s latest green marvel, 3017 North Underwood Street. This Energy Star rated five bedroom, four and a half bath contemporary home is ready for its new owner to come in and reap the benefits of its numerous green features. Andy Moore, general contractor owner of Arlington Designer Homes, Inc. wanted to do something a little bit different design wise- with his latest green property. His other projects have been very traditional in home design, so he decided that with architect Howard Melton’s design concept to build an efficient contemporary home with green features abound.

When you pull up to the front of this 5,200 square foot, $1,450,000 property, you will first notice its stature on the property and the luscious blue front doors which are quite reminiscent of old barn doors, a great traditional juxtaposition on this new contemporary home. These doors have the comforting feel of an old farm house meets a new era. A tilted gaze towards the roof-line will give you the next clue to the contemporary nature of this home with the placement of triangular argon filled Pella windows which splash the interior of the home with tons of natural light. Inside the neutral color pallet draws you through the foyer and will lead you into the gallery and straight ahead: the floating staircase which as it takes you up to the third level of this home where the master suite (complete with luxury Bain Ultra tub and Watersense compatible products saving the homeowner with low flow water function) and three of the other beds along with their baths, similarly equip. Throughout the home, where you don’t find recycled carpet, lies the ¾ oak hardwoods laid in a unique mixed 2” and 3” pattern. Andy mentioned that the hardwoods were installed as pre-finished, which means that there was not any off-gas and minimal allergens released when laying them since they did not have to be sanded and sealed multiple times within the home- a very green feature and beautifully thought out.

Perched from the upstairs catwalk you get a grand view of the great-room below which is flooded in natural light from the floor to ceiling argon filled, low-e windows. The Pella windows and doors used throughout the home “surpass Energy Star qualifications, keeping the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and significantly reduce energy costs.” The placement of a very contemporary mirrored feature wall above the fireplace bounces the light around the space from all angles and reminds you, even as you look up to the very traditional custom-coffered ceiling feature which reminds you that you are in a luxury home with premium finish out and attention to detail. Back on the main level, the gourmet kitchen can take your breath away with the amazing linear footage of crisp white statutory marble with steely grey veining. From the custom cherry cabinets to the top of the line Kitchen Aide and energy star rated Jenn Aire stainless steel appliances, this kitchen can easily be the ultimate multifunction space which, while being stunningly beautiful, also “creates energy savings of 20-30% over standard homes and reduces the carbon output” with the Energy Star appliances. Designed by Stuart Kitchens, this space is open and faces out to the great room and is filled with the optimal amount of light from the surrounding windows. Off of the great room is a screened in porch, a very green use of outdoor living space great for all seasons.

Living in Northern Virginia, we all know that we do get seasons! A very important part of any green home is the use of proper insulation to provide the perfect amount of breathe-ability in a home- provide heat insulation when it is cold outside and to provide the cool retention in the warmer months. This contemporary home has been filled with soy based foam insulation with SEALECTION Agribalance in all spaces except below grade, where the home has been filled with fiberglass insulation. This non-toxic insulation “reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 40%, reduces moisture that leads to mold and mildew, prevents toxic off-gassing, and seals out dust, allergens and pollutants.” It is in the basement that you will find a fully finished potential au-pair or in-law suite as well as the “brains of the home.” In the mechanical room, the solar powered water heater and Carrier Infinity HVAC system are housed. The super-high efficiency system of this home also includes an energy recovery system where the exhaust air exchanges for fresh air from the outdoors. This home is actually breathable!

The new homeowner of this contemporary home can breathe easy knowing that they have purchased a home from a builder who is doing their part to better the environment. Over 75% of the unused materials and construction waste were recycled. Added green features of the property at 3017 North Underwood :

• Close proximity to East Falls Church Metro Station

• Professional native landscaping

• Contemporary moldings throughout

• Energy Star Kichler lighting in contemporary finishes

• Pre-wired for home-theater

• Formal and informal dining spaces

• National Association of Builders GOLD standard

The recent Realtor's confidence survey was released by NAR. It struck me as terribly negative, and in my market, Northern Virginia, I don't see it as all that bad. Perhaps it is about perspective. It made me think back to the market in which I began my real estate career - the boom of 2004. I bet most Realtors would think we were better off then, yet I strongly disagree. Selling houses was "easier" then, if you had a listing, it would sell. Now, listings still sell, but the seller has to take a big dose of reality regarding pricing and staging, and Realtor's negotiation skills are more important than ever. Buyers then had to often write multiple offers and see dozens of houses before actually buying a house. Same thing is happening now, only now the prices are lower and not skyrocketing, and if they do, an appraiser comes in and stops it all from happening (but that's really for another blog).

The big difference between then and now, and why I think we should see this as a positive market is this: Back then, and for many years around then, there was a rat race to get the biggest loan the fastest, so you could get the house before 10 other people did, and offer 10% more than anyone else, and the lenders encouraged people to buy more and more, for example "get an interest only ARM and you can afford a $750,000 house instead of only a $600,000 house." I also recall asking a loan officer why the no doc loans existed, saying "Well what if a borrower gets a loan for an amount that exceeds their monthly income?" His answer: "Oh we are confident they won't ruin their good credit like that." There was a sense of entitlement among our entire industry, as well as among buyers and sellers.

It was awful to write 10 offers for buyers, to see their disappointment time and time again, and then by the time they actually got a house, it's not their favorite and they are burned out, finally waive the inspection contingency and put in the escalation clause, and have a mixed feelings about it all. Happy to be homeowners, but just feeling taken advantage of by everyone involved. As a new Realtor, I felt uncomfortable representing buyers and explaining to them if they wanted a house, they'd have to compete for it. That's scary as a first time buyer, as my very first clients were. Fortunately, I never had any buyers pay more than they could afford, and I was never a big advocate of pushing the limits of affordability (even though the environment was at the time) either personally or professionally.

Now in 2010, well qualified buyers with cash, great credit and good jobs, have to go through the ringer to get a loan. Day before settlement, lender asks a bunch of new questions they should have asked at application, but just didn't because the left hand didn't talk to the right. And then transactions are being delayed because of this nonsense, and everyone is freaking out, lives are in the balance, moving trucks are on hold. But wait a minute, isn't this what should be happening? I will admit, I am as frustrated as the next person about all of this and wish lenders were a bit more organized, but it's better than not asking the questions and having yet another short sale or foreclosure or failed loan modification to swim through.

We really are better off now. Realtors have to know what they are doing. Basics of pricing, negotiation, marketing and staging are imperative to selling - but that's healthy. Good Realtors are still working, bad ones are dropping out. Yes, the process is a 100 times harder but at least we are transparent. Everyone knows exactly what they are getting into. As on recent AR blogger put it "You couldn't get a bad loan if you wanted to." Especially now with the now Good Faith Estimate that must match the HUD. Banks are figuring out how to sell homes (finally) and many more short sales are actually closing. No one is trying to convince anyone to buy more house than they can afford, which is the best part of this market to me.

Here in Northern Virginia, I think Realtors are optimistic about 2010. There's low inventory, but buyers get it and are being patient. Most sellers realize it is not 2005 or 2006 and their house has lost value. REOs have fresh carpet and paint and are in good shape, Short Sales are selling much more than before. Well staged homes that are priced and marketed right are selling, and buyers who have their act together are getting loans - what more could we really ask for?

Link to the NAR survey:

http://www.realtor.org/research/economists_outlook/commentaries/rci0110

Arlington Virginia Condos and Real Estate = Huge Upsurge in Sales Buyers and Seller Agree on Values

Quick Summary of Market Data for 2009 Arlington Homes Sales

• # of transactions up dramatically Oct-Nov
• DOM -- days on market down significantly for Arlington condos and homes for sale
• # of active listings--inventory--drops significantly
• all equals robust market to finish out 2009
• average sale price as a percentage of list price jumped from 92-95% meaning the buyers and sellers are on the same page now more than ever the past few years on the value of the homes for sale

Days on Market Drop Significantly for 2009 Arlington Real Estate for Sale

Another observation is that the average list price for Oct-Nov comparing 2009 to 2008 is down 7%. So with lower list prices in 2009 there was simultaneously an average sales price of 94/95% of list price in 2009 versus 92% of list price in 2008. This means buyers and sellers combined with sharp decreases of DOM (days on market) are on the same page; the buyers and sellers are largely agreeing on the market values now. That is one reason I don't write the Overpriced Arlington Virginia Condo Series anymore--the seller mostly got on board the reality boat of Arlington VA condos and real estate.

Highlights of Market Data for Arlington Condo Sales End of 2009

# of condo transactions followed similar patterns as the entire Arlington market as a whole with Oct-Nov sales in 2009 up 38%, 49% and 123% respectively. Active condo listings were down 8% from a year ago for November 2009. The DOM was also much lower like rest of market but the sold price #s were up and down to the point it was hard to conclude anything other than the prices were varying -5% to + 5% for the last quarter of 2009

Clarendon Real Estate Market Data -- 22201

Some of Clarendon's #s were even stronger than the rest of Arlington in terms of how much the days on market dropped and the increase in sales versus a year ago. The numbers are quite extreme making Clarendon the most sought after urban village in Arlington--largely due to it's new construction condo market adjoining so much retail venues.

Massive increase in Clarendon Home Sales

yes that is +21%, +80% and +167% sales transactions in Clarendon.

No doubt the tax credit by big brother played a role in this and some pent up demand also was a factor. Several people came out of the blue with whom I'd worked a year ago and bought homes for example who seemed to have full intention of buying a year ago.

For more information on the Arlington Virginia real estate market see the main blog.