Arlington, VA

"You are in real estate. I feel sorry for you these days."

I've lost count of how many times someone has said something along these lines to me in the past few weeks and months.

What with the daily news of the economy, devastating media reports about the real estate market, foreclosures, prices taking nosedives, etc. -- what should people be thinking?

"You must have a lot of time on your hands these days."

"Have you thought about a back-up plan or a part-time job?"

Is the real estate market really that bad? The market presents challenges, for sure, but there are also opportunities. It is not a bad market, but a changed one here in Northern Virginia and D.C.

After my $970,000 settlement on a luxury townhouse in Arlington on November 7th, I've had a new answer to this barrage of questioning for the last 10 days:

"Actually I just closed my biggest sale about a week ago -- almost $1 million."

Jaws drop. Bewilderment ensues. Misperceptions are shattered. Maybe the market really ain't that bad.

Or maybe this guy Brian Block is doing something right.

While other REALTORS spend their last days hanging on in the business complaining about the market around the water cooler waiting for their phone to ring, the strong agents and brokers are surviving, even thriving.

Action and attitude win out every day over media hype and complaining whining.

And while I continue to enjoy the afterglow of a big sale, I'm not bragging about it around a water cooler... I'm too busy this week with 3 new buyers.

Good thing I never got that part-time job...

I still have time for you!

Contact Brian Block, REALTOR/Attorney, RE/MAX Allegiance: Licensed in Virginia & Washington D.C. (703) 626-0715. If you are interested in purchasing or selling a property in Northern Virginia including Arlington County, Alexandria City, Annandale, Burke, D.C., Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Lorton, Springfield, Washington D.C., contact Brian today.

Days on market.... your clients advantage?

One of my clients ddidn't not want to accept a good reasonable offer. Because they had been on the market for only 1 week.How many of you deal with this same issue?

I tried to get my clients ( the sellers) to realize that only being on the market for less than a week was their advantage! Because they have not had a lot of days on market they command a higher price! But they should not turn down good offers because they just came on the market!

How do you teach your clients??

Nov. 12, 2008- Arlington, VA Real estate Market Observations:

Found several N Arlington condos heading for foreclosure auction in the next two weeks. The disturbing thing is that these are coming on from the most prized areas of N. Arlington. Saw one 2bdrm/2fba at the Odyssey heading for the auction block later this month. That building was popular and expensive when delivered in 2006. This was also a period in our credit markets where credit was cheap to say the least. I'm sure many if not most of these units were financed using now the infamous "100% financing"! And needless to say, are under water! But among the rubbles, there are gems to be found in the foreclosure markets:

Found a 2bdrm 2fba unit in Lexington Sq. will be going to auction for the 1st trust amount. Since the owner purchased this back in 2001, pre-bubble era?, the 1st trust amt. should be in the mid $200K.

There's a similar 2bdrm 2.5 fba unit at the newest delivered condo complex in Clarendon for a price you haven't seen, even from the builder back in 05 when they were selling this stuff...

Email or call me for more information on this gem or if you are in the market for a property and would like to catch a bargain, rather than a falling knife, please see below for ways to contact me.

**Ask to be on my sifted list for Arlington or DC's Pre-Foreclosures!

Theresa Kim, Real Estate Specialist

Licensed in VA, DC and MD

Re/Max Allegiance-McLean Office

6226 Old Dominion Dr.

McLean, VA 22101

M)703-725-4585

F)1-866-735-2557

Do you know anyone who will be moving in or out of the DC metro area? Your referrals are really appreciated!

Foreclosures in the Newly Delivered condos in Clarendon, Courthouse... all over N. Arlington are worrying home owners who have bought in the last 12 months thinking they got a great deal- not realizing that the market could go down further in the most prized areas of Northern VA. But that's where the prices and sales are the best and most brisk even in this credit crunched real estate market.

Station Sq. the newest delivered condo complex in Clarendon- has had a handful of shorsales and foreclosures. One 2 bdrm 2.5 bath over 1100 sqft about to go to auction in 2 weeks for the 1st trust amount! Currently listed in the $600Ks with 1st and 2nd trusts combines.

Contact poster for more information on this property or others in the DC metro areas!

**Ask to be on my list for Arlington or DC's PreForeclosures!

Theresa Kim, Real Estate Specialist

Licensed in VA, DC and MD

Re/Max Allegiance-McLean Office

6226 Old Dominion Dr.

McLean, VA 22101

M)703-725-4585

F)1-866-735-2557

Do you know anyone who will be moving in or out of the DC metro area? Your referrals are really appreciated!

Another historic neighborhood of Arlington, Lyon Village, is located near Clarendon. Bordered by Lee Highway, Wilson Blvd, Veitch and Kirkwood Roads, Lyon Village is known for it's suburban feel of tree-lined streets and 1920s and 1930s mix of single family homes. The neighborhood is also just a few blocks from both Clarendon and Courthouse metro stations.

The community has it's own park, located at 1800 N. Highland St. The park has a basketball court, tennis courts, picnic tables, playground, and a spray park in the summertime for kids.

Home Prices in Lyon Village:

Currently, there are 5 properties for sale in Lyon Village. Prices range from $750k to $2.7M

Recent sales in Lyon Village:

2 Condos and 10 Single Family Homes

4 Bedroom homes on average sold for $915k

5 Bedroom homes on average sold for $1.28M

There is so much information on this neighborhood, and Lyon Park, I am more than happy to provide more details. Feel free to contact me anytime.