Archive for April, 2009
Spring is Springing and Houses are SELLING in Arlington Virginia!
April 21st, 2009 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Market Stats
I just pulled the contract writing stats for last week – the housing market in Arlington is heating up – and WOW is all I can 
say. A few weeks ago I reported that for the preceding week there were 69 contracts ratified – that’s HUGE. In fact, I began keeping these statistics as of the beginning of 2008 – there hasn’t been a week with that many written/ratified since before January of 2008! Now, for 3 weeks in a row, we’ve been in the 60’s – 69, 65 and 62 respectively (and I will say that if I re-run it tomorrow or the next day, a few more stragglers could show up).
These numbers are amazing. In fact, for 2008 only 4 separate weeks reported contract writing in the 60’s – 2 weeks in April, 1 in May and 1 in June. So I’d say between the historically low interest rates, the home buyer tax credit and good inventory, we’re poised to keep this trend going!
If you’re considering buying and are still not sure if this is the right time or not – I would encourage you to seriously evaluate the cost of waiting – higher interest rates, less flexible sellers and less inventory could drive your monthly payment up by hundreds of dollars!
Feel free to call me anytime to discuss – meanwhile – HAPPY SPRING!
Jennifer
PS – the photo is one I took recently while on vacation in Phoenix at the Desert Botanical Gardens – there’s an amazing Dale Chihuly exhibit – it’s worth the time stopping in if you find yourself in Phoenix! His glasswork is extraordinary!
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, spring is HERE – NOW!
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The High end of the Arlington Virginia Real Estate Market
April 3rd, 2009 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Market Stats
I was preparing today to pull some statistics together for March, although it’s a little early since some agents haven’t yet updated from their late-month settlements. In any case – I noticed a particularly heavy load on the high end and it intrigued me! Currently there are 24 listings under contract whose LIST PRICE is over ONE MILLION. WOW – there are 145 active listings over $1M – so while 24 doesn’t seem like much, I went back over the last few months to see what’s been happening.
Contracts Written Over $1M
March, 2009 – 14 contracts
February, 2009 – 6 contracts
January, 2009 – 7 contracts
December, 2008 – 7 contracts
November, 2008 – 10 contracts
October, 2008 – 8 contracts
September, 2008 – 19 contracts
So I had to go back 6 months to find a month where there was more activity in the $1M+ market. Part of this is a result of the tightened lending restrictions (read: lack of jumbo money over $729K); part of it is the excellent interest rates we have now and lastly, I believe it’s the rebound in the stock market that is allowing those buyers who had tabled decisions to move and they are now seeing increases once again in their investment accounts.
It’s not for everyone – but if you’re considering buying in the high end, I have lender contacts who can get the job done. Likewise, if you’re considering selling and thought it was impossible… think again!
Happy Friday
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!
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Home Sale Activity in Arlington Virginia – Strength in Numbers
April 2nd, 2009 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Market Stats
As I like to report, tracking ratified contracts helps keep a pulse on what the real estate market is doing here in Arlington County. For the past 2 weeks, we’ve seen an uptick by almost 25% in contract writing activity – and by this, I don’t mean just the ones written – heck, I’ve written a few lately that haven’t gone anywhere – I’m talking about fully ratified contracts – where both parties have agreed to all terms.
Both this past week (3/21–3/27) and the week before (3/14–3/20) there 
have been 51 contracts ratified. Last year at the same time we were in the high 40’s – so while it’s just a few – for those who feel the market is still slowing, I’m not too sure. It will be very interesting tracking these numbers as we hit April and May – the “spring season.” With interest rates down below 5% it makes me wonder why anyone on the fence is still sitting on the fence. Listen up people – now’s the time. IF you’re in the market and prepared for a purchase to begin with – don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s right for everyone – but if you’ve been on the fence, get off – look around, smell the roses, check out your options. I’m waiting to hear from you!
Happy Thursday!
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!
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April 1 brings new recycling to Arlington Virginia!
April 1st, 2009 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Northern Virginia Basics
FINALLY – what we’ve been waiting for – expanded recycling options. For many of my long time readers, you’ll remember a post I wrote almost exactly 1 year ago on recycling. It really focused on how limited our recycling options were and what could and couldn’t be recycled.
Our county has listened and as of today, our recycling options have widened tremendously. Soon they will deliver to all single family homes a new wheeled 65–gallon cart and to townhomes, a 35–gallon cart specifically to be used for recycling materials.
You can now recycle aluminum foil & trays, milk and juice cartons, plastic bags, aerosol cans, rigid plastics, books and any plastic #1–7. No sorting is necessary – just toss it all in. Additionally, cardboard boxes no longer have a size restriction and they don’t even need to be broken down any longer. Just place them in or near the cart and voila! You can also ask for a special pickup for electronic items.
This is just one more thing that makes Arlington County Virginia a great place to live! Call me to find out about great Arlington neighborhoods that you could call “home.”
Happy Wednesday –
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!
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