Archive for the 'Focus on Alexandria' Category
Parkside of Alexandria Auction on Sunday
October 24th, 2007 Categories: Focus on Alexandria, NOVA Foreclosures
Yesterday was my day to preview the townhouse condos coming up for auction at the Parkside of Alexandria. It appears that the marketing is working. The auction signs are all over the property so you can’t miss where you are supposed to go and while touring we ran into numerous other people previewing the property as well.
The best units as far as community location are the 3 bedroom Jamestown models. Obviously the starting price point for these units at $275,000 is attractive but buyers need to remember that there is a monthly condo fee associated with the larger units is currently $312 per month. The smaller Hamilton models are cute and would work for first time buyers and with a starting price point of $225.000 have a lot going for them. The current monthly condo fee on these units is $220 per month. In talking with a couple of prospective buyers at the property yesterday the condo fee was not something they had considered as they were thinking about monthly expenses.
The nice thing about this auction versus the other auctions that have taken place recently is there is no buyer premium. Part of this is due to the fact that the developer is auctioning the properties themselves and they are only paying a 1% co-op fee to agents. The auction itself takes place on Sunday starting at 2PM at the Hilton at Mark Center on Seminary Road. There will be a practice auction at the units on Saturday afternoon between 5:30–6:30 pm for anyone who is thinking of bidding but is unfamiliar with the auction process.
You must be registered by Saturday at the Parkside of Alexandria sales office if you intend to bid and you must be pre-qualifed by a lender before the auction. Closings must take place 30 days after the auction so you will need to be ready to go if you place a winning bid.
As always don’t get auction fever and make sure you have done your homework before you make a bid!
Related Blogs on Northern Virginia Auctions:
The Fevered Pitch of Northern Virginia Auctions
Only the Name has been Changed to Protect the Innocent
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Over 60 and Still Young at Heart
August 12th, 2007 Categories: -Focus on Arlington, Communites to Visit, Focus on Alexandria
Yes the townhouses and condos that comprise Fairlington were originally constructed between 1942 and 1945. Hard to believe when you walk down through the neighborhood and see the wonderfully maintained brick buildings. Fairlington was original constructed as a garden apartment complex to house defense workers and their families during World War II. The homes were later sold to a private developer and leased as rental property. In the early 1970’s, the property was converted to condos made up of seven different communities. In 1998 the areas of North and South Fairlington were added to the Virginia Landmarks Register and in 1999 they were added to the Federal registry of National Historic Places.
With the rolling hills, tree lined streets, variety of housing and close location to DC Fairlington continues to be popular place for both first time home buyers and long time residents. The community has multiple pools and tennis courts. It is a great walking community and residents are actively involved in maintaining the charming feel of the community. Fairlington addresses cross county and city boundaries of Arlington and Alexandria City.
There are seven communities that make up the Fairlington Community.
Fairlington Villages
Fairlington Arbor
Fairlington Glen
Fairlington Green
Fairlington Meadows
Fairlington Mews
Fairlington Commons
Fairlington Villages
A sister community of Fairlington Townes is located just across King Street.
With the Old Town Alexandria 5 miles away, the new revitalized Village of Shirlington and easy access to DC it is easy to see why after 60 years this community continues to thrive.
Check back often and for monthly marketing reports and if you are interested in about the advantages of living in Fairlington give me a call.
| Discussion: No Comments »
This morning I had the rare opportunity to take a Saturday morning off and enjoy the farmers market and a stroll through the streets of Del Ray in Alexandria VA. Not as famous as its neighbor, Old Town Alexandria, the neighborhood of Del Ray still exudes old style charm and grace.
Founded as a railroad community for workers at the nearby Potomac Rail Yard, Del Ray’s history can be tracked back to the mid 1800’s. With the Alexandria area being a major point for multiple train companies no longer in existence, Del Ray was crisscrossed by not only a significant number of train lines but streetcar tracks as well. As the train companies went out of business the fortunes of Del Ray turned as well.
Surprising enough in this day and age of flattening old blighted neighborhoods to the ground, Del Ray managed to survived due in part to a small group of citizens who decided to fight to protect the cottages that line the roads off of Commonwealth Avenue. Now Del Ray once again is a thriving community with a real small town feel.
Neighbors actually spend time on the porches of their bungalows talking to each other. Shop owners have water dishes out for the dogs and the work of local artists can be found in the shops fronting on Commonwealth. The Del Ray Artisans have classes for children that are booked solid every year. If you haven’t had breakfast at St. Elmos or dinner at Evening Star then you have missed a real treat. And of course in the summer the farmers market is the place to meet and greet.
Del Ray was recently featured in both Cottage Living and American Bungalow Magazine. Homes in Del Ray aren’t cheap. You pay for both the history and the location just outside of Washington DC. The owners of 3 Del Ray Avenue invited me in to take a look at their home which is currently on the market for $699,900. It is exquisite and was remodeled and expanded to reflect the original architecture. If you have an afternoon off and want to explore a great area then take the time to check on Del Ray.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Park Fairfax was a community original started as a need for housing close to the Federal Government, Pentagon and DC in 1941. The homes were originally constructed as apartments by the same construction company that built the Empire State Building. Go figure!
In 1968 the buildings were sold to a new development company (200+ acre land was retained) and were remodeled with the new kitchens and in the wall AC units. From the late 1960’s through the mid-1970’s Park Fairfax was forgotten by the property owners and attempts to tear down the buildings are replace them with high rise apartments were unsuccessful.
Then in 1977 IDI purchased the land for over 24 Million dollars and began the conversion of the all of the centralized systems such as electric meters, additional modern updates such as baseboard heat and garbage disposals. Original sales prices ranged from $27,000 to $54,000. Park Fairfax became a thriving tree lined community with an abundance of community amentias including 3 swimming pools, 8 tennis courts, party rooms and 2 volleyball courts.
With bus service to DC running through the major streets and the revitalized Shirlington Restaurant Row, Park Fairfax has once again become a HOT community. Sales are brisk with the huge variety of models available (15 different floor plans) and proximity to DC.
If you are interested in more information about the area just give me a call. Our family lived in Park Fairfax with one of the neighborhoods more famous residents…Richard Nixon.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »