Arlington Condos
Neighborhood Focus: Ballston - Arlington, Virginia
June 26th, 2008 Categories: Arlington Condos, Arlington Dirt, Neighborhoods, Northern Virginia Home Buying, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt
Ballston has certainly been around an awfully long time. For some of us, we remember it as Hechts Parkington! (now I’m aging myself a bit here - but I’m sure I wasn’t more than a baby at the time! wink wink)
Today’s view of Ballston is quite different than that of 40 years ago!
Ballston Common Mall is still there – Macy’s and Macy’s Furniture anchor the mall while there are nice dining options at street level.
Additionally, the new world renowned Kettler Capitals IcePlex is on the roof level of the parking deck. This is the home of the Washington Capitals and it’s an awesome rink.
As far as the feel of the area - it’s certainly become somewhat of a concrete jungle, with high rises everywhere you look. I can think of 10 major residential buildings (condominiums only here, there are MANY MANY rental apartment buildings, too) off the top of my head – and I’m certain there are many other smaller complexes, but I’m just looking at Ballston corridor along Fairfax Drive & Wilson Blvd. They are:
Alta Vista – 2 units currently for sale
The Continental – 9 units currently for sale
Hyde Park – 4 units currently for sale
880 Pollard – 4 units currently for sale
Lexington Square – 3 units currently for sale
Tower Villas – 2 units currently for sale
These are all wonderful places to live each with their own personality, and if you’d like, you can always get in touch with me for further info.
There are also 2 brand new building projects being sold right now: The Hawthorn and The Residences at Liberty Center. Both of these are fabulous projects – here are some highlights:
Residences at Liberty Center:
Liberty Center is a mixed use project with fabulous, dramatic architecture – 1/2 of the building are condos, 1/2 of the building are apartments for rent. Each half has their own private roof-top pool/sun bathing deck, workout room, etc… Street Level is home to some wonderful shops and restaurants including one of my personal favorites, Marvelous Market.
Additionally they have done an exceptional job of working in nice green spaces with benches, fountains and art.
There are 1 and 2 bedroom units available; additionally, there is still at least 1 penthouse unit available to my knowledge!
The Hawthorn Condo
The Hawthorn Condo is located just a block away from Liberty Center. This is a smaller building, more intimate in feel.
With super cool modern accents… check out this trim on the exterior of the building:
There are 1 and 2 bedroom units for sale here as well…
…as evidenced by the signs in all of the windows.
Last but not least, because there is something here for everyone, there is also The Jefferson Retirement Condos. So if you’re looking for something as you reach retirement age, but want to stay here with all of the local amenities, The Jefferson is just your spot!
Ballston has so much more to offer than what I can say here in 500 words – the METRO, Golds Gym, Metro, Cosi, Harris Teeter, Starbucks (of course!), Best Buns burger joint, Va Piano, Ted’s, The Willow Restaurant and so much more. It’s definitely an area worth checking out. Give me a call anytime to discuss –
Happy Thursday!
Jennifer - your Ballston area expert!
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! No time like the present!
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Condo Focus: Residences at Station Square in Clarendon Virginia
May 4th, 2008 Categories: Arlington Condos, Arlington Dirt, Neighborhoods, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt
I haven’t done a condo focus in a while, but I was showing a few units in Station Square yesterday and it’s such a great property in such a HOT area, that I thought I’d share.
The complex is made up of 3 buildings that take up the 2 blocks between Garfield and Fillmore Streets and bordered by Clarendon Blvd to the north. They were built in 2006/2007 and range in size from 500 square foot studios to monstrous 1760 square foot units with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. The complex shares a pool, fitness center, party room (s) — they receive discounted membership to the Gold’s Gym in the building.
This area is the hub of urban chic in the Arlington area – the neighborhood grew up around the Clarendon metro stop and now stretches west almost all the way to the Virginia Square area and east almost all the way into the Courthouse area. There are shops (Apple Store, Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Barnes & Noble, Ethan Allen etc…), restaurants (Cheesecake Factory, Harry’s Tap Room, Restaurant 3, Mexicali Blues, Baja Fresh, and so many more that I can’t begin to list), condos, apartments, Whole Foods… you get the idea.
Here are some streetscape photos I took yesterday:
Currently on the market for sale in Station Square:
1 studio – $339K
1 1 bedroom/den – $525K (this is a fabulous unit looking over all the hustle/bustle of Clarendon!)
2 other 1 bedroom units in the high $300’s
3 2bedroom/2bath units that range from $555K – $585K
THAT’S IT! Not much to choose from… but if you’re interested in seeing more about what Station Square has to offer - give me a call. I’d be happy to show you around this fun area!
Happy Sunday – enjoy the absolutely beautiful weather we’re having here today!
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! Spring is HERE!
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Shirlington… A Great HIP Spot!
March 16th, 2008 Categories: Arlington Condos, Arlington Dirt, Neighborhoods
I had an opportunity to eat someplace new the other day - always great fun for me! A colleague and fellow blogger asked if I would join her for lunch at one of her favorite spots, Busboys and Poets! What a cool place - it’s part book store, part cafe, part restaurant, part bar… very casual, great atmosphere and great food, too.
Shirlington has really turned out to be a great place to hang out. The movies there are always playing some great off-beat shows – fun restaurants for every taste - a brand new Harris Teeter and a really nice, brand new Arlington County Public Library – Shirlington Branch.
There are a lot of places to live around Shirlington, too! The very well known Fairlington is just up the hill. They offer condos and townhomes and it’s a great community! There’s also the new community of Shirlington 
Village. Currently there is only 1 1bed/1ba unit on the market for $359K and 1 2bed/2ba unit on the market for just under $500K. It’s certainly conveniently located and surrounded by amenities!
If you’d like to check out Shirlington or any other area, give me a jingle.
I’m off to an open house – enjoy the Sunday!
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! Spring is right around the corner!
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February Sales Numbers are in for Arlington - Early Spring?
March 8th, 2008 Categories: Arlington Condos, Arlington Dirt, Market Stats, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt
Well, as expected we are seeing quite an improvement over January when everyone is hibernating! Yes, things are still volatile in the world of real estate right now, but we are seeing signs pointing to a typical spring market around these parts! Good activity, especially in the contract writing segment. Take a look…
“Sold” units have doubled for single family homes since January and contract writing is up about 25%. I’m fascinated by trends, so once again, I think it’s wise to look at these numbers as they’ve trended for almost the past year:
More contracts for single family homes were ratified in February than in any single month since last July. That’s big! Similar numbers posted for condos. Lastly, let’s look at absorption rates:
Looking pretty good and very consistent. These are only interesting to a point - they rely on the sales numbers for this month to determine how long it will take to sell through our inventory at THAT rate… so it’s different every month. But any way you slice it, single digit numbers are good to see here.
So, I will leave you with a few comments. I worked an open house last weekend and had over 50 sets of guests! FIFTY!!! That’s HUGE. There’s definitely activity picking up in the market and that’s exciting to see.
On the financial front, with the new conforming loan limits, some are nervous about where that will push interest rates; however, a jobless report came out which may help temper them and we might find ourselves in a nice little pocket for now. Stay tuned.
If you’re considering buying or selling – give me a call to discuss. As you can see, the spring market is shaping up nicely and I’d be happy to be YOUR go-to resource for all of your real estate needs!
Happy (rainy) Saturday!
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! The Time is NOW!
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Condo Focus - Colonial Village - Arlington, VA 22201
November 7th, 2007 Categories: Arlington Condos, Arlington Dirt
Today’s condo focus will highlight the quaint community of Colonial Village – nestled between Lee Highway and Wilson Blvd stretching almost the length between the Courthouse and Rosslyn Metros. Construction began on this complex was in 1935 and was completed by 1940 - it was one of the area’s first apartment complexes and really set the standard for garden styled apartments for the era. They are low brick buildings situated with appealing, landscaped courtyards and charming interiors.
Conversion to condominium began in the late 1970’s and by the late ‘80’s all 700+ units were totally converted to condominium. It’s a wonderful and desirable place for many to call “home.” There are many restaurants and bars in close proximity – and with the metro accessibility, combined with affordability, Colonial Village continues to gain in popularity.
Currently there are only 4 one-bedroom units available with an average list price of $282,000; there are just 2 two-
bedroom units available with an average list price of just $372,000. Over the last 6 months, 16 one-bedroom units have sold at an average net sales price of $279,000 (by net, I mean sales price less seller concessions). Similarly, over the last 6 months, 4 two-bedroom units have sold for a net sales price of $367,200.
If you’d like to check out Colonial Village or have more questions, I’d be happy to help.
Happy Wednesday!
Jennifer
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