Sun Gazette Fairfax Winter Real Estate Guide

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SunGazette

G R E AT FA L L S • M c L E A N • O A K T O N • T Y S O N S • V I E N N A

Winter

R E A L E S TAT E GUIDE

Villa of Great Falls

9500 Georgetow n Pike

$

3,865,000

www.9500GeorgetownPike.com International LLC

703.459.4141

Offered by Fouad Talout & Pascale Karam Long & Fosters®

Over $70 Million Sold in 2015!

Contact HBC Group to Work For You in 2016!

R !

DE ACT N U TR N CO

McLean

January 2016 • www.insidenova.com

$745,000

!

ED T LIS

$1,795,000

7125 Merrimac Drive McLean

1800 Solitaire Lane McLean

$1,600,000

Great Falls

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ED T S LI

$1,475,000

Arlington

Oakton

$929,000

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ON O S

1530 Forest Villa Lane McLean

$1,498,000

O RO E T MET S O E CL LIN R VE L I S

1100 N. Inglewood Street Arlington

$1,498,000

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DE CT UN TRA N CO

10252 Greenspire Drive

NG MI O C

10127 High Hill Court

4616 N. Dittmar Road $775,000

ST JU

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DE CT UN TRA N CO

900 Lynton Place McLean

$698,000

TO !

KS AND C BA RKL PA

$1,224,900

UB CL Y R !

NT ILLS U CO H

D! OL S ST JU

Great Falls

807 Sherlin Lane Great Falls

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ED! ITCE S R I LP

10808 Beach Mill Road

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DE CT UN TRA N CO

ST JU

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T ESW JNU

1601 Colonial Lane

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$798,000

1367 Garden Wall Circle #A Reston

$310,000

HBC Group Community Charity Champions has Raised Over $48,213 for Local Charities and Organizations

Michelle Arcari

Patricia Gil

Jenny McClintock

now, you might as well be an emergencyroom doctor. If you are going to do it parttime, don’t bother. Eighty percent of the job is follow-up.”

Mark Middendorf, Long & Foster: “They need to really do their homework, because things are changing all the time.”

Jack Shafran, Yeonas and Shafran Real Estate: “Have a serious chat with yourself and see if you have a passion for the type of work. It’s a seven-day-a-week job. You are on call all the time, have to be available when the clients want you, and you earn money as it comes. The profession comes with a lot of risks, and you have to

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medical and dental insurance. Save up to 12 months of living expenses before getting started, because it takes a while for money to come in.”

Kelly Tierney, Re/Max Distinctive: “Make sure you are completely educated about real estate, and have a business plan.

After you graduate from real-estate school, it could be six months or more before you get a paycheck. Be prepared not to make quick money. A retirement plan is your responsibility.”

John McNamara, Sotheby’s: “Go in with eyes wide open and the realization it is not a gold mine. You are responsible for everything and it is completely unpredictable.

It’s a 70-hour; with cell phones and texting

S U N R E A L

EKTGROUP

EILEEN SUMMERS | KAREN WASHBURN | TWEE RAMOS

703-598-2841 703-217-0200

703-244-3190

E S T A T E

You don’t get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression…

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Great Falls

$3,835,525

Great Falls

U O ND N E TR R A C T

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Great Falls

Long & Foster reaL estate, Inc. 9841 georgetown PIke; Po Box 97 great FaLLs, Va 22066 703-759-9190

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$1,681,405

$1,800,000

$1,335,000

January 2016

Great Falls

$950,000

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Great Falls

$1,200,000

IL T

Great Falls

IL T

Great Falls $949,000 co-listed w/BarBara rohde

Mclean

www.insidenova.com

Vienna

www.insidenova.com

Would local real-estate professionals advise or encourage family members and friends to join their profession, and if so, what advice and tips would they pass along to help them get started? The Sun Gazette asked some local agents that question.

Here are their answers: Casey Samson, Samson Properties: “I would tell them absolutely, but only if they have two things: One, a mentor they can spend years with. Two, a dedication to make it a full-time profession. With tens of thousands of dollars at stake on each deal, this is no place for amateurs.”

Jennifer Harper Thornett, Washington Fine Properties: “I generally suggest that they join a firm or a high producing team that offers solid training. Unfortunately, what is taught in licensing classes isn’t often applicable to the real world of real estate. I also impress upon them that the lifestyle of a real estate agent isn’t glamorous and that they must go into it with eyes wide open. Most importantly, the job of a Realtor is extremely serious, as we are often trusted with dealing with our clients’ largest assets.”

Archie Harders, Long & Foster: “I would advise her to forget all she has ever heard about the business. Changes to the platform, to the lending, and to marketing – both of properties and services – are accelerating too rapidly for the past to provide any guidance at all.”

Craig Mastrangelo, Re/Max Allegiance: “While there are many benefits to working for one’s self, as a licensed Realtor, an important consideration must be made to how technology has changed the industry, and thus the expectations of clients and other colleagues. More often people expect a Realtor to be available via phone, e-mail and text while providing prompt responses to inquiries and or needs. A Realtor should inform clients of when they can expect responses, and if they won’t be able to address something for a protracted amount of time.”

John Mentis, Long & Foster: “This is a tough business, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time agent. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own success, and you have to be ready for that responsibility. Make sure you have enough money in the bank to cover at least one year’s worth of personal and professional expenses. Affiliate with a brokerage that has a great brand reputation, strong training and agent support, and a good cost and commission structure.”

Karen Close, Century 21: “I’ve had experience with this more than a half-dozen times. I asked them to shadow me a few times and come and talk to me. I show them my office so they can see the general steps I take and the way I do things. Some get in, and several have never tried it.”

Laurie Mensing, Long & Foster: “Establish a mission statement as to why you want to go into this business and set yourself apart from other professionals. Two, be consistent. Three, be dedicated to the profession as a career. This is not a ‘part-time’

job. Four, remember to treat every client as if it was your personal transaction.”

Dean Yeonas, Yeonas and Shafran Real Estate: “I would advise them being a real estate agent is not a sales business, it’s a consulting business. Go into it with an advisory hat on, not a sales hat. Know the inventory and submarkets. Understand values and paperwork, so you can help someone best make one of the biggest decisions they can make.”

Dawn Wilson, Keller Williams: “Think carefully about what you are going to be doing. There are a lot of expenses, and you have to be self motivated. Prepare a budget and business plan, and have a good brokerage. You will be responsible for your

B

Staff Writer

TO

DAVE FACINOLI

SG

January 28, 2016

Realtor Q&A: Would You Encourage a Friend, Relative to Become Part of Real-Estate Profession?

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Sun 3 Gazette

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Cost of a Typical 4BR/2BA Single-Family Home Runs from $74,502 to $2,291,764 Across Nation The West Coast may think it’s the Best Coast, and while that’s debatale, it indeed is the most expensive for real estate, according to the Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report, released in November.

Half of the top 100 most expensive markets in the United States are in California, according to the report, with Newport Beach topping the list with an eye-opening $2,291,764 price tag for the typical four-bedroom, two-bathroom home.

In contrast, Cleveland ranked as the most affordable market for the third consecutive year, with an average fourbedroom, two-bathroom home listed at $74,502 – a listing price difference of $2.2 million when compared to country’s most expensive market.

“The beauty of Newport Beach, combined with the continued tech sector growth in Silicon Valley, is powering California’s dominance of the most expensive communities in our report,” said Budge Huskey, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “On the opposite side, home affordability coupled with the economic

and cultural renaissance makes Cleveland very attractive. We see that 45 percent of the most affordable markets are in the Midwestern states.”

The annual report is the most extensive home price comparison tool currently available in the U.S., ranking the average listing price of the typical home (4 bedrooms, two baths) in more than 2,700 markets. The Coldwell Banker survey analyzed more than 81,000 fhome listings to better address how much a home in one market would cost if the same home were located somewhere else in the country.

“We’re thrilled to see Newport Beach back on top of this year’s most expensive market ranking,” said Jamie Duran, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage for Orange County and San Diego. “Known for its picturesque beaches and exclusive dining, shopping and culture, Newport Beach has all the amenities and vibrant economy to make it home to the world’s luxury lifestyle connoisseurs.”

The average listing price for a home in Newport Beach is seven and a half times the national average and 30 times

the cost of a similar home in the country’s most affordable market, Cleveland.

“Cleveland’s community, revitalized downtown and renewed sense of pride have contributed to the rapid growth in this market,” said Ed Dolinsky, president of Coldwell Banker Hunter Realty in Cleveland. “Many first-time home buyers and young professionals are looking at Cleveland as an affordable place to settle down and enjoy all of the great things the city has to offer.”

Key highlights from the 2015 Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report: • The national average listing price of a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is $302,632, which on average can buy a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in more than 1,600 markets across 34 states.

• All of the top 100 affordable markets in the country have an average listing price under $135,000.

• Meanwhile, all of the top 25 most expensive markets have an average listing price of $1 million or more.

• California accounts for nine of 10 of the most expensive markets in the U.S. • Forty-five (45) of the 100 most af-

fordable markets are found in Midwest states.

• Even though California accounts for half of the top 100 most expensive markets, it is only ranked the third most expensive state in the country.

• Communities where the average price is less than $100,000, in addition to Cleveland, include Riverdale, Ga.; Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Detroit; Alma, Mich.; Gloversville, N.Y.; Euclid, Ohio; Hastings, Fla.; Flint, Mich.; Lithonia, Ga.; Geneva, N.Y.; and South Euclid, Ohio.

• Twenty-eight communities had average prices of more than $1 million.

Those in California included, in addition to Newport Beach, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Cupertine, Los Gatos, Arcadia, San Mateo, Sunnyvale, Redwood City, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Pasadena/South Pasadena, Danville, Campbell, Moraga, Sherman Oaks, Westlake Villes and San Rafael.

Those outside the Golden State in the million-dollar category included Orona, Minn.; Greenwich, Conn.; Honolulu; Wellesley, Mass.; Medina, Minn.; Westport, Conn.; Winchester, Mass.; and Boulder, Colo.

For example, the continued tech sector growth in Silicon Valley is one of the factors making it one of those most expensive communities in the country.

Revitalization: Over time, revitalization efforts can make certain communities more attractive to buyers. When a city or region sees an economic and cultural renaissance this influences the market. Buyers value related factors like safety, a walk-

able main street, public transit options and green spaces.

Schools: You may not have children, but it’s still important to investigate the quality of local schools. This factor can have a major impact on every homeowner.

Region: Regional factors can have a huge effect on a given locality’s pricing.

These can include year-round weather patterns, proximity to natural beauty like

beaches and mountains for outdoor activities like skiing and surfing, and commuting outlook.

Buying or selling a home is a very emotional process. Whether you’re listing your home or thinking of moving, take location into consideration. Doing so can help you determine your lifestyle priorities and place an appropriate value on a particular property.

Multiple Factors Have Impact on Price of a Home (StatePoint) – While curb appeal, structural integrity and a brand new set of appliances can impact a home’s value, there is one factor that seems to reign supreme.

“Home-ownership is one of the most solid long-term investments one can make, but it’s important to recognize just how much the location of a home can impact the value,” says Budge Huskey, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

The new Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report, a highly extensive home price comparison tool, analyzes the listing price of more than 81,000 four-bedroom, twobathroom homes in more than 2,700 markets throughout the United States.

The report found some startling facts: the national average listing price of a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is $302,632, but all of the top 100 affordable markets in the country have an average listing price under $135,000.

Meanwhile, all of the top 25 most expensive markets are $1 million or more.

The price difference between the most expensive community in California and the most affordable in Ohio is $2.2 million.

So what accounts for this major value discrepancy in similar-sized homes? Here are several ways in which “where” matters most.

Local Industry: Job opportunities available in a given sector can have a huge impact on the market.

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MCLEAN

$3,295,000

OAKTON

$2,999,000

CLIFTON

$2,600,000

GREAT FALLS

$2,295,000

LEESBURG $1,999,999

MCLEAN

$1,999,900

VIENNA

$1,899,000

VIENNA

$1,699,000

MCLEAN

$1,495,000

MCLEAN

$1,495,000

MCLEAN

$1,395,000

VIENNA

$1,179,900

VIENNA

$935,000

RIVER CREST

$1,350,000

MERRYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

MCLEAN

$1,250,000

GREAT FALLS

$999,000

8.9 ACRE ESTATE LOT

WILLIAMSBURG COMMONS

www.insidenova.com

$1,125,000

VIENNA

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ARLINGTON

$1,645,000

E S T A T E

$1,729,500

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OAKTON

W I N T E R

$1,795,000

$1,349,500

VIENNA

G A Z E T T E

OAKTON

VIENNA

$1,896,500

ALSO FOR RENT - $11,000

BEACON HILL

EVANS FARM

OAKTON

S U N

ALSO FOR RENT - $6,700

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McLean Sales Office, 1355 Beverly Road, Suite 109 * 703-790-1990

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Nothing overlooked in this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath custom designed and built home in beautiful Maywood. Gorgeously sited on a private 10,000+ sq ft lot, this light-filled home provides 4 levels of lovely living & entertaining spaces.

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Arlington, Maywood (2158 N Oakland St)

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Homes Coming Soon

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Figures represent most, but not all, homes that went to closing during the year. All figures are preliminary and are subject to revision.

Homes in District of Columbia Sold Fastest in 2015: The District of Columbia led the pack among all jurisdictions across the region when it came to homes selling quickly in 2015.

It took an average of just 37 days for properties to go from initial listing to ratified sales contract, an improvement from 38 days a year before and better than any of the surrounding suburbs.

Figures were reported Jan. 13 by RealEstate Business Intelligence, an arm of the local multiple-listing service.

D.C. swapped places in 2015 with the city of Falls Church, which had led the pack in 2014. For 2015, it took an average of 42 days for properties to go from listing to contract in Falls Church, up from 35 days a year before.

Rounding out the top 10: Manassas (46 days, up from 44); Manassas Park (46 days, up from 38); and Prince George’s County (49 days, unchanged).

Also in the top five: Arlington (49 days, up from 40); Fairfax County (52 days, up from 45); Alexandria (52 days, up from 47); the city of Fairfax (53 days, up from 42); and Prince William County (55 days, up from 48).

Just outside the top 10 were Prince William County (55 days, up from 48); Montgomery County, Md. (57 days, up from 50); Loudoun County (60 days, up from 44); and Stafford County (71 days, up from 69).

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homes that went to closing during the year. All figures are preliminary and are subject to revision.

D.C., Arlington Tops in Per-SquareFoot Prices for Past Year: Arlington topped all suburban communities in the D.C. region in the median sales price of homes on a per-square-foot basis in 2015, according to new figures.

At $427 per square foot, Arlington dropped $1 from 2014, according to figures reported Jan. 13 by Real Estate Business Intelligence, an arm of the local multiple-listing service, but it was good enough to hold off Falls Church, which saw its per-square-foot cost rise from $411 to $415.

Both communities fell short of the District of Columbia, where the 2015 per-square-foot cost of $477 was up from $469 a year before.

Rounding out the top five across the region were Alexandria ($328, down from $373); the city of Fairfax ($295, up from $294); and Fairfax County ($276, down from $277).

Among other major jurisdictions in the region, median per-square-foot sales prices were $237 in Montgomery County, Md.; $199 in Loudoun County; $183 in Prince William County; $173 in Manassas; $169 in Manassas Park; and $157 in Prince George’s County.

When calculating rankings by average, rather than median, per-squarefoot price, D.C. again led the pack ($490), followed by Arlington ($454), Falls Church ($428), Alexandria ($377) and Fairfax County ($301).

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centration of single-family homes than surrounding locales.

But it was not all sunshine and lollipops for the community its residents call the Little City – Falls Church was the only one of the top-10-highestpriced jurisdictions in the metro area to see a year-over-year decline in prices from 2014, according to new figures.

The community’s median home-sales price of $690,000 in 2015 was down 1.4 percent from $700,000 in 2014, according to figures reported Jan. 13 by RealEstate Business Intelligence, an arm of the local multiple-listing service.

Arlington held down the second spot, as it had a year before. Its median sales price of $560,000 last year was up 4.2 percent.

Rounding out the top five jurisdictions: The District of Columbia ($523,050, up 4.8 percent); Alexandria ($499,900, up 4.2 percent); and the city of Fairfax ($477,500).

In the second five: Fairfax County ($477,844, up 3.2 percent); Loudoun County ($432,000, unchanged); Montgomery County, Md. ($400,000, unchanged); Howard County, Md. ($396,750, up 1.8 percent); and Clarke County ($312,500, up 6.6 percent).

Among other large jurisdictions in the metro area, the median sales price was $324,000 in Prince William County, up 1.7 percent, ranking it 14th regionally behind the top 10 and Fauquier County and the cities of Fredericksburg and Manassas Park.

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The 10 jurisdictions across the Washington region that saw the most home sales in 2015 all posted increases – often double-digit increases – in transactions compared to 2014, according to new figures.

Fairfax County had the largest number of existing-home sales last year at 14,850, up 9.6 percent from a year before, according to figures reported Jan. 13 by RealEstate Business Intelligence, an arm of the local multiple-listing service.

Mongtomery County, Md., placed second, with its total of 12,191 sales up 11.1 percent from a year before. Also in the top five: Prince George’s County, Md., up 14.9 percent to 9,369; the District of Columbia, up 3.4 percent to 8,216; and Prince William County, up 9.9 percent to 6,884.

Rounding out the top 10 were Loudoun County, up 11.8 percent to 6,485; Howard County, Md., up 19.1 percent to 4,136; Arlington, up 3.9 percent to 2,881; Alexandria, up 9.4 percent to 2,475; and Charles County, up 21 percent to 2,362.

Figures represent most, but not all, homes that went to closing during the year. All figures are preliminary and are subject to revision.

Falls Church Tops in Median Sales Price for 2015: The city of Falls Church ended 2015 where it began, besting all other jurisdictions across the region in its median sales price of homes.

No other jurisdiction across the region was close, in part because Falls Church tends to have a far higher con-

SG

January 28, 2016

D.C. Area Jurisdictions See Increase in Home Sales

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McLean, Chain Bridge Woods (1460 Highwood Dr)

Spacious 5-BR, 5.5-BA home. Fabulous main level MBR Suite with his & hers full baths. Airy, bright living and dining rooms for entertaining connect to eat-in kitchen, family room, and french doors to outdoor entertaining spaces.

Falls Church, Broyhill Park (3241 Holly Hill Dr)

Inside beltway—close to Express Lanes, Dunn Loring Metro & Mosaic District. Beautifully updated 4-BR, 2-BA offers MBR w/spa bath, kitchen with granite counters, gleaming hardwoods throughout. Bright, walk-out lower level.

Alexandria, Van Dorn Village (6116 Hyacinth Dr)

3-BR, 3.5-BA townhome offers large eat-in kitchen with spacious pantry and built-ins. Hardwood floors. Two-tiered deck, fenced & landscaped yard. Finished walk-out lower level with fireplace, BA, family room & separate laundry.

6723 Whittier Ave McLean VA 22101 703.319.3344

January 2016

703.338.2277

www.insidenova.com

boyerodeagrant@ttrsir.com www.boyerodeagrant.com

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RUTH BOYER O’DEA & SHERI GRANT

Sun Gazette

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lyonsmcguire.com

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11132 Rich Meadow Drive Great Falls, VA $1,425,000

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45760 Winding Branch Terr.

Sterling, VA $389,000

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11291 Landy Lane Great Falls, VA $1,299,000

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850 Macalister Drive Leesburg, VA $610,000

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4500 Libbey Drive Fairfax, VA $599,000

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611 Utterback Store Road Great Falls, VA

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903 Falls Manors Court Great Falls, VA $1,399,000

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509 River Bend Road Great Falls, VA

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774-A Walker Road Great Falls Virginia 22066 703.406.9009 Each office independently owned and operated. This is not intended as a solicitation if your home is currently listed with another broker.

Limestone and Marble ‘Peacock Estate’ Celebrates Luxurious Living Featured Property

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January 28, 2016

Inspired by the Nation’s Greatest Mansions

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Facts for buyers

January 2016

Fouad.Talout@gmail.com

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Address: 938 Peacock Station Road, McLean (22102).

Listed at: $8,900,000 by Fouad Talout (703) 459-4141 and Pascale Karam (703) 472-3749, Long & Foster Real Estate.

Schools: Spring Hill Elementary, Cooper Middle, Langley High School.

EXPERIENCE you can trust...

NEGOTIATING skills that work for YOU! CONTACT FOUAD TALOUT TODAY AT 703.459.4141

www.insidenova.com

level are highlighted by a second master retreat, plus five additional beautiful bedrooms with en-suite baths.

The entertaining and leisure level of the home features multiple lounges, a plush cinema, billiards area with adjoining cigar room, walnut-clad wet bar, wine cellar, Turkish lounge, 12-person spa, fitness room and multiple French doors to the rear patio, gardens and pool.

A guest bedroom suite with sitting area and marble bath complete this level.

The pool area has been touched on several times, but it is worth exploring in depth, as it will become a highlight of entertaining throughout the spring, summer and fall months.

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story Great Room, a music room and the home’s mahogany-clad library overlooking the rear gardens, sparkling pool and bronze fountain.

The chef’s-delight, gourmet kitchen boasts marble flooring, exotic granite and cabinetry that extends into the twostory entertainment center in the adjoining family room.

The main level also features a handsome master bedroom suite stretching the width of the home, with sitting room overlooking the pool on one end and luxurious bath and walk-in closet on the other. An elevator leads to a second-level expansive closet and dressing room.

The personal quarters of the upper

The property is complemented by a four-car garage, ample guest parking, dual gated entries and security system.

Offering unparalleled luxury living and entertaining, Peacock Estate is a testament to excellence throughout.

Articles are prepared by the Sun Gazette’s real estate advertising department on behalf of clients.

For information on the home, contact the listing agent. For information on having a house reviewed, contact the Sun Gazette’s real estate advertising department at (703) 738-2520.

www.insidenova.com

An ode to master craftsmanship and inspired by some of the nation’s great mansion homes, our featured property – Peacock Estate – sits majestically on a two-acre lot in McLean.

Designed and built by GALA Awardwinning Luxury Living LLC over a threeyear period, the property’s genesis was overseen by founder Hany Guirguis, with attention to every detail, from the global search for limestone, marble and granite; to the 12 levels of finish on the kitchen cabinetry; to the precise coordination of materials, color, millwork and textures.

The result is a property that not only is an impressive showplace, but a lasting testament to elegance and design.

The property currently is on the market, listed at $8,900,000 by Fouad Talout and Pascale Karam of Long & Foster Real Estate.

Featuring more than 20,000 square feet of impeccable living space over three levels, the home – not surprisingly – boasts every possible amenity. From the limestone exterior to the three levels of enchantment inside, the home represents the work of a true visionary.

We are greeted in an expansive reception hall with its dual, sweeping staircase, Italian marble and crystal chandelier, setting the tone for all that will follow.

The entryway is flanked by the expansive living and dining rooms, which echo its exquisite, hand-crafted plasterwork.

Beyond the reception area lies a two-

Sun Gazette

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!!!!!!!!!Jack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Fouad!!!!!!!!!Pascale! !!!!!!!!Spahr!!!!!!!!!!!!Talout!!!!!!!!!!Karam!

VILLA!OF!GREAT!FALLS!

NE

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ME O W!H

NEW!GREAT!FALLS!SUBDIVISION!

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ICE R !P NE W 5\AC!HOMESTEAD!

EXQUISITE!LUXURY!!

Great!Falls!!!!!!!!$3,865,000!

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5!Homes!from!!$2,999,000!

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POTOMAC!RIVERFRONT!

McLean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$5,498,000!

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TO!BE!BUILT!in!McLean!!!!!!!!$24,000,000!

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McLean!!!!!!!!!!!!!$8,200,000!

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Great!Falls!!!$2,495,000!

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Vienna!!!!!!!!!!!!$1,990,000!

2310HunterMill.com!

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Bethesda!$2,300,000!

Historic!Castle!

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options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons for project timelines to get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact.

Create a communication plan. A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

W I N T E R

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753. Email: fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

EHO

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cense numbers, insurance information and certifications by calling providers to verify. Request a visit to an active client’s jobsite. Make it known that you are checking on him – a true professional considers that as a positive sign to working with a homeowner.

Review contracts word-by-word. A remodeling contract protects you and your remodeler. Homeowners should review this carefully. Professional remodelers have done this before, and know what should go in a contract.

Homeowners are not as familiar with remodeling and should ask about terms if they don’t understand. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. If it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t exist.

Keep design in mind. Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use Web sites to gather design ideas. Make sure you can articulate specifically what you like about that design when talking to your designer. Professionals don’t recreate a photo – they incorporate accessibility, functionality, ease of modification, style and value into your design.

Make your selections. Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many

G A Z E T T E

Set your budget. Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. This number needs to include everything – the project, products, contingencies, etc.

Don’t be afraid to share this with your remodeler; professionals are respectful of a client’s budget and will create a plan around it, not over it.

Use an advanced search for professionals. The online world makes it easy to gather information about strangers.

Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and then spend time researching that person online. Professional remodelers take their reputation seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, memberships in trade associations and additional training. Look for examples of press coverage or involvement in industry presentations or events. Check online reviews and social media to see how they interact with past clients and peers.

Ask the right questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask your professional remodeler about his educational background, training, specialties or past issues with clients. Ask about how the remodeling process will work.

Verify your remodeler. Don’t take their word for it. Check the information given to you such as references, li-

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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) likes to advise homeowners of the 10 most important steps to take before the remodeling project starts.

“The planning and researching phases of a project are the most critical steps in the remodeling process,” said Judy Mozen, national president and president of Handcrafted Homes Inc. in Roswell, Ga. “The more knowledgeable and prepared a homeowner is, the more they protect themselves.”

What can a homeowner do to prepare for a remodel? NARI provides a top 10 list of steps homeowners should take before breaking ground on their next remodel.

Research your project. Taking time to research projects on the Internet and at www.nari.org will provide a good sense of what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment and new product/material options. Also, research property values in your neighborhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area.

Plan projects around the long-term.

How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might your family structure change over time? Life can change quickly – these questions should be answered early on to ensure your project will fit your lifestyle long after it’s complete.

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January 28, 2016

G U I D E

Distinctive Homes witH a RenowneD Reputation

6160 Mori Street, 6198 Adeline Court, Celebrating 29 years of Luxury Custom Home Building in Northern Virginia McLean, VA 22101 McLean, VA 22101 www.insidenova.com

Spring Lake Estates

FINAL OPPORTUNITY! ONLY THREE HOMES REMAIN.

Conveniently located within 1.5 miles of Tysons Corner metro and shopping. Residents of Spring Lake will enjoy a short walk to the community lake or to Wolf Trails Park.

• 6198 Adeline Court, McLean, VA 22101

6198 Adeline Court, McLean, VA 22101

Contact Grant Johnson at 703-963-7676 For Sales and Information, or Visit us at www.sekashomes.com Contact Grant Johnson at 703-963-7676 For Sales and Information, or Visit us at www.sekashomes.com

Contact Grant Johnson at 703-963-7676 Lot 1 - Newbury $1,339,900 6 - Daventry - $1,399,900 For Sales and Information, or Visit us at Lot www.sekashomes.com For Sales and Information Contact Doug Marcinski at 703.963.7676 or visit us at www.sekashomes.com

January 2016

6160 Mori Street, McLean, VA 22101 6160 Mori Street, McLean, VA 22101

www.insidenova.com

om,

When Planning to Remodel, Make Sure That Your First Step Is Becoming Educated About the Process

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Sun Gazette

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Survey Says: Millennials Are Becoming a Big Force in Real Estate, and Their Impact Is Just Beginning Despite the economic and financial challenges young adults have braved since the recession, the Millennial generation represented the largest share of recent buyers, according to the 2015 National Association of Realtors Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends study, which evaluates the generational differences of recent home buyers and sellers.

The survey additionally found that an overwhelming majority of buyers search for homes online and then purchase their home through a real estate agent, with Millennials using agents the most.

For the second consecutive year, NAR’s study found that the largest group of recent buyers was the Millennial generation, those 34 and younger, who composed 32 percent of all buyers (31 percent in 2013). Generation X, ages 35-49, was closely behind with a 27 percent share.

Millennial buyers represented more than double the amount of younger Baby Boomer (ages 50-59) and older Boomer (60-68) buyers (at 31 percent). The Silent Generation (ages 69-89) made up 10 percent of buyers in the past year.

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says the survey highlights the untapped demand for home-ownership that exists among young adults.

“Over 80 percent of Millennial and Gen X buyers consider their home purchase a good financial investment, and the desire to

own a home of their own was the top reason given by Millennials for their purchase,” he said. “Fixed monthly payments and the long-term financial stability home ownership can provide are attractive to young adults despite them witnessing the housing downturn and subsequent slow recovery in the early years of their adulthood.”

With Millennials entering the peak buying period and expected to soon surpass boomers in total population, Yun believes the share of Millennial purchases would be higher if not for the numerous obstacles that have slowed their journey to home ownership.

“Many Millennials have endured underemployment and subpar wage growth, and rising rents and repaying student debt have made it very difficult to save for a down payment. For some, even forming households of their own has been a challenge.”

According to the survey, 13 percent of all home purchases were by a multi-generational household, consisting of adult siblings, adult children, parents and/or grandparents.

The biggest reasons for a multi-generational purchase were cost savings (24 percent) and adult children moving back into the house (23 percent). Younger Boomers represented the largest share of multigenerational buyers at 21 percent, with 37 percent of those saying the primary reason for their purchase was due to adult children

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, January 31st 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm

www.insidenova.com www.insidenova.com

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SG

Sun 12 Gazette

6615 Weatheford Ct McLean, VA 22101

$

1,250,000

Wonderful “Cameron” model 6/7 BR, 4 BA Dutch Colonial located in sought after Langley Oaks.

This home provides great space; large room sizes; updated kitchen w/ open floorplan to a cozy FR & wood burning fireplace. Formal LR, w/ 2nd wood burning fireplace, & dining room blend seamlessly into the home’s main level layout- completed by offering a main level office/den/7th bedroom- with access to the main level hall full bathroom- perfect for working from home or as an in-law suite. The upper lvl offers 5 BR’s. The MA BR suite has 2 closets, & a full BA suite that includes dual vanities, soaking whirlpool tub & separate glass shower. Each secondary bedroom has double-door closets offering an abundance of space plus window dormer seats- a truly unique architectural detail perfect for relaxing. A fin. LL, w/ two distinct recreation room areas, a 6th BR and full BA complete this home’s interior- over 5,700+ of living space on three finished lvls. Homeowners will appreciate the all-brick exterior, rear fenced yard + flagstone patio- perfect for entertaining. All within walking distance to Langley High School.

Dir: 495 to East Georgetown Pike (Rt. 123); Left on Ridge Rd (“Langley Oaks”); first left on Weatheford Ct to #6615 on left

Re/Max Allegiance Kristin Kelly & Craig Mastrangleo

703-932-3622 craigmastrangelo@gmail.com

First-Time Buyers Increase Slightly

Here come the Millennials: Katie Cristol is one of the first members of that demographic group to win election to an elected body of a major Northern Virginia jurisdiction. She sits on the Arlington County Board.

moving back into their house.

“Even though the share of first-time buyers has fallen to its lowest level since 19871, young adults in general are more mobile than older households,” Yun said.

“The return of first-time buyers to normal levels will eventually take place in upcoming years, as those living with their parents are likely to form households of their own first as renters and then eventually as homeowners.”

Characteristics of Buyers The median age of Millennial homebuyers was 29, their median income was $76,900 ($73,600 in 2013) and they typically bought a 1,720-square-foot home costing $189,900 ($180,000 a year ago). The typical Gen X buyer was 41 years old, had a median income of $104,600 ($98,200 a year ago) and purchased a 1,890-square-foot home costing $250,000 (same as last year).

Seventy-nine percent of all buyers considered their home purchase a good financial investment, with Millennials (84 percent) and Gen X (82 percent) having the highest share, followed by younger and older boomers (both 77 percent), and the Silent Generation (72 percent).

Generation X buyers (68 percent) were the most likely to be married, younger boomers had the highest share of single female buyers (23 percent), and Millennial buyers were more likely (compared to other generations) to be an unmarried couple (14 percent).

When asked about the primary reason for purchasing a home, a desire to own a home of their own was highest among Millennials at 39 percent. Younger Boomers were the most likely to buy because of a jobrelated relocation or move, and a change in a family situation – likely the birth of a child – was the highest (13 percent) among Gen X buyers. Older Boomers (at 15 percent) were the most likely to buy because of retirement.

Searching for, Buying a Home Regardless of their age, buyers used a wide variety of resources in searching for a home, with the Internet (88 percent) and real estate agents (87 percent) leading Millennials were the most likely to use

The share of first-time home-buyers in the national real-estate market was at 32 percent in December, up from 30 percent in November and 29 percent a year before, according to figures reported Jan. 22 by the National Association of Realtors.

December’s figure was the highest percentage of first-time buyers since August.

First-time buyers in all of 2015 represented an average of 30 percent of the overall market, up from 29 percent in both 2014 and 2013. A survey released in late 2014 by the National Association of Realtors determined that the annual share of first-time buyers was at its lowest level in nearly three decades.

That’s a problem for the overall market, but is not surprising, said Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors.

“First-time buyers were for the most part held back once again in 2015 by rising rents and home prices; competition from vacation and investment buyers; and supply shortages,” says Yun. “While these headwinds show little signs of abating, the cumulative effect of strong job growth in recent years and young renters’ overwhelming interest to own a home should lead to a modest uptick in firsttime-buyer activity in 2016.” a real estate agent, mobile or tablet applications, and mobile or tablet search engines during their search; Gen X buyers were the most likely to use an open house.

Although the Internet was the top source of where Millennials found the home they purchased (51 percent), they also used an agent to purchase their home at a higher share (90 percent) than all other generations.

Although most purchases by all generations were in a suburban area, the share of Millennials buying in an urban or central city area increased to 21 percent in the past year (19 percent a year ago), compared with only 12 percent of older Boomers (unchanged from a year ago). Older Boomers and the Silent Generation were more likely to buy in a rural area (18 percent each).

Buyers’ median distance from their previous residence was 12 miles, with older Boomers moving the furthest at a median distance of 30 miles.

The majority of all buyers (79 percent) purchased a detached single-family home.

Gen X buyers represented the largest share of single-family home-buyers (85 percent), and the Silent Generation was the most likely to purchase a townhouse or row house (10 percent).

Among the biggest factors influencing neighborhood choice, Millennials were most influenced by the quality of the neighborhood (75 percent) and convenience to jobs (74 percent).

SG

$1,299,000 Great Falls

$1,599,999 Great Falls

$1,795,000

DO ON C RY XU U L

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G A Z E T T E

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www.GreatFallsGreatHomes.com

R E A L

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OT EL R AC

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Great Falls

•

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Jan Dan Laytham • Dianne Van Volkenburg 703-757-3222 Office Susan Canis

Associate Realtor

Sally Marvin

Associate Realtor

9841Georgetown Pike Great Falls VA 22066

$315,000

January 2016

Great Falls

13

SG

“I wouldn’t dare make a move without calling Chris!”

SOLD

FOR SALE

1228 Ernestine Street • McLean, Virginia $2,499,000

1803 Fawncrest Court • Vienna. $849,900.00

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

3019 N Stuart Street • Arlington. $1,449,900.00

2230 George C Marshall Drive • Falls Church. $265,000.00

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www.chrisfraleyhomes.com

RENOVATION ALMOST COMPLETE!

Chris Fraley

Direct: 703.217.7600 chrisfraleyhomes@gmail.com 414 Walker Road • Great Falls, Virginia $1,399,000

SOLD

www.insidenova.com

•

January 2016

LUXURY HOME SPECIALIST

14

6820 Elm Street. McLean, Virginia 22101 Each office is independently

Evan H. Dockser ASSOCIATE AGENT

LICENSED IN DC/VA

Phone: 301.332.8300 evandockser@gmail.com

Nina Koeppen BUYER SPECIALIST

Phone: 703.966.0127 nina@chrisfraleyandassociates.com

The Stratford, Reston $550,000.00 I brought the buyer!

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G A Z E T T E

ers and home buyers and sellers, and conducting this research was one of the first of many steps toward achieving this goal.�

Additional findings show that: • The most popular type of smart home technology that people already own is smart entertainment, such as smart TVs and speaker systems (44 percent of people with smart-home technology). • The next most popular types of smart-home technology that people currently have installed in their home include smart security (31 percent) and smart temperature (30 percent). • When asked about what needs to be in a home for it to be considered “smart,â€? the top choices were security (e.g., locks and alarm systems – 63 percent), temperature (e.g., thermostats and fans – 63 percent), lighting (e.g., light bulbs and lighting systems – 58 percent) and safety (e.g., fire / carbon monoxide detectors and nightlights – 56 percent). • More than three quarters (76 percent) of Americans think that having just one category of smart technology in your home isn’t enough. • Older generations are adopting certain types of smart-home technology faster than younger ones. For instance, 40 percent of those over 65 who own smart home products currently have smart temperature products, compared to only 25 percent of Millennials.

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The year 2020 long has been a benchmark for when the “smart home� will finally be mainstream, but according to the results of a survey released in early January by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, that time may come sooner than we thought.

The Coldwell Banker Smart Home Marketplace Survey, which polled more than 4,000 Americans, found that almost half (45 percent) of all Americans either own smart home technology or plan to invest in it in 2016.

The survey also showed that it’s not just the tech-savvy who are on board with the smart home.

Of people who either have smarthome technology or plan to buy it in 2016, more than one in three (36 percent) say they don’t consider themselves early adopters of technology.

The Smart Home Marketplace Survey also found that more than half of homeowners (54 percent) would purchase or install smart home products if they were selling their home and knew that doing so would make it sell faster. Of that group, 65 percent would pay $1,500 or more. “Close to five million existing homes were sold in the United States in 2014, which represents a huge white space for smart-home manufacturers,� said Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker. “We are aiming to be the conduit between these manufactur-

January 28, 2016

Survey: Americans Getting /PSUIFSO 7JSHJOJB )PNF 4BMFT More Used to ‘Smart Homes’

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Sun 15 Gazette

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LONG & FOSTER

®

Long & Foster McLean Office

703-790-1990 1355 Beverly Rd,Offices Suite 109 McLean 703-873-3500 • 6862 McLean, Elm Street | 703-790-1990 VA 22101 • 1311A Dolley Madison Blvd.

Source: Information based on data supplied by MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011.

Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. ©2012 All rights reserved.

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SALES GOAL FOR 2015

McLEAN

John Jorgenson 703-906-0420 $295,000

REGENCY AT MCLEAN

Lilian Jorgenson 703-407-0766 McLEAN

Jon DeHart 703-405-7576

Stunning 5 levels features 4 bedrooms 4 .5 baths with private elevator located in downtown McLean. The interior of this showcase home was custom built with exquisite finishes and details.

Immaculately maintained.

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www.TracyDillard.com Stately 5 Bedroom, 5 full & 2 half bath Colonial in soughtafter Chain Bridge Woods neighborhood. Two-story foyer, large main level bedroom, gourmet kitchen w/large island, 6 burner gas cooktop & SS Appl, Hardwood floors, FR w/ gas FP, LL w/rec rm & wet bar, Expansive hardscape for easy outdoor entertaining!

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ARLINGTON $394,900 DC 4th OF JULY FIREWORKS!

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Remarkable custom built home in a private cul-de-sac with .80AC! Impeccably maintained with lots of upgrades!

Lovely family room with brick fireplace & access to large decks, perfect for entertaining. Fantastic kit with morning area. Main level bedroom. Walk-out lower level. 2 oversized gar.

Near Metro! Stunning custom home with 3-finished levels, spacious island kit with new appliances opens to the family room, library, custom closets & built-ins, gleaming hardwoods on main & upper levels, walkout lower level, deck and patio.

Dramatic DC/Alexandria fireworks & monument vistas from the panorama windows and balcony of this corner Penthouse condo.

This renovated treetop 3 Br/2 bath, 1446 sq. ft. home has, North & South East sun exposure. Huge rooms, granite/stainless custom kitchen, designer master bath. Great lifestyle on 4 acres with tennis, pool, fitness center, Pet Friendly condo.

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Huge apartment perfect for work or in-laws.

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$999,500

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$989,000

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COMING SOON - Picture perfect colonial in Evans Mill Pond. Rarely available end-unit TH with a single family setting. 3 finished levels tastefully remodeled. Hardwood floors and custom window treatments throughout. A Georgetown courtyard perfect for entertaining.

2 car garage. Move-in ready. A must see!

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Lilian Jorgenson 703-407-0766 FALLS CHURCH SLEEPY HOLLOW

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www.HalaAdra.com Magnificent and Unique parcel offering 21.45 gently rolling acres with breathtaking views! Perfect opportunity to build your dream manor or equestrian estate with ultimate privacy near golf courses, parks, horse country & trails. Located in Loudoun County but access from Fairfax County.

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“YOUR HOME SAFE HOME”

By Nancy Harvey Steorts

 Have a preplanned family survival plan.  Pre-assemble emergency supplies.  Check fireplace before lighting, to be sure it is operating properly.  Have non-perishable foods and batteryoperated candles in case of outage.

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HON. NANCY HARVEY STEORTS SELLS THE REGENCY AT MCLEAN 240-401-7782 nancysteorts@cox.net

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www.MarkGoedde.com Fabulous three-level colonial with upgraded kitchen overlooking sunroom and screened porch!!! Family room with wood-burning fireplace and built-in cabinets!!! Walk-out lower level with French doors to patio and fenced rear yard. Parkland and walking trails nearby!!!

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GGA AZ ZE E T TT ET ER E WA IL N ET SE TRA T RE E GA UL I DE ES T A T E

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FOR A 3RD YEAR IN A ROW WE SURPASSED OUR

Congratulations to our Top Producers for December 2015!

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SOLD SOLD PRICE: $687,500

ASHBURN

SOLD SOLD PRICE: $442,000

WASHINGTON, D.C.

SOLD SOLD PRICE: $372,000

SOLD SOLD PRICE: $387,500

ALEXANDRIA

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New Estate Home Sits on 2 Acres in Sought-After Part of Great Falls Featured Property

January 28, 2016

Astounding Achievement from Versailles

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worthy of inspection.

Articles are prepared by the Sun Gazette’s real estate advertising department on behalf of clients.

For information on the home, contact the listing agent.

For information on having a house reviewed, contact the Sun Gazette’s real estate advertising department at (703) 738-2520.

Facts for buyers

Over 2.5 Billion Sold

KNOWLEDGE

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EXPERIENCE

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TRUST

www.insidenova.com

Address: 952 Millwood Road, Great Falls (22066).

Listed at: $2,645,000 by Casey Margenau, Casey Margenau Fine Homes and Estates (703) 827-5777.

Schools: Colvin Run Elementary, Cooper Middle, Langley High School.

January 2016

It all begins with a large recreation room, with full bar, a perfect spot for entertaining with élan and style.

A separate game room features a fireplace and walk-out access to the rear yard, while there also is a media room, wine cellar and exercise room to round out our tour.

The three-vehicle garage provides plenty of additional storage space.

Wonderful touches abound, including upgrades found in flooring, lighting, appliances and cabinetry.

Every new home is a celebration, and this home showcases the exuberant style of one of the region’s most acclaimed builders. But it also is a testament to good taste, awaiting your own presence to add those distinctive final touches.

What a way to start the new year! Well

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with fireplace is another highlight of our perusal, with more glorious vistas.

Off the main traffic flow of the main level can be found two large study rooms/library/home office spaces, one featuring a delightful, half-turret layout.

Up the sweeping staircase we go, with the master retreat serving as the centerpiece of the second level.

Showcasing additional views of the rear yard, this compound includes a large bedroom area, separate sitting room, extraordinary closet space and a sumptuous master bath.

Four additional bedrooms, all en-suite, and laundry facilities also are found on the upper level.

Additional features, often of the more informal variety, can be found on the lower level.

www.insidenova.com

The creative team of Versailles Custom Homes is responsible for our featured selection, an exceptional new property in the Jackson Mill Woods community of Great Falls that features more than 9,000 square feet of living space on a pristine, verdant lot of nearly two acres.

With all the amenities expected in a modern smart-home, the property also proffers warmhearted charm, and will be the perfect place to welcome friends and family to celebrations galore as the years pass from one to the next.

The property currently is on the market, listed at $2,645,000 by Casey Margenau of Casey Margenau Fine Homes and Estates.

The strong curb appeal of the brickand-limestone exterior provides visual clues as to the upscale amenities that await us on our tour. Our welcome begins in the soaring foyer, with its elegant, curved staircase, setting the tone for all that will follow.

The formal living room is located to the left of the entry, with the formal dining room (with bay window) beyond it. Each is amply proportioned to meet needs of holiday gatherings and daily life.

The appealing kitchen occupies a strategic position in the rear of the home, with top-quality (and aesthetically appealing) appliances, a center island and separate breakfast area with access to the Trex deck overlooking the rear grounds.

The stunning, two-story family room

Sun 18 Gazette

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www.insidenova.com

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Exterior Color Can Make a Personality Statement (StatePoint) – Color is a fundamental component of curb appeal, and can make your home either stand out from the pack or blend in nicely with its environment.

But you’re not alone if you’re unsure how to incorporate color to make your home look its best.

“Many homeowners are afraid to add color to their home exteriors, because they don’t want to make a mistake,” says Kate Smith, president and chief color maven of Sensational Color. “No one should feel locked into blah or standard colors, though.”

For the apprehensive and bold alike, Smith offers insights into adding eyepleasing color palettes to home exterior elements.

The Roof Color is critical to personality expression, so it makes sense for homeowners to select their roof color.

Consider opting for colors that complement the home’s architectural style or give a nod to a particular era in design.

A blend of two to eight colors is a great way to shake things up. And certain roofing companies, such as DaVinci Roofscapes, offer a range to choose from. Their 50 standard colors include diverse hues like dark amber, smokey gray and light violet, and the brand even allows homeowners to customize.

Front Entry Are you an introvert with an orange front door? If so, you’re sending mixed

messages to friends and neighbors. The front door is the home feature offering the most flexibility in color choice, and a great place to let your personality shine.

According to Smith, here’s a look at what paint colors on entry doors of a home say about the occupants inside: • Red: This bright color says I’m not afraid of standing out or saying what’s on my mind.

• White: Says that I prefer things or-

ganized, neat and clean. Even if my home isn’t always this way, I wish it were.

• Green: Tells the world you have traditional values and enjoy being a member of the community.

• Black: Says I’m consistent, conservative and reserved, and my design style is timeless rather than trendy.

• Blue: Tells people you’re naturally at ease and people are attracted to your easygoing personality.

• Yellow: A personality similar to green but a bit less traditional, yellow says you’re most likely a group leader.

• Purple: Reveals a free-spirit, comfortable taking risks, thinking differently and dreaming big.

Download the free e-books, “FRESH Home Exterior Colors” and “FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior,” authored by Smith at www.davinciroofscapes.com/color/choosing-color/.

New Year’s Resolutions for Prospective Purchasers (StatePoint) – Writing out your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re thinking of buying a home in 2016, it’s time to add these five resolutions to your list: • Get your financial house in order: Good credit is key to getting a mortgage at a reasonable interest rate. If it’s been more than a year, find out what your credit score is.

You can improve your credit by paying your bills on time, working with a no-fees housing counselor, and beefing up your credit literacy. Free online resources can help, such as Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart online training.

• Figure out how much you can afford. What do you earn? What do you spend? How much do you have in savings?

Answering these questions will help you learn whether you are financially ready for home-ownership.

Make a budget and use free online tools and calculators to determine how much you can afford and the amount you have for a down payment. If you’re short, reduce optional expenses and set up a monthly, automatic deposit into your savings account.

• Explore your mortgage options.

Don’t assume you don’t have enough for a down payment or won’t qualify for a mortgage without 20 percent down.

In fact, about 40 percent of today’s home-buyers are making down-payments that are less than 10 percent, and a recent ly released study found that 87 percent of U.S. homes would qualify for down payment help.

Find out if you’re eligible for any local or state down payment assistance programs. Remember, some options may be as low as three percent.

But keep in mind that if you’re not putting at least 20 percent down, you’ll likely pay extra each month for mortgage insurance.

Contact several mortgage lenders to

shop around and get the best deal.

• Get pre-approved for financing. It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster and with greater confidence in competitive markets.

• Rely on professionals. The typical

home-buyer will look at 10 homes over a 10-week period so finding and working with the right team is critical.

Housing counselors, Realtors and lenders all play an important role in the home buying process. These professionals have the expertise to advise you.

For more tips and resources, visit myhome.freddiemac.com.

SG

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Vienna Ave.Ave. | Vienna, VA 22180 | 703.938.5600 Vienna 465 465W.W.Maple Maple l Vienna, VA 22180 l 703.938.5600 Arlington 4500 Old Dominion Dr. | Arlington, VA 22207 | 703.524.2100 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 11073WDC_08/15

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ING IL ST

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N.Va. Home Sales Rebound, Prices Rise in 2015 Home sales across the inner suburbs of Northern Virginia saw a nice uptick in 2015 from a year before, although they remained well below annual averages in the go-go years before the economic recession hit.

The average sales price, however, hit an all-time high in 2015, the sixth consecutive year of increases after the market bottomed out in the late 2000s.

A total of 20,309 properties went to closing last year in the region, based on a Sun Gazette analysis of data from RealEstate Business Intelligence, an arm of the local multiple-listing service.

That’s up 8.6 percent from the 18,696 sales in 2014, with every month in 2015, save February, reporting a year-overyear increase.

(Figures represent sales in Arlington and Fairfax counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church.)

“Considering we had a year with new closing laws, a slower than usual market in the summer, a strong fall market, and sometimes a flurry of bidding wars, our buyers and sellers had a great 2015,” said Virgil Frizzell, recently installed as chairman of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR).

The growth in 2015 nearly offset a decline from 2013 to 2014, but total sales remained well below the peak of 32,735 recorded in 2004, as the market began to overheat before being tripped up. By 2011, total sales had declined to about half the peak amount, before rebounding.

Total sales volume for 2015 stood at $11.4 billion, the third highest recorded in the region behind $15.7 billion in 2004 and $14.4 billion in 2005.

“Our region’s sales pace last year reflected that there was home-buyer confidence” said Ryan Conrad, NVAR’s CEO. “Considering our early cold winter and the introduction of new closing laws, 2015 ended with a stable and healthy local market.”

The average sales price of $558,988 in 2015 was up 1.4 percent from $551,122 in 2014 to mark a new all-time high, although not if inflation is taken into account (the $538,463 average price recorded in 2007 equates to $616,357 in today’s dollars).

Looking back on 40 years of sales data from across the suburbs, the average price has grown from $58,739 in 1975, surpassing the $100,000 mark for the first time in 1981, the $200,000 mark in 1991, the $300,000 mark in 2002 and the $400,000 mark in 2004 before

4 Decades of Home Sales Across Northern Virginia YEAR

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

AVERAGE SALES PRICE

TOTAL SALES

For year

Change

For year

Change

$58,739 $62,373 $66,722 $71,639 $79,389 $90,744 $100,050 $103,631 $105,388 $108,049 $113,120 $121,922 $142,163 $162,850 $174,975 $174,616 $204,886 $202,534 $209,381 $210,557 $211,098 $214,102 $220,932 $229,151 $238,496 $252,374 $285,159 $319,293 $364,684 $441,253 $537,116 $537,741 $538,463 $461,039 $431,018 $469,018 $483,160 $504,338 $540,034 $551,220 $558,988

N/A +6.2% +7.0% +7.4% +11.4% +11.7% +10.3% +3.6% +1.7% +2.5% +4.7% +7.8% +16.6% +14.6% +7.4% -0.2% +17.3% -1.1% +3.3% +0.6% +0.3% +1.4% +3.2% +3.7% +4.1% +5.8% +13.0% +12.0% +14.2% +21.8% +21.7% +0.1% +0.1% -14.4% -6.5% +8.9% +3.0% +4.4% +7.1% +2.1% +1.4%

14,260 14,593 17,953 22,802 23,043 19,527 15,155 12,435 17,877 18,093 22,422 27,052 24,128 24,879 19,780 23,278 15,761 16,818 16,287 15,747 13,783 15,289 16,795 22,264 22,715 26,062 27,741 27,936 30,580 32,735 29,235 20,753 18,042 17,400 19,035 17,858 16,704 18,623 20,355 18,696 20,309

N/A +2.3% +23.0% +27.0% +1.0% -15.3% -22.4% -18.0% +43.7% +1.2% +23.9% +20.6% -11.8% +3.1% -20.5% +17.7% -32.3% +6.7% -3.2% -3.3% -12.2% +10.9% +9.8% +32.6% +2.0% +14.7% +6.4% +0.8% +9.4% +6.6% -10.7% -29.0% -13.1% -3.5% +9.3% -6.2% -6.5% +11.6% +9.3% -8.2% +8.6%

HISTORICAL/CULTURAL NOTES OF INTEREST

VOLUME (Billions)

$0.84 $0.91 $1.1 $1.6 $1.8 $1.7 $1.5 $1.2 $1.8 $1.9 $2.4 $3.3 $3.4 $4.0 $3.4 $4.0 $3.2 $3.4 $3.4 $3.3 $2.9 $3.2 $3.7 $5.1 $5.8 $6.5 $7.9 $8.9 $11.1 $14.4 $15.7 $11.1 $9.7 $8.0 $8.2 $8.4 $8.1 $9.4 $11.0 $10.3 $11.4

‘Saturday Night Live’ debuts Democrat Carter wins election R.I.P. Elvis Presley John Paul II becomes pope Incident at Three Mile Island GOP’s Reagan trounces Carter Egypt’s Sadat is assassinated It’s a boy for Charles, Diana Riggins is Super Bowl MVP ‘Cosby’ is nation’s top TV show Michael Jordan’s rookie year Shuttle ‘Challenger’ explodes Iran-Contra scandal tops the news Bush manhandles Dukakis Earthquake strikes Bay Area Americans With Disabilities Act First Gulf War starts ... and ends L.A. riots after Rodney King verdict Bill Clinton is inaugurated GOP takes control of Congress O.J. Simpson found not guilty Richard Nixon dies after stroke Tiger Woods wins the Masters Monica Lewinsky in the news Clinton acquitted by Senate Florida determines presidency Terror attacks strike on 9/11 New war in Iraq looms Joe Gibbs returns to Redskins Kerry falls to Bush in election Katrina swamps Gulf Coast Democrats win back Congress Oil prices through the roof Economy plunges; Obama wins Unemployment hits double digits GOP makes a comeback Economic malaise lingers ‘Derecho’ storm slams region Democrats win Va. statewide races U.S. Reps. Wolf, Moran retire Donald Trump tops GOP polls

Sales totals, average sales prices and volume come from data of RealEstate Business Intelligence and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, as analyzed by the Sun Gazette, and may differ from other published figures. Totals are based on sales figures for Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church. Percentage changes and historical notes compiled by the Sun Gazette staff.

peaking at just above $538,000 in 2007.

It then dropped for two years, to $431,018 in 2009, before starting a rebound.

Over the long haul, average housing prices in the region have outstripped inflation – when taking it into account, average prices (in 2015 dollars) were $259,124 in 1975,

$249,512 in 1985 and $328,748 in 1995, to pick three dates.

In the spirit of fun, here’s a trip down memory lane both at the state of the market and some of the local and national events that played a role in our lives: 1975: The average sales price is climbing close to the $60,000 mark, and more than 14,200

homes are sold in the local area.

Interest rates, however, are on the rise, hovering at around 9 percent for a 30-year conventional loan. Nationally, Jerry Ford is in the White House, the Red Sox and Reds are in the World Series and NBC debuts “Saturday Night Live.”

1976: The nation’s bicentennial year is a good one for the

local real estate market. Home sales increase 2.3 percent over a year before, and the average sales price is up 6.2 percent.

1977: Jimmy Carter takes the oath of office as president, Elvis “leaves the building” for the final time. The number of homes sold in Northern VirContinued on Page 24

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• January 2016

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As N.Va. Home-Sales Rebound, Prices Also Rise Continued from Page 23

ginia experiences 23-percent growth, and the average sales price is up 7 percent. The total sales volume in Northern Virginia passes the $1 billion mark for the first time.

1978: The Washington Bullets have their best year ever. “The White Shadow” and “WKRP in Cincinnati” make their TV debuts. Despite a slightly frosty economic environment across Virginia and the nation, home sales locally are up 27 percent, and the average sales price is up 7.4 percent.

1979: The Iran hostage drama begins, and John Wayne breathes his last. Irish terrorists kill Lord Mountbatten. The federal government bails out Chrysler, and interest rates start heading upward in a hurry. Nelson Rockefeller dies, creatively. The number of homes sold increases just a bit, but the average sales price is up 11.4 percent.

1980: Ronald Reagan wins a landslide victory over Jimmy Carter, Mount St. Helens blows its top, and the U.S. skips the Summer Olympics. The spike in interest rates take a chunk out of the sales market (down 15.3 percent), but average sales prices are up nearly 12 percent.

1981: Assassinations and attempted assassinations make for an ugly year.

“Dallas” and “Dukes of Hazzard” provide some relief on TV. Actor Jack Albertson dies. Home sales drop precipitously, down 22.4 percent, but average sales prices show double-digit increases.

The average sales price rises to more than $100,000 for the first time.

1982: LeAnn Rimes makes her musical debut with a “waaaahhh” in the delivery room. The Equal Rights Amendment goes down to defeat. “Gandhi” sweeps the Oscars and Toto is tops at the Grammys. After peaking at nearly 18.5 percent, interest rates are slowly declining, but total home sales are still down 18 percent. Double-digit price increases are gone, too.

1983: “The Love Boat” is still bringing in the viewers, and Sally Ride makes history in space. The U.S. invades Grenada, surprising the British (who thought it was theirs), and Carolyn Jones of “The Addams Family” fame dies. Home sales are up a whopping 43.7 percent (biggest annual increase in our survey) and the average sales price increase slightly.

1984: Walter Mondale carries Massachusetts and D.C. in the presidential election, but Ronald Reagan wins everything else. “Amadeus” is boffo at the Academy Awards. And in the local real estate market, it is a quiet year, with sales up 1.2 percent and average prices up 2.5 percent.

1985: “Live Aid” brings music and humanitarianism together. Phil Collins can do no wrong in the music world, and Miss Utah is named Miss America. Interest rates are still high, at more than 12 percent, but sales rise a solid 23.9 percent. Average sales prices are up modestly, too.

1986: William Rehnquist is nominated chief justice, and the nation celebrates the first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Actress Donna Reed ascends the staircase to heaven. Home sales in-

crease more than 20 percent, and the average sales price is up a respectable 7.8 percent.

1987: The Iran-Contra scandal dominates the headlines, followed by a stock market crash. U2’s music is the rage, Cher wins an Oscar and Sonny becomes mayor of Palm Springs. Mortgage interest rates drop to under 10 percent for the first time since 1979. But home sales plummet more than 11 percent, even as average sales prices are up 16.6 percent.

1988: Michael Dukakis tries but fails to win the presidency, but the effort provides a career boost to comedian Jon Lovitz. The federal government gives amnesty to 1.4 million illegal aliens.

Roy Orbison and his shades go to the hippest corner of rock-and-roll heaven.

Interest rates spike up briefly, but both home sales and average prices increase.

The total sales volume surpasses $4 billion locally.

1989: The Exxon Valdez causes a mess in Alaska, and an earthquake strikes San Francisco. U.S. troops invade Panama and arrest Manuel Noriega. Ronald Reagan returns to California after eight years in the White House.

Home sales drop 20 percent (totaling less than 20,000 for the first time since 1984), but average sales prices rise to nearly $175,000.

1990: Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait and provokes President Bush into sending troops to Saudi Arabia. Joe Pesci wins an Oscar for “Goodfellas.” The Cincinnati Reds win the World Series.

And while home sales are up 17.7 percent, the average sales price dropped for the first time in recent memory, down 0.2 percent.

1991: Coalition troops liberate Kuwait, and President Bush’s approval rating tops 90 percent. The Senate is busy debating the appointment of Clarence Thomas, while the House of Representatives is trying to explain why members bounced more than 8,000 checks at its bank. Home sales plummet more than 32 percent (worst drop in the survey), but sales prices rise 17.3 percent to more than $200,000.

1992: Bill Clinton wins the White House. Eric Clapton’s “Unplugged” is a massive hit. Notre Dame tops Florida in the Sugar Bowl, and Barry Bonds is the National League’s MVP. Interest rates continue a slow decline. Home sales are up 6.7 percent, but average sales prices drop 1.1 percent.

1993: A bomb explodes under the World Trade Center. Janet Reno becomes the first female attorney general.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” becomes military policy. The world loses a classy lady with the death of Audrey Hepburn. Home sales drop 3.2 percent, but average sales prices rise 3.3 percent.

1994: NAFTA comes into being, baseball players go on strike, Aldrich Ames is arrested for spying, and Republicans take control of Congress. “Cats” is the Broadway musical that just won’t die. Dull year in real estate - home sales down slightly, average sales prices up a bit.

1995: A total of 168 people die in the Oklahoma City terrorist bombing.

Congress repeals the 55-mph speed limit. The Dow Jones Industrial Average

tops the 5,000 mark. Mortgage money is available for about 9 percent. Home sales drop 12.5 percent, while average sales prices are up a bit. Total sales volume drops to $2.9 billion, lowest since 1985.

1996: Unabomber Ted Kaczynski is arrested, Cuba Gooding Jr. wins an Oscar and Atlanta hosts the Olympic Games. President Clinton wins 31 states and D.C. on the way to an easy re-election. Home sales are up 10.9 percent, and the average sales price are up 1.4 percent.

1997: Madeleine Albright is sworn in as the nation’s first female secretary of state. The Dow Jones average drops more than 550 points on Oct. 27, but rebounds the next day. Fashion mogul Gianni Versace is murdered. Home sales rise 9.8 percent, and average sales prices are up 3.2 percent to more than $220,000.

1998: “Titanic” sweeps the Oscars, and Americans learn of new uses for cigars as the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal takes some unpleasant turns. Jerry Seinfeld leaves TV, Mark McGwire sets a new home-run record, and actor Jack (“Hawaii Five-O”) Lord dies. The real estate market swells, with average sales up 32.6 percent, average sales prices up 3.7 percent, and total volume surpassing $5 billion.

1999: Cable television continued to play a greater and greater role in our daily lives. Home sales were up slightly, with average home sales prices rising to nearly $240,000. A home mortgage could be found with an average interest rate of 7.8 percent.

2000: The presidential election essentially ends in a tie, another Summer Olympic Games comes and goes, and the Washington Redskins continue to find success elusive. Home sales rise 14.7 percent, the average sales price tops the quarter-million-dollar mark for the first time, and sales volume grows to $6.5 billion.

2001: More than 3,000 people die in terrorist bombings on Sept. 11, and the nation mobilizes for a new kind of war.

While the economy suffers, the attacks don’t dampen Northern Virginia’s hot real estate market, with total sales rising 6.4 percent and the average sales price up 13 percent to $285,000. Total sales volume tops $7.9 billion.

2002: The Bush administration continues its planning to disrupt the “Axis of Evil,” and focuses on Iraq. The stock market begins to recover from its doldrums, but unemployment remains a concern. While home sales are up only slightly, the average sales price rises over $300,000 for the first time, and total sales volume is $8.9 billion.

2003: The war in Iraq seems to be going well, but cleaning up after the military victory proves to be a thorny and deadly task. Could it be: Red Sox vs.

Cubs in the World Series? (Alas, no.)

Home sales show no sign of slipping, with average prices also heading up considerably throughout the metropolitan area. Sales volume tops $10 billion for the first time.

2004: The insurgency in Iraq is all over the headlines, and becomes one of the focal points of the presidential cam-

paign. While the national economy continues to struggle toward recovery, the local economy continues to roar along.

Joe Gibbs gets off to a shaky start in his return to the Redskins, and baseball is finally set to return to D.C. RIP Rodney Dangerfield, Ronald Reagan, Julia Child and Isabel “Weezie” Sanford. The average home value continues to rise (up 21.8 percent), and sales are modestly up from a year before.

2005: All good things come to an end: Actor Eddie Albert joins Eva Gabor in a “Green Acres” heaven reunion. Chicken King Frank Perdue and civil rights icon Rosa Parks also die. The war in Iraq continues as the Bush administration enters its second term. On the real estate scene, the bull market of the past six years is coming to a close, although parts of the of local marketplace still showed spark.

Sales volume tops $15 billion for the first time, but that will be the high-water mark for the local market.

2006: The war in Iraq drags on, the Redskins continue to disappoint and the local real estate market shows the effects of slowing sales and moderating prices.

Long-term, the market has proven to be a success, but for those who bought at the height of the boom, there will be challenges if they need to sell their properties in the short term. Total sales volume drops to $11.1 billion, the first decline reported since 1999.

2007: The first few months of the year see the real estate market attempting to shake off the doldrums, with inventory not so high and prices seeming to hold steady. Hopes in the real estate industry that the market would sprout to life in spring prove unfounded, as the market continues to meander generally downward. The inner suburbs hold up the best, but by mid-year, even they are flat or declining. At the end of it all, home sales are down 13.1 percent from the year before, but – for the 15th year in a row – average home sales posted an increase.

2008: Economic calamity strikes the nation late in the year, brought on in large part by what had been the overheated real estate market. Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama battle it out for the presidency, and while the military surge in Iraq produces some results, there are plenty of other challenges facing U.S. foreign policy during the year. The newspaper industry continues to struggle. Sir Edmund Hillary, Charlton Heston, Jim McKay and Suzanne Pleshette die.

Home sales across Northern Virginia are down about 4 percent, to the lowest point since 1996, and average sales prices plunges more than 14 percent, perhaps the largest drop ever in the local area.

2009: The economy remains the big story; it continues to wobble but doesn’t collapse. Meanwhile, the new Obama administration must decide what to do in Afghanistan, the latest military flashpoint. Terrorism rears its head at Christmastime, about the same time the local area is buried under a foot and a half of snow. Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon and Walter Cronkite die, and Redskins Continued on Page 26

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Sales Continued from Page 24 fans have almost nothing to cheer about except the arrival of yet another new coach. Home sales rebound, increasing 9.3 percent, but average sales prices are at their lowest point since 2003.

2010: Republicans grab back control of the U.S. House of Representatives, setting up a showdown with President Obama over the nation’s priorities.

Meanwhile, the economic situation continues to wander along in the weeds, and while there is some progress in extricating U.S. forces from Iraq, Afghanistan continues to be a problem that seems to defy a solution. The local real estate market can’t seem to find its footing, although it is buoyed by federal tax credits that help a bit. Elizabeth Edwards, Gary Coleman, Lena Horne and Teddy Pendergrass were among those who left us. In the Northern Virginia area, home sales were down 6.2 percent from 2009 figures, although they were up compared to 2008. And the average sales price saw a rebound, up 8.9 percent to $469,018.

2011: The economy continues to stumble along, and the folks in Washington seemed more interested in brinksmanship than bipartisanship. The stock market teetered and tottered, and threats of a double-dip recession have loomed.

The local real estate market continues to show both signs of progress (higher average sales prices) and areas of concern (anemic sales figures). But the full story won’t be known until January rolls

Q&A Continued from Page 3

get up every day and find the next deal.”

Betsy Twigg, McEnearney Associates: “Learn everything you can about technology and have a very open mind. You make money two ways – by being extremely talented and doing things other people will not do, like work on weekends and meet cleaners at 7 in the morning. Be extremely flexible, and never give up on anything or anybody. Also, learn everything you can about all different people, to help you deal with situations that are sometimes tense. It’s not a glamor job.”

Natalie Roy, Keller Williams: “Be prepared to work hard, don’t take anything personally. Be patient, surround yourself with supportive colleagues, and join a topnotch real estate firm that offers extensive training. I have found it incredibly helpful to be part of a dynamic network that ensures you are up to date on new requirements, online tools, market analysis and negotiation strategies. New agents also should get on a bike to tour communities in their area.

Not only will they get to know these neighborhoods inside and out, they will benefit from a good real-estate workout.”

Jane Price, Weichert: “To succeed, agents need to be intuitive and keenly focused on what each individual client’s goals are, highly organized, flexible, eager to stay on top of industry changes and, most of all,

around and the final figures are in.

2012: Presidential politics dominates the year, and voters in November return Barack Obama with a decisive but not overwhelming victory. Republicans lose seats in Congress. Economic conditions remain soft, while questions remain about the amount of U.S. debt. The Redskins rebound in the second half of the year to reach the playoffs, while the Nationals also have a good season.

Whitney Houston, Neil Armstrong, Dick Clark and Andy Griffith were among those who died during the year, while Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian dominated gossip sites. “Honey BooBoo” became famous through cable TV. The Northern Virginia real estate market showed a rebound both in total sales (up 11.6 percent from a year before) and average sales price (up 4.4 percent and again over the half-milliondollar mark).

2013: The stock market rebounded, unemployment receded a bit and more people were questioning why the rich got richer while everyone else didn’t during the economic rebound.

President Obama’s approval ratings declined, in part to a botched rollout of his health-care package, but Republicans didn’t benefit much. A partial shutdown of the federal government served to reinforce the view of many that the nation’s leaders seemed to either not know, or not care, what they were doing.

The travails of the Washington Redskins took center stage for much of the fall, with the team posting a lousy record and coach Mike Shanahan sent packing with a going-away gift of mil-

lions of dollars.

Virginians reversed course, electing Democrat Terry McAuliffe as governor – but Republicans kept their tight grip on control of the House of Delegates.

Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Tom Clancy, James Gandolfini and Eydie Gorme were among those who left us.

The local real estate market continued its rebound, with average prices in the inner suburbs of Northern Virginia setting a record at $540,043 and the number of sales surpassing the 20,000 mark for the first time since 2006.

2014: The search for a missing Malaysian airliner captivated cable-TV viewers during the year, and ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine led to a Malaysian aircraft being shot out of the sky.

Racial tensions ranged from a police shooting in Ferguson, Mo., to the remarks that cost an NBA owner his franchise. The economy seemed to be in two-steps-forward-one-back mode, while the potential that the Ebola virus might impact the U.S. was on the minds of many. Republicans cleaned up in the midterm elections, and prospective candidates for the 2016 presidential election started their preparations.

Among those who left our midst during the year: Robin Williams, Joan Rivers, Marion Barry Jr., Shirley Temple Black and Mickey Rooney.

It was a relatively soft year for local real estate, with the Northern Virginia market posting year-over-year declines every month but December, when it rebounded with a double-digit increase.

With 18,696 sales, the market was

down 8.2 percent from a year before, but the average price rose to a record $551,220.

2015: The race to succeed President Obama was in full swing, and the economy continued its gradual, if not terribly exuberant, rebound from the depths of the recession. The U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on gay marriage, legalizing it across the land, while the public’s attention often found itself focused on terrorism at home and abroad.

Pope Francis came to the United States, where political battles raged on issues ranging from gun control to a nuclear deal with Iran. At the local level, the McAuliffe administration’s proposed to allow single-occupant vehicles to use Interstate 66 at rush hour, if they paid a toll, drew criticism from some quarters and support from others.

Bruce Jenner became Caitlyn Jenner – perhaps the nation’s first Republicanleaning celebrity Transgender-American, while Adele came roaring back on the music scene after a break. And the Redskins, after an iffy start and (what some would call media-manufactured) complaints about the team’s name, found success with a new quarterback before falling in the first round of the playoffs.

We said goodbye to a host of notables in 2015, ranging from Julian Bond and E.L. Doctorow to Ernie Banks, Moses Malone, Yogi Berra and B.B. King; Jackie Collins, Leonard Nimoy and Natalie Cole; classic-TV icons Donna Douglas and Al Molinaro; and chef Paul Prudhomme.

As for 2016? We’ll meet you back here in January 2017!

good problem-solvers. The exciting/fun part that has kept me in the business is seeing folks happily complete a home purchase or sale.”

Gloria Adams, Sotheby’s: “Get the word around that you are in the business and looking for business through social media or whatever means, and keep doing that.

Keep your name in front of people, letting them know that you are eager for business.

Send mailers and keep in touch with your clients. Keep in touch, keep in touch, keep in touch.”

Steve Wydler, Wydler Brothers Real Estate: “It’s not as easy or simple as it might look from the outside in. Every agent is starting their own business. Have a sixmonth reserve of funds, because there are no guarantees, and there will be a time lag between starting the business and generating money.”

Dee Murphy, Long & Foster: “Very few people can do this job well, because you really have to love it. It’s not 9 to 5. So if you do this for the wrong reasons, it won’t work.

You have to be a self-starter. The job is not about selling, it’s about problem-solving.

You can’t put your own interests first.”

Karen Briscoe, Huckaby, Briscoe, Conroy Realty Group, Keller Williams: Briscoe will publish a book this spring titled “Real Estate Success in 5-minutes a Day.” The book is filled with 366 one-page tips about becoming a successful real-estate agent. “The idea for the book is for readers to read one tip each day. Then if they apply what they learned over the course of

a year by reading tips, they will have a lot of knowledge,” Briscoe said. “All of the key topics and fundamentals to being successful are covered. The No. 1 tip is that real estate is a business, it’s not personal.”

Carol Temple, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage: “Exercise patience and take every bit of training you can get. Have some money saved. You will have expenses and you won’t be having any money coming in for a while. Know the paperwork inside and out. Also, have a clean car and a tool kit in the trunk with those things you might need, including toilet paper.”

Joan Stansfield, Keller Williams: “What I explore is their ‘why’ and then the ‘where’ and “how.” Why? If it’s because they think they can make a lot of money, drive a nice car and set their own hours, I let them know that’s an illusion, a fantasy. I believe statistics show that the average pay nationwide for Realtors is less than $50,000 a year. Where? I caution them that location is everything. It’s so important to join a brokerage that will not only train, but also support, new agents. How? Expectations about pay are critical to explore and find out if they can afford to go with little to no pay for three to six months, or longer.”

Casey Margenau, Casey Margenau Fine Homes and Estates: “I get that question all the time. I ask is it something they really want to do, because this business has an 80-percent failure rate, if not higher. You have to be prepared to work retail hours, and it’s a very expensive business. You have to learn the rules, products and properties.

Most don’t take into account what it really takes. If they do, and do well, it can be very rewarding.”

Billy Buck, Buck & Associates: “The best advice is to get close with someone who is an expert in the industry and ask if they will offer a mentorship. Or, find a highly-productive agent who needs help. There is nothing better than working under an experienced agent. Also, be open for everything, selling commercial and residential.”

Carol Ellickson, Sotheby’s International Realty: “I would tell them that real estate is a great industry and they need to learn everything they can. A mentor would be a good start. There is so much more to learn beyond the licensing class – about people, always putting your clients’ best interests first, negotiating a transaction smoothly – beyond all the laws and regulations that need to be known. It seems so easy from the outside, but real estate is hard work, and a good agent will thrive on the challenge.”

Ann Wilson, Keller Williams: “Getting into real estate is definitely not for the faint of heart. First, make sure you align yourself with a great mentor. Second, get into a good training program or get coached. Lastly, make sure you feel comfortable with the office environment. The people you associate yourself with will be your influencers. They will be the ones you seek for constant advice. I have always been a firm believer that if you align yourself with successful and positive people, you will be, as well.”

THE SUN GAZETTE IS PART OF THE ‘INSIDENOVA’ FAMILY OF NEWS ORGANIZATIONS. FIND US AT WWW.INSIDENOVA.COM.

Weichert

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CRS, GRI, ABR

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LOVELY SPLIT FOYER WITH OVERSIZE 2 CAR GARAGE. UPGRADES INCLUDE MANY NEWER DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS. THE KITCHEN FEATURES 42” CABINETS & GRANITE COUNTERS. THE ENTIRE INTERIOR WAS PROFESSIONALLY PAINTED IN 2016. ENJOY COMFORTABLE GAS HEAT & HOT WATER. ROOF HAS 25 YEAR ARCHITECTUAL SHINGLES 2008. YOU’LL ENJOY THIS QUIET CUL-DE-SAC NEAR TYSONS.

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SG

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Farmhouse Style and Modern Convenience

Contemporary Living Spaces Augment Home’s Classic Exterior Style Featured Property

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“The best of all worlds” is a good catch-phrase to describe our featured property, a modern take on the classic farmhouse property, set in one of Arlington’s most desirable neighborhoods just blocks from the East Falls Church Metro station.

Gleaming inside and out with newness, the home is set on a lovely lot and features the charms of a bygone era to The state-of-the-art farm kitchen is go with all the amenities sought in 21sta showstopper, featuring natural-stone century living.

The property, from the creative team countertops and backsplash, top-quality at Starbuck, currently is on the market, Bosch appliances and custom-designed listed at $1,775,000 by Henry Hyde of cabinetry.

The adjoining sunlit family room is anRe/Max Allegiance.

Majestically sited to take advantage of other highlight, featuring plentiful space the level lot, this home’s curb appeal is a and French doors leading to the deck fitting introduction to all that awaits us as and rear yard.

Adding to the amenities on the main we prep for an exploration of four levels level is a private study, highlighted by of living spaces.

A greeting on the wrap-around porch glass-paneled pocket doors.

The centerpiece of the second level is is the perfect way to begin, then we are ushered in from winter’s chill to peruse the master retreat, featuring a plentiful the surroundings. Note the detailing, bedroom area; custom-designed, walk-in from the high ceilings above to the hard- closet; a huge bath with custom tile and a soaking tub; and, as an extra bonus, a wood flooring below.

The living room effectively combines walk-out balcony.

Two additional bedrooms are located usefulness for daily living and entertainINSIDENOVA pocket-sized. ing in style, while the formal dining room on the second level, along with laundry matter where you are,facilities and storage. is an enchantingNow spot,no with a pass-through can getconvenience. all your local news, A spectacular, fourth-level loft area is butler’s pantry you for added

Sun 28 Gazette

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a surprise and delight, with a den/play area, bedroom and full bath.

To the lower level we head, and more charms await.

It all begins with the large recreation room, soon to be your home for informal fun, particularly when combined with the entertainment center. The home’s fifth bedroom, with full bath, can be found on the lower level, as well.

Location? It’s hard to top – set back in a delightful neighborhood, but convenient to commuter routes (including the aforementioned Metro station) and all the charms of urban-village living.

The local real estate market takes a brief break at the beginning of each year, prior to launching into the busy buying season. And 2016’s spring market may come early, as the prospect of rising interest rates has many potential purchasers hopping off the fence.

As a result, those who want top choice of the best properties need to start scouting today. This home should be at the top of anyone’s list.

Articles are prepared by the Sun Gazette’s real estate advertising department on behalf of clients.

For information on the home, contact the listing agent. For information on having a house reviewed, contact the Sun Gazette’s real estate advertising department at (703) 738-2520.

Facts for buyers Address: 6318 31st Street North, Arlington (22207).

Listed at: $1,775,000 by Henry Hyde, Re/Max Allegiance (703) 362-6494.

Schools: Nottingham Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, Yorktown High School.

Now no matter where you are, you can get all your local news, sports, and traffic.

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www.insidenova.com

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January 2016 S U N

G A Z E T T E

W I N T E R

R E A L

E S T A T E

G U I D E

SG

30

SG

S U N

G A Z E T T E

W I N T E R

R E A L

E S T A T E

G U I D E

www.insidenova.com

•

January 2016

F I N E P RO P E RT I E S

31

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

SG

4.5%

Professional Listings

G U I D E

Results Count

$45 Million

E S T A T E

in 2015 production

R E A L

Average sales price 99.1% of list price

Casey’s Listings

www.9906Timmark.com Vienna $1,295,000

coming Soon Haymarket $1,195,000

www.insidenova.com

•

January 2016

S U N

G A Z E T T E

W I N T E R

Average days on market: 31

32

www.10855Huntergate.com Reston $750,000

www.2818GladeVale.com Vienna $750,000