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Happy President's Day Weekend!
From the desk of Natalie U. Roy
Your Keller Williams Neighborhood & Bicycling Real Estate Specialist
NAT's REAL ESTATE HOTLINE: 703/819/4915
Listing News, Open Houses, Home Buying and Selling Tips & Much More!
Licensed in VA, MD & DC
February 19th, 2016
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The EARLY Spring Market is HERE:
That was fast -- the early spring market is already here!
Inventory is still thin in the region, particularly for starter homes and smaller-sized properties. Well-priced homes in prime locations are getting multiple offers. It is definitely a seller's market.
I recently attended Keller Williams Realty annual conference, where brokers and agents, and other real estate experts from across the country came together to share their expertise and experiences.
One common theme was that competition is fierce for smaller, more affordable homes typically in demand by first-time homebuyers, as well as by empty nesters in the process of downsizing. One conference panelist shared how he had received 33 offers on one of his listings. Recently, I helped a young couple compete successfully against seven other offers in Arlington's lovely Bluemont neighborhood.
This environment requires a strategic approach.
Here is some advice for buy
ers in a seller's market:
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Do your homework to find the house of your dreams. Investigate neighborhoods that are on your top ten list now. Talk with the neighbors, time your commute from the area, and visit playgrounds, coffee shops and town centers. Make sure the community is a good fit for you.
- Be quick. Get in to see homes of interest sooner, rather than later. Don't wait for the open houses.
- If possible, see properties not yet on the market.
- Be ready to make your offer. This includes having your lender pre-qualification letter and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) Check ready to go.
For sellers, you are in a good place, but you still need to do your homework. Make sure your home is prepped and decluttered for showings, and that it is priced right. Make the home as accessible to prospective buyers as possible -- the more foot traffic, the better the odds of selling at a great price in the shortest time possible.
I hope these tips were useful. Happy early Spring market, everyone! If you need help buying or selling, by all means call me. Also remember, anytime you want a bike house-hunting tour, I am ready to go!
All the best,
Natalie Roy
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Special BICYCLING Gift from Conte's Bike Shop
I am excited to announce a unique partnership with Conte's Bike Shop, my go-to bike store. To continue to promote cycling around Arlington and the entire DC metro area, the Arlington store will give you a free 23 ounce Conte's Bike Shop Purist Insulated Bottle, when you mention my name and Bicycling Realty Group. The insulated water bottles are great for short or long bike trips. So head over to Conte's today to pick up your free deluxe water bottle. Happy Biking!
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Nat's Early Spring Listing News & Open Houses:
President's Day Open House:
TODAY, Sunday, February 19th, 1-4 PM
5124 Kenwood Drive
Annandale, VA 22003
Girl Scout Cookies will be served!
Offered at $1,288,888
Stunning custom-built home with beautiful finishes, situated on expansive 1.11 acre lot, is on the market NOW. This gracious home with more than 7K Sq. ft. of living space, features 5 bedrooms/5 baths, library with classic built-in bookcases, separate au pair/in-law wing, wrought iron railings, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, club room, media space and a two-car garage. The cherry on the top is the large deck facing the amazing backyard, perfect for entertaining family and friends. For more information on this beautiful home go to: www.5124KenwoodDr.com.
Convenient inside the Beltway location includes easy access to:
- I-495 and HOV hot lanes (.4 mile);
- Thomas Jefferson Science and Technology High School (approx. 2.5 miles);
- Bradlick Shopping Center with Giant, Starbucks, Gold's Gym (approx. 1.5 miles)
- Wakefield Park (approx. 1.5 miles);
- Inova Fairfax Hospital (approx. 4.5 miles);
- Springfield Town Center (approx. 5 miles);
- Tyson's Corner Center (approx. 8.5 miles);
- Van Dorn Metro Station (approx. 6.5 miles), Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (approx. 6 miles); and
- Fairfax Connector Bus - 306, Metro Bus Service - 16L, 17A, 17M, 26A.
SOLD This Month
1322 South Glebe Road, Arlington
Purchased for $455,000
This Sears charmer in Douglas Park, sold this month. Congrats to my wonderful clients Aryn and Jeff (pictured on the right) on
the sale of their vintage bungalow, full of personality & curb appeal. Ideally situated, this gem is located down
the street from coffee shops,restaurants, retail,a post office & the iconic Arlington
Cinema & Drafthouse. The two bedroom bungalow features hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen opening to the dining room, built-in bookcases, cozy family room, inviting front porch, & a large deck & yard. Thank you Sharon D. for referring me to these wonderful folks!
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414 N Garfield St., Arlington, VA 22201
Classic Vintage Bungalow in Heart of Lyon Park!
Offered at $849,000
This stunning bungalow in the heart of Lyon Park is now under contract. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath gem, pictured below, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. The location is ideal, .6m from Clarendon metro, restaurants, shops, tons of retail and Trader Joe's. Across the street is the newly renovated Lyon Park Community House, playground and lovely park grounds. Close to Bike/jogging trails and major commuter routes. If you have buyers interested in the Lyon Park/Ashton Heights area by all means give me a call.
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Coming Soon in March: 4131 Lenox Drive, Fairfax, VA 22032
Due on the market next month is this beautifully updated Split-Level home (5 levels), pictured on right, located on a quiet street but close to shopping & restaurants in the heart of Fairfax.
Highlights include:
- 4 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms;
- Master Bedroom Suite on separate level;
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Attached single car garage with additional wo
rkspace;
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Beautifully landscaped 1/3 acre lot;
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Large private fenced in tree-filled backyard (new fence 2016);
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Large deck with hot tub, built in benches & water feature perfect for entertaining;
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Refinished original hardwood floors throughout the home;
- Remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances;
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Eat-in Kitchen dining space with Pergo flooring;
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Freshly painted living room, dining room, & master bedroom (2017);
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Beautiful brick fireplace with Fisher wood stove insert; and
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Bonus room in basement with a good size laundry space & ample storage.
For more information on this fabulous home in the Woodson High School district please contact me via phone or email.
***************************************************: RENTALS:
3225 North Pershing Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
Great Rental Opportunity for this gorgeous craftsman home in Ashton Heights, half mile to VA Square Metro and .7m from center of Clarendon. Tons of space & exceptional features, sited on a 11,476 sf lot with 5200 sf of living space. Gourmet kitchen opens to breakfast and family rooms. Features include 6 bedrooms/5.5 baths, main level 2nd master, jacuzzi tub & dual shower in MB. Fully finished & furnished basement with separate entrance, freezer, and W/D. $5900 a month. A must see!
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FULLY FURNISHED RENTAL: 259 N Bryan Street, Arlington, VA
$4250/MONTH, includes water, sewer & trash removal.
Available Now. Adorable bungalow in prime Lyon Park location, FULLY Furnished, 3 bedrooms, 2 updated baths, located on quiet street, in the heart of everything. Blocks from bustling retail area that includes shops, restaurants,yoga studio & grocer. Convenient to Clarendon,Courthouse & two metro stations. Inviting front porch, balcony/deck perfect for entertaining family & friends, gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances, wine fridge, water purifier system, spacious family room & much more!
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Rental: 3511 N Nottingham Street, Arlington, VA 22207
$3750/month
Spacious Rambler in Williamsburg Village, with 3 bedrooms, open floor plan and expansive backyard. Includes carport and inviting back deck, perfect for entertaining. Lower level is a cozy family room or au pair/in-law suite. Convenient to major commuting routes, EFC Metro & Harrison Street Shopping Center! Call me today about this fantastic opportunity to rent this lovely home.
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Rental: 605 N Garfield Street, Arlington, VA 22201
Down the street from the Metro & the urban village of Clarendon
$4400/month
This adorable home is located in a great Location in the heart of Lyon Park, blocks from Clarendon! It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home complete with a spacious backyard & garage. Finished bonus space with full bath and washer/dryer on the lower level. It is down the street from Trader Joe's, Clarendon Metro, restaurants, shops & Arlington night life. Clay Park & the Lyon Park Community Center & surrounding park are blocks away.You cannot beat this location!
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What's the difference between a home warranty and homeowners' insurance policy?
By, Julie Treadman, Marketing Specialist, Bicycling Realty Group
A home warranty is a contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company that provides discounted repair and possible replacement on a home's major components due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty can save on costly repairs on items such as the water heater, air conditioning unit, plumbing, electrical, and some appliances. An insurance policy covers major perils, for example fire, property crimes, limited types of water damage, or hail damage to your home structure or personal property. Your homeowner's insurance policy will not cover a broken washing machine or clogged toilet but a home warranty may.
Depending on the home warranty coverage, appliances such as garbage disposal, refrigerators, washers and dryers or issues such as a roof leak or swimming pool/spa, may require additional coverage. A basic home warranty plan can run between $350-$500+ with additional costs for premium coverage or a service fee buy down. When service is required, the owner will pay a service fee that typically runs between $50-$100 per service call. A seller may purchase a home warranty to cover their home while on the market and then transfer it to the buyer at closing. Alternatively, a buyer may purchase a home warranty that can be included in the sale. Your real estate agent, title company, or others may purchase a home warranty as a settlement thank you gift. There are many options.
Benefits of a home warranty include protecting a homeowner from expensive, unforeseen repair bills, and finding a contractor to handle the repair. It also is an attractive selling feature to a possible homebuyer. Home warranties do have drawbacks. It eliminates the ability to use your own repairman and an item not properly maintained will not be covered. No home warranty is perfect so it's a choice a seller and buyer need to make. As always, do your due diligence in researching home warranty companies and read the fine print before purchasing a contract.
Information sourced from the following:
Fontinelle, A. (2016, October 17). Do You Need A Home Warranty? Retrieved from Investopedia:
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/11/home-warranty-worth-it.asp?lgl=no-ads-sticky
Lerner, M. (2014, March 11). Is a Home Warranty Worth the Cost? Retrieved from
www.realtor.com: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/home-warranty-worth-cost/
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Testimonial
[Thank you so much, Kate!]
Natalie Roy is quite literally the heart of Northern Virginia. There is no realtor who knows the area better than she- not only in regards to the ins and outs of the streets, sidewalks and schools but also the people and the souls of the neighborhoods.
Natalie helped me buy my first house in Lyon Park last August. I was very nervous to take this giant step but she walked me through the entire process. She gave me reading material and recommendations on lenders and home inspectors and printed out a sleuth of comparable prices. Anyone who has bought a house knows how stressful it can be but Natalie took that stress upon her shoulders and made the entire experience completely manageable for me, a first time home buyer.
There is no doubt that Natalie excels at her job because of her time in Arlington and experience in its housing market but what sets Natalie apart from every other realtor is her enthusiasm, her energy and her dedication. I think when you embark upon looking for a house, and the bittersweet stress that comes with that enormous decision, Natalie's care, charm and wit are precisely what you need to feel at home. She was ahead of the game throughout the process and always prompt about her responses to my questions and concerns. She had a light and professional manner with the seller that I believe ultimately scored me my dream house at an incredible price.
Natalie Roy is a champion--I will recommend her to anyone looking to buy a home as long as she reigns.
Kate
New Lyon Park Homeowner
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Always happy to take you out on a bike house hunting tour! Even if the weather is less than pristine, it is always fun and informative. Biking not possible? Delighted to walk, metro or drive.
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KW Realty, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, #100, Arlington, VA 22201
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