North Potomac, MD Market Report – 8/17/11

The editors of Money Magazine have rated North Potomac #3 on the Best Places to Live list.  WOW!

1. Holmdel, NJ
2. Southborough, MA
3. North Potomac, Maryland

Population: 24,909
Median family income (per year): $147,594

North Potomac was created in 1988 from the cities of Gaithersburg, Potomac and Rockville and lies parallel to the Potomac River.  Now we all know why Money Magazine rated North Potomac #3, with a Median Family Income of $147,594 per year – we have no doubt.

I would say that it is North Potomac’s, proximity to Washington D.C. and Nationally Recognized Schools that also make it one of the most desirable places to live.

Here is a snap shot of North Potomac’s Real Estate Market for last month:

July 2011 Real Estate Market Statistics for  20878 North Potomac, MD

Taking a quick glance at these stats – it isn’t as bad as the national news is saying, but it sure doesn’t look fabulous.

No one wants to see the percentage of Total Sold Dollar Volume go negative (-31.24% in this case) or the Average Days on Market Increase (+11.11%).

It is true that this economic down turn has affected even the best of areas.  BUT the information that this table fails to mention is that New Pending Sales (under Contract) are up +1.82% over this time last year, the Detached (single-family homes) Average Sold Price is up to $700,140 from $691,856.

Although this small increase is only +1.20%, I see it coupled with the minimal difference in Sold Price vs, List Price of -0.65%,

Is this a possible sign that this Real Estate Market is improving?  I like to think so.  Although it could be argued that Sellers are just pricing their homes more in line with the market?  Only time will tell.

Market data and commentary provided by Kathy Fleskes & Serena Toro, Rockville Regional Office.

Search for homes in North Potomac, and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

MyLife in Metro DC: Merriweather’s Musical Merriment

As summer quickly flies by, it’s important to make sure you check off all the “must do’s” on your warm weather list.   And while vacations and beach trips top of most of our lists, outdoor concerts are usually a close second.

This summer, I was fortunate enough, in the span of just one week, to visit an outdoor concert venue not just once, but twice.

My first show was a melodic low-key evening with one of my favorite London based alternative rock/folk bands, Mumford and Sons, while the other was an over-the-top pop spectacular — complete with enough glitter and sweets to make even a resident of Candyland jealous.

That’s right, thanks to my very gracious rockstar friend Amie, not only did I get to attend my first ever “teeny bopper” pop concert this summer, I also got to work her I Love All Access event with Katy Perry – eeek!

Working the I Love All Access VIP Event Before the Show!

While the shows attracted VERY different crowds, both were highly anticipated sold out shows that had fans from all over the area flocking to Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, MD. The venue is smaller than most of the area’s bigger outdoor pavilions and is hidden in the woods, surrounded by trees, giving you the feeling of seclusion from the city — creating a unique concert experience.

If you live in the Metro DC area, the venue is around 30-40 miles away.  While an ideal traffic-free drive would take around 45 minutes, during weekday traffic, this trek can take up to 2 hours.

Merriweather's Distance from Arlington, VA

We left Arlington around 3:45pm trying to beat rush hour and sat in about two hours of traffic while heading to Mumford and Sons (there were also storms in the area slowing traffic). When I went to work the Katy Perry show, it took only a little over an hour – but I was also arriving at 11am !

When you get to the venue, you’ll be directed to park in one of the large grass lots (unless you are going to VIP Parking). If you arrive early to tailgate, be aware that alcohol, grills and glass containers are not permitted in the parking areas.  One thing that is permitted and I’d highly encourage is bug spray. The grass in the lots is pretty tall and it can be quite buggy.

As with any outdoor venue, the best tip I can give is to be prepared!  If there is even a CHANCE of rain, I suggest bringing a rain poncho; we were some of the lucky few that stayed dry before the Mumford & Sons show by having them. And if the show starts early, or is during the day, be sure to pack sunscreen; there are very few shaded areas and no shade on the lawn.

The venue allows you to bring in blankets to sit on and even permits you to bring in one sealed water bottle per person.

Priceless Ponchos and a View of the Lawn at the Mumford & Sons Show

If your tickets are for the lawn, try to arrive early to snag a good spot, sold out shows get packed quickly and visibility is limited from the top of the lawn.

Once the concert starts, sit back (or stand) and enjoy the fun!  The acoustics are incredible for being outside and even if you end up with one of the last spots on the lawn, large TV monitors help you see what you are missing on the stage below.

At the Mumford & Sons show, we ended up coming into the venue late, due to the downpour and crazy lighting that just wouldn’t stop, so we stood to the side of the lawn. We were able to see a tiny bit of the stage from where we were standing but had to rely for the most part on the TV screens.

For Katy Perry, we lucked out (again, thanks to Amie) and snagged second row center seats.  The view from here was unbelievable and we were even able to help a fan next to us get called on stage to be KISSED by his celebrity crush!

Katy's Fan Post Cheek Kiss and Views From Our Seats

During the show, if you are going to grab a snack or visit the bathrooms, be sure to plan ahead. There is usually a long line for both and the facilities are limited –many of which are porta-potties.  So wait until the end of your favorite song or you might miss it!

Both shows were incredible and perfect additions to my summer — I was very happy to check them off my summer “to do” list.

And I have to admit, while skeptical at first, after working for and seeing Kathy Perry live, I might even go to the next NKOTBSB or one of the other over the top Pop concerts in DC this summer.   I think my inner teeny bopper might be here to stay.  But shhh….don’t tell anyone.

-Kristin

To share your favorite outdoor concert stories, learn more about MyLife, view pictures, videos, post comments, and suggest adventures please “like” MyLife in Metro DC on Facebook!

Centreville, VA Market Report 8/15/11

Centreville continues to mirror the Fairfax County market. Centreville showed a 5% decline in average sales price over July 2011, while the county overall showed a 3.25% decrease.

This appears to be only a slight “hiccup” in our overall stable market.  June showed a healthy increase, and overall the trend is still going upward for the year.

July Statistics for Centreville:

All indications show that the Centreville market will enjoy a steady increase in value.  We must remember that July of 2010 contained a larger number of foreclosures and short sales, which are down considerably in 2011.

If you considering buying now, don’t hesitate, interest rates continue at all time lows.

Market data, commentary, and statistics proved by Jim Agnew, Managing Broker, Avery Hess, Realtors, Dulles Area Office, Centreville, VA

Heat Up Your D.C. Summer Before Winter’s Chill Sets In

Summer is quickly winding down in D.C. While that means a relief from the sweltering heat, it also sadly means an end to the numerous free and outdoor events held in the summer months. However, the month of August is full of excitement, with events everyone should attend before the leaves start to turn.

On Monday, a Washington institution will host its final event of the season, which is a can’t miss if you’ve never attended. Screen on the Green has been a part of this city for the past 13 years. Presented each summer by HBO, a giant movie screen is set up on the National Mall and some of film’s most iconic movies are shown.

This year, the screen is near 8^th Street NW. Seating goes as far back as 14^th Street. Admission is free and participants are encouraged to bring food, blankets and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy an evening picnic on the Mall while watching the movie.

Over the past four weeks, HBO has presented several classics, including In the Heat of the Night, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

The pick for the final flick of the year is another classic: Cool Hand Luke, the 1967 drama starting Paul Newman, in his most memorable role. The movie begins around dusk, which typically occurs between 8:00-8:30 p.m. Be sure to get there early, since people are known to start lining up blankets as early as 5:00 p.m. to secure a prime location.

And if it’s raining on Monday, be sure to bring a jacket. A light sprinkle or even a hard rain doesn’t stop Screen on the Green from showing movies.

If you can’t make it to the movies on Monday, but still want to enjoy a free outdoor activity, there is another excellent opportunity later in the week.

Every Friday night during the summer, the National Gallery of Art hosts Jazz in the Garden. It’s held at the National Gallery of Sculpture Art on 7^th Street and Constitution Ave and is a rollicking good time. Surrounded by massive sculptures from the 20^th century, some of the world’s top jazz acts put on shows.

As with Screen on the Green, admission to Jazz in the Garden is free. Also, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and host a picnic in one of Washington, D.C.’s prettiest locales.

The acts at Jazz in the Garden cover the broad spectrum of jazz music, showcasing bands with swing influences with Brazilian undertones and modern jazz technique.  Past Friday’s have seen an African funk group and an acoustic Latin guitar act.

The list going forward is even more eclectic. This Friday brings Chuck Redd, who plays jazz vibraphone, an instrument similar to the xylophones kids played growing up. Then next Friday, August 19^th, Jazz in the Garden hosts Alex Brown, a classic jazz pianist. The shows continue until September 9th.

Jazz in the Garden is held rain or shine. But if showers hit, the show is moved to the Sculpture Garden’s covered pavilion.

So, with the summer months coming to an end, take this week to experience two quintessential D.C. events, ones you won’t be able to see for another year.

-David

McLean/Tysons Corner, VA Market Report – 8/10/2011

Tysons remains the vibrant center of business and shopping in Fairfax County; despite the traffic congestion and the continuing road construction for the widening of the beltway and the Metro extension to Dulles.

Perhaps with an eye towards the future, when all of the projects are completed, people are buying homes in the Tysons Corner and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Comprised of 3 different zip codes, the Tysons area has remained overall stable year over year, with 22180 seeing declines in total volume and average sales price, but 22043 seeing significant gains in both categories.

The statistics for July 2011 are relatively unchanged from 2010.

It will still be several years before the road & Metro projects are completed, but as much as Tysons Corner is the center of business and commerce today, the future promises great opportunities for those who act now.

If you are considering purchasing now is the absolute best time. Prices and interest rates are at historic lows.  While the Fed has indicated that rates will remain low for a few years, the price of housing is certainly going to increase.

If you bought gold in 1996 for $400 an ounce you were probably depressed in 1999 when it dropped to $250. How delighted you are today when it reached $1700.

The housing market is cyclical and historically always rebounds. It may have taken longer this time around but it definitely will again.

Market data and commentary provided by Charlie Carroll, Managing Broker, Avery-Hess, Realtors.
Search for homes in McLean, Tysons Corner and all of the DC Metro: www.averyhess.com

Ashburn, VA Market Report – 8/3/11

Wow, Ashburn leads the market in Loudoun County.

Sales volume has a dramatic increase over June, 2010, the average sales price is up nearly 10%, and number of active listings remains relatively stable.

Let’s look at the stats for zip codes 20147 and 20148:

All indications show that the Ashburn market will enjoy a steady increase in value.  The Ashburn market is one of the “hot beds” of new construction in Northern Virginia, with new single family and town homes leading the charge in the Brambleton area.

If you are considering selling your home, now is the time!  Choose from well known, reputable companies, interview 2 or 3 Realtors active in your market, and compare their marketing plans, internet exposure, and social media interaction.

Information obtained from statistics supplied by Metropolitan Regional Information Systems and analysis and comment by Jim Agnew, Managing Broker, Avery Hess, Realtors, Dulles-Westfields Regional Office, Centreville, VA 20120