On the edge of Alexandria, The Landing shines with nurturing and innovative boutique-style senior living set in the cultural and intellectual hub of North Potomac Yard, with magnificent panoramic views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C.
Combining the elegance of a luxury rental community, the extravagance of a best-in-class hospitality experience, and just the right amount of individualized care, everything at The Landing is tailored to help our residents thrive.
For a limited time, lease a one-bedroom Assisted Living apartment for the price of a studio when you move in by April 30 (certain conditions apply — see sales director for details). Don’t miss this opportunity to get more for less. The Landing offers boutique-style living with individualized care and an abundance of lavish amenities. Your luxury one-bedroom residence rental fee includes:
- Spacious, light-filled one-bedroom apartment:
— Open kitchenette with granite countertops
— Separate sizable living room and bedroom
— Large bathrooms with walk-in showers
— Advanced technology for safety and convenience
- Three signature restaurants and two bars, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Alexandria
- On-site physician specialists
- Integrated physical, occupational & speech therapy program
- 24-hour concierge
- Individualized care program
- 24/7 licensed care staff
- Medication management
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Engaging and inspiring events and activities
- Transportation services
- Covered parking
- All utilities and Wi-Fi
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Access to on-site day spa and salon
The Landing delivers a quality of life that is exciting, comforting, and exceptional.
Now welcoming new residents. For more information, visit LandingAlexandria.com or call 571-814-5866.
This week’s Q&A column, sponsored and written by McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria, is a bit of a departure from our usual format. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact us at 703-549-9292. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: As a landlord, what are the most important issues I need to know about the renting process?
Answer: In our recent column, What do I need to know before renting a home?, we shared suggestions from the Realtor® perspective for tenants about the rental process. These tips were part of a lively discussion at a McEnearney Associates “Masterclass” featuring several of our top agents who have made a name for themselves as rental experts — both for tenants and landlords — as well as staff from our Property Management team.
This week we follow up with some important recommendations for Landlords.
For Landlords
DO: Follow all Fair Housing requirements. Your Realtor® is bound by a professional code of ethics and will ensure that the public is treated fairly during the leasing process of your property. Fair Housing violations can be reported to the local Realtor® association and may result in fines. Learn about your Fair Housing requirements and explore resources for Virginia, D.C. and Maryland, and ask your agent for clarification on anything you have questions about.
DO: Understand the difference between pets, emotional support animals and service animals. Tenants with registered support animals and service animals do not fall under “no pets” provisions. Virginia has a helpful brochure that outlines what qualifies for what and how tenants with service animals must be accommodated, and you can see D.C. and Maryland guidelines here.
DO: Consider accepting Housing Vouchers. The lack of affordable housing is a growing problem throughout the country and is felt by many in our region. Housing vouchers — awarded to eligible tenants after a complex and thorough screening by government and housing officials — ensure that low-income, elderly, disabled and other housing-insecure people have access to a decent, safe, and sanitary place to live. Landlords who participate in voucher programs will receive government subsidies for a portion of the rent and tenants will pay the difference based on their voucher award. This ensures consistent payment with tenants who have already passed federal and local screening processes.
Because of the lack of landlords who participate in subsidized housing programs, there are some voucher recipients who have been waiting several years to find an affordable home match. We encourage landlords to speak with their agent to find out how they can be part of helping many deserving tenants find a place to call home.
DO: Work with a Realtor®! It may seem like a landlord could put a “For Rent” sign in the yard and wait for qualified applicants to roll in without any help from an agent. But good Realtors® know that the right presentation, careful application screening processes, and a professional approach to onboarding a tenant can make all the difference between a smooth move between tenants and a logistical leasing nightmare. Count on the expertise and market knowledge that a seasoned agent brings to assist in the successful renting of your valuable investment!
If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703.5499292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
The Potomac Crescent Waldorf School (PCWS) opened its new campus in Old Town, Alexandria at 424 N. Washington Street on March 14.
The school, which started in 1997 — serving children from early infancy through 5th grade — is thrilled to have found a place to call home. The historic building was lovingly outfitted with freshly painted (lazure) walls and given soul to create a warm, inviting space for children to engage in the beautiful, varied and rigorous aspects of Waldorf education.
Now there are more hallways for the musical strings program to ring out through, and a refurbished backyard playground, with natural play elements and room for kids to run. The building includes lots of space for imaginative play, ample light, and a home-like air throughout.
Born over a century ago, Waldorf education operates in over 1,000 schools in 70 countries worldwide. PCWS had its humble beginnings in private homes in Northern Virginia, later moved to various church locations, and most recently, the Old Town Community Church (OTCC) in Old Town Alexandria. Everyone at PCWS is extremely grateful to OTCC for being gracious hosts, allowing the school to flourish and transition to their new home over the past two years.
Word continues to spread about PCWS’ mission of educating well-developed, free thinking children, capable of becoming adults who make a difference in the world. The new campus offers both the space and nurturing environment necessary for Waldorf education to succeed. The future is very promising for staff and students in this beautiful location. Faculty and staff are eager to get settled into this vibrant, historic community!
To learn more visit www.potomacwaldorf.org.
Just Listed highlights Alexandria City properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by the Jen Walker Team (Licensed in VA) of McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.
Welcome Back!
Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We are a real estate group based out of Alexandria, Virginia. I, along with my rock-star team members, Sue Kovalsky, Micki MacNaughton, and Adrianna Vallario, have more than 35 years of experience in real estate and sold over $150 million in 2022.
Fabulous layout in Jefferson Park! Beautiful 4 bedroom/3.5 bath move-in ready, detached home on a quiet, dead-end street! Featuring a large, separate dining room, updated kitchen with new range and refrigerator, fresh paint and newly-refinished floors, you will be ready to move right in!
Enter into the foyer and find the large dining room to the right. This space could be used for dining and a separate sitting area — or extend the table for large gatherings and hosting holiday dinners! The dining room flows easily into the kitchen — with crisp, white cabinetry, warm hardwood flooring, pantry space and stainless appliances, this kitchen will please even the most discerning chef. Step into the oversized family room — there will be space for everyone to watch a movie or to entertain! The family room flows easily to the rear patio.
With extensive hardscaping and ample space, your summer BBQs will be the envy of the neighborhood. A half bathroom rounds out this level. The upper level features four bedrooms and two full baths. The primary bedroom is a true sanctuary with a walk-in closet, vaulted ceilings, a skylight that brings in gorgeous natural light, and an en-suite bath with double vanities, a tub and a separate shower. Three bright and sunny bedrooms — all with great closet space — share a second full bathroom.
Head to the lower level where you will find a fabulous recreation room with fireplace. A great place for a playroom, office or guest suite (there’s a third full bathroom here!), you’ll enjoy this extra living area. Laundry, utilities and a storage area complete this level. Located right next to the St. Stephens St. Agnes Lower School playground and just minutes to George Mason Elementary, Monticello Park and the Pit playground.
Enjoy close proximity to Del Ray, Old Town, I-395, Reagan National Airport and more — this location cannot be beat! Welcome home!
Open House: Saturday, March 25 from 1-3 p.m.
403 Thomas Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 — The Jen Walker Team
Click here for Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].
- 2412 Davis Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22302 — $860,000
- 5102 Bellemeade Lane, Alexandria, VA 22311 — $719,900
- 2912 Dartmouth Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 — $1,375,000
- 1312 King Street #303, Alexandria, VA 22312 — $679,900
- 910 Powhatan Street #302N, Alexandria, VA 22314 — $510,000
Happy House Hunting!
In our highly competitive Alexandria market, the Jen Walker Team has the insider knowledge to connect you with homes that are not even public yet. With more than 35 years of experience, the Jen Walker Team has the expertise to answer questions, calm fears, and streamline your transaction. Want to see other homes not featured in this article? Contact our team today!
Please note: While The Jen Walker Team provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
ALXnow.com’s local news reporting today is supported by the Junior League of Washington’s Tossed & Found rummage sale.
More on the event:
You’re invited to shop at the 31st Annual Tossed & Found rummage sale brought to you by the Junior League of Washington! The sale on March 25-26, 2023, features gently used name-brand items, children’s clothes and toys, men’s and women’s clothing, luggage, household items, furniture and more at bargain prices. You might even find items that still have their original price tags on them! The sale is located at 2100-B Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202.
For more information on the Tossed & Found rummage sale, held from March 25-26 in Crystal City, visit their website.
Thank you to the Junior League of Washington for this sponsorship, which fully funds the equivalent of one day’s salary and benefits for ALXnow’s two full-time employees.
This week’s Q&A column is written by Rebecca McCullough of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Rebecca at 571-384-0941 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: What’s the difference between market, appraisal, and assessment values?
Answer: This is a particularly hot topic in Northern Virginia at the moment. The main questions for many are “what are assessment values, how are they calculated, and why do they change?”
Let’s break them down. First, what is market value? Market value is very subjective. There are a lot of sources that will provide a presumed market value for your home. The first one that comes to mind for many is Zillow. I’m sure almost everyone who owns a home has looked up their “Zestimate!” It’s the value that Zillow tells you your house is worth. Is it reliable? Rarely, in my experience.
The “Zestimate” is simply a computer calculation of your home based on data from recent sales in an area. What Zillow can’t do is see the condition of the home, get a feeling for the community, the neighbors, the view, nor the curb appeal. It’s a sample of one, but I just took a peek at my Zestimate, and I can confirm that it’s at least 40% off the mark!
Recently I was showing a client a home with a Zestimate of $1,000,000. My research had revealed that homes in this neighborhood were easily selling at prices over $1M. The home in question had been updated in the past 5 years, and yet it was listed at $950,000. Why? Lots of aesthetic and practical reasons, none of which are known to Zillow’s computer calculations.
Truly, the seller will be fortunate to get $900,000, but is convinced the home is a bargain at its current price because of how it compares to the “Zestimate.”
In fairness, though, market value can be challenging to determine. (The only way to truly know what the market value is, is to put it on the market and see what the market is willing to pay for it!) A good agent will do the research and help you determine an optimal asking price. But it’s important to note that many things can affect this as well, particularly timing and demand. In my view pricing a home is more of an art than a science, and experience helps!
But what about the appraised price?
Once you have contracted to sell a home, the transaction may be conditional on an appraisal. If the buyer is obtaining a loan, the bank will want to verify the sales price. They will send an appraiser to render an objective opinion of the sales price. An appraisal is a formal process to create “an opinion of value at a certain time.”
There are three methods an appraiser will use to determine the sales value: cost analysis, income analysis and comparative sales value. Cost analysis is determined by how much it would cost to replace the property as it stands and is most often used in new construction. Income analysis is used when looking at rental and commercial properties.
Most likely your appraiser will use the comparative market analysis. It is very similar to what a real estate agent does. The appraiser gets very detailed and will assign dollar values to various features of a home in the process. For example, they may add $10,000 for a deck, or $5,000 for an extra bedroom. They typically compare three homes in the area that closely compare to the subject property to support the sales price.
Not surprisingly in this NOVA market, sometimes we agree with appraisers, and sometimes we don’t. We may take exception with the $10,000 credit for the deck when the sellers have put in a $50,000 deck that extends three levels, constructed of Trex™ and is fully lit!
In their defense, appraisers are under a great deal of pressure. Buyers want the property to appraise at sales value. If a home does not appraise at sales price, the buyer may need to bring more money to the closing table. If the property does not appraise, and the contract is conditional on appraisal and it does not appraise at sales price, the buyer may choose to walk away from the deal.
Appraisals are also used for refinancing or when someone wants to take out an equity line of credit, or possibly to transfer property after someone has passed away and there is a real estate settlement.
Join us for an evening of cocktail and taco-making classes, art, and a panel of powerhouse women.
District Fray Magazine and SHE:DC present Girls to the Front on Thursday, March 23 from 6-9 p.m. at La Cosecha in Union Market District, highlighting powerhouse women making waves in D.C. hospitality and our local arts scene.
Join the event for a:
- Complimentary cocktail
- Panel championing local leaders
- Taco-making class
- Cocktail class
- Mini-arts market
- Chance to mingle with D.C. artists and hospitality changemakers
The Arlington County Board is considering zoning changes to accommodate “missing middle” housing units, such as duplexes, triplexes, and small multi-family buildings, in areas designated for single-family homes.
While some argue that this addresses exclusionary zoning and promotes affordable housing, others question the benefits to communities and housing diversity.
Unlike “missing middle” housing units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have the potential to help address housing problems while also taking into account the concerns of both supporters and opponents of “missing middle” housing. ADUs offer homeowners flexibility in using them for personal or rental purposes, increasing housing supply, and preserving neighborhood character.
As constructive dialogue among stakeholders is essential for incorporating ADUs into local policies, Aroom steps in to provide a seamless solution for modern backyard studios and ADUs. Our designs, crafted by world-class architects, offer unique spatial experiences that can quickly and efficiently add space to your home.
Aroom streamlines the entire process, from design and permitting to manufacturing and collaborating with local contractors.
You can choose from our range of models, such as the 216 sq. ft. Model 21 for remote work or play, or the 560 sq. ft. Model 56 ADU, perfect for housing family members or generating rental income. We currently serve clients in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, and we will continue to support local communities as they adapt to the evolving housing landscape.
Here is some helpful information about ADUs for your local region.
- Washington, D.C. | Accessible Dwelling Units Homeowners Manual
- Montgomery County, Maryland | Accessory Dwelling Units
- City of Alexandria, Virginia | Accessory Dwelling Unit Policy
- Arlington, Virginia | Accessory Dwelling Permit
- Fairfax County, Virginia | Accessory Living Units
We have a showroom can in Fairfax, Virginia and you can book a tour on a need basis. If you are interested in scheduling a virtual consultation before visiting, please click here to schedule a session.
Check out our intro video! We are also offering 10% discounts on all units by March 31st. Contact us at [email protected] and visit our website at www.
Explore Alexandria living in this bi-weekly column sponsored and written by Sandy McMaster of McEnearney Associates. Got a question or comment? Contact Sandy at [email protected].
We don’t bring “breaking news” to the Live Alexandria series… but today, we’re happy to introduce a new “coming soon” coffee shop, The Greenery!
Located at the corner of Queen and Henry, this sweet space offers a cozy vibe and a cup of coffee that’s good and good for you! Add a dash of protein with collagen powder and feel great knowing that once you’re done drinking your magical beans, your cup will be recycled.
As a sister brand of TLC Design, sustainability is part of The Greenery’s ethos.
Keep an eye and ear out for this newest addition to Alexandria!
Happy caffeinating!
To get to know more about me and how I help people build lives they want in homes they love, follow me @SandyMcMaster on IG or visit www.
This week’s Q&A column, sponsored and written by McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria, is a bit of a departure from our usual format. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact us at 703-549-9292. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: What do I need to know before renting a home?
Answer: Previously we reviewed the Blueprint for a Renter Bill of Rights, the Federal Government’s recommendations for how to make rental housing more equitable and expand renters’ rights when it comes to rent increases, lease terms, and evictions. This week we’ll take a look at the rental market from the Realtor® perspective.
McEnearney Associates recently convened a “Masterclass” with several of our top agents who have made a name for themselves as rental experts — both for tenants and landlords — as well as staff from our Property Management team. It was a lively discussion and we’re sharing some of the tips and processes that Lauren Budik (McLean), Ann Duff (Alexandria), and Sarah Picot (Arlington) believe will make the rental process more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for our recommendations for Landlords.
For Tenants
DON’T: Start your search too early. We understand, it’s exciting to imagine your next home and see all the options out there. But if you are looking to move in May and want to start looking in January, you will be spinning your wheels. Most leases require a 60-day notice to vacate, and the landlord will look to turn them over quickly. Most landlords will not hold a property if you’re not ready to make a move on their terms.
DO: Understand that most leasing documents are standardized and will have to be completed before or during the rental search. Expect to sign a representation agreement that spells out the responsibilities of both you and your agent, review, and sign disclosures about the property, and understand that leases are standard forms used by most landlords and brokerages in the area. Changing boilerplate clauses or asking for too many changes in terms likely won’t be possible.
DON’T: Hide or be shy about sharing credit issues. Financial setbacks happen and the best way to work around them is to let your agent know if there are credit dings that could affect your rental application. Your agent will help to strategize on the best approach, such as offering to pre-pay several months of rent in advance. A letter explaining how your credit was affected and what you’ve done to repair it can go a long way in assuring a cooperative landlord that past issues have been resolved.
DO: Have a good amount of cash ready for securing a property. Between the first month’s rent, security deposits, pet fees, building move-in/move-out fees, and other moving costs, you may need an outlay of several thousand dollars just to secure a lease. Make sure you’ve set a reasonable budget and saved your money for those immediate payments.
DO: Work with a Realtor®! You’ve heard it before: inventory is extremely tight and great properties go quickly. Having a leasing agent working with you in your housing search ensures that you get access to listed properties quickly (and safely), that your application will be submitted correctly with the proper documentation. Helping clients find the right home is what Realtors® do every day so use their expertise to your advantage in this competitive market!
If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703.549.9292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
