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, Adrianna Vallario and Nancy Lacey, have more than 35 years of experience in real estate and sold over $150 million in 2022.

As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the abundance of natural light that fills every corner of this inviting space. The recently refinished hardwood flooring adds warmth and character, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere throughout.

The well-appointed kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and elegant granite countertops. Prepare your favorite meals with ease while enjoying the timeless appeal of this stylish kitchen. One of the standout features of this home is the built-in cabinetry in the living room. It not only provides ample storage but also adds a custom touch to the space, making it ideal for displaying your treasured belongings or creating a cozy reading nook. The washer/dryer in the unit makes doing laundry a breeze!

Location couldn’t be more convenient. You’re just blocks away from the shopping and dining options at Potomac Yard, making every day errands a breeze. For commuters, the new Potomac Yard metro and nearby access to I-395 ensure that you can get to work or explore Alexandria or nearby Washington, D.C., with ease. If you love to dine out and experience the local scene, local eateries are a block away. You’ll also be delighted to find that you’re within walking distance of the lively restaurants and entertainment venues on the “Avenue.” Discover all the fun and excitement this vibrant neighborhood has to offer, right at your doorstep. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to call Auburn Village home. Schedule a showing today and experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience in this charming condo.

3405 Commonwealth Ave #C, Alexandria 22305 — Listed by 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].

• 25 Wilkes Street, Alexandria 22314 — $1,100,000
• 1420 Roundhouse Lane, Alexandria 22314 — $773,000
• 2726 Franklin Court, Alexandria 22302 — $675,000
• 2706 Ridge Road, Alexandria 22302 — $995,000

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

Step into a world of flavor, creativity and philanthropy at the upcoming Halstead Food, Wine & Art Festival on Saturday, October 7 — where every moment is dedicated to giving back!

Sip, savor and sway to the rhythm of live music as you enjoy local vendors, a pet park, kid zone, paint and sip creative class and more.

RSVP to attend for free with an optional donation to the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation as well as an optional add-on to indulge in beer and wine tasting.

RSVP Today!

Do you remember your first museum visit? Or a time you felt inspired walking around a museum? What if you had the chance to help give someone else their best museum memory?

Well now you do!

The National Gallery of Art is recruiting for two volunteer opportunities this fall:

• Visitor experience volunteers, who are the friendly faces behind our information desks.
• School docents, who lead school tours for students in grades PreK-12.

All backgrounds and life experiences welcome; multilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.

Join one of several information sessions held throughout the fall to meet the team, learn more about these opportunities, and apply!

Learn More!

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: Should I buy now or wait until interest rates drop a bit?

Answer: You’ll want to read this article. I am going to get my crystal ball out and tell you exactly where interest rates and home prices are going in 2024. Ready? I wish.

Don’t we all wish we knew if waiting to buy is the right move now? Right now, real estate agents are being asked that question a lot. Here are some of the things we are hearing:

• If I wait, I’ll be able to afford more when interest rates come down.
• There is nothing to choose from as inventory is low. If I wait until the rates come down, sellers will be more inclined to move, and inventory will go up. I will have more to choose from.

Can anyone spot the issue(s)?

• What if rates go up?
• What if prices go up?
• If rates go down, yes, we believe there will be more inventory. Homeowners may sell. But that also means they will need to buy, adding more buyers to the market, not to mention the ones who’ve been waiting, or the ones who haven’t been able to find something.

Currently there is no scenario where inventory will meet the demand. We have a national housing shortage. This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this. It has been the underlying current of the market for the past several years. Even today, we still see multiple offers on houses. Quite frequently! Even at 7% interest rates.

Insert here standard disclaimer, properties that show well and are priced right will always sell. So, if you are seeing properties sit, thinking there is no demand, I advise you to check those two things on those properties, condition, and price. Buyers are even more choosy in this market. If they are going to buy a house at 7% interest rates, it better be worth it!

It is true that the higher interest rates may have pushed buyers of detached homes into the price range of townhomes, or townhome buyers to condos. We get it. You may want to wait to save a little more cash for a down payment to get the property you want. Hopefully you can stay where you are or rent somewhere that allows for savings to happen.

However, we are also seeing rental rates rise. With people choosing to rent, rental prices are going up. It’s very competitive. In order to get the rental property you want, you may have to commit to a longer lease. This will lock you in and if rates do come down next year you may not be in a position to buy because of your lease.

Let’s do some math. What could renting now look like as a cost vs buying now or buying later.

Let’s just say you were thinking of buying a detached home for $800,000. (I’m sorry the example is so high, but sadly we live in a very expensive area, and realistically that’s what it takes in a lot of areas to get into a detached home.)

Scenario 1

With 20% down today the monthly payment would be around $5,200 including principal, interest, and property taxes. You could rent an amazing house in NOVA for $5,200!

Scenario 2

Let’s say you do rent, and you decide you’d like to save a few dollars and only pay $4,000 per month in rent. If you sign a 2-year lease, at the end of it you will have paid the landlord $96,000. One could argue you saved $1,200 x 24 months or $28,800. However, here’s the problem. Two years from now, we expect prices to be higher, but we are anticipating interest rates will have come down by then.

Scenario 1 — two years from now

Let’s say that that $800,000 house would now be priced at $850,000 and interest rates have dropped back down to 5%. If you refinance, your new monthly payment will be $4,200. Just $200 a month more than you had planned on spending in rent. Sweet! You will have put that $96,000 towards your mortgage, paid it down some and will now pay $1,000 less per month by refinancing.

Scenario 2 — two years from now

You rented at $4,000 per month, saved some money, and now want to buy. The $800,000 house is now selling for $850,000. Therefore, to put 20% down now you will need an extra $17,000. Well, you did save $28,800 by not buying at 7%. So, you’re ahead! Except for the $96,000 in rent you paid during the past 2 years. Hmm.

Where does that leave you? Maybe instead of waiting for the dream property, buy what you can afford now and begin to build equity. You may end up staying longer than you want, but waiting could be very costly. We run into people all the time who have been renting for a long time, waiting for the right time to finally take the plunge. We’ve talked about the potential cost of waiting 2 years. What about 5 or even 10 years?

People have been trying to time the markets for years. Albeit the stock market, the currency markets, or the real estate markets. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But there is one thing all experts agree upon is that building home equity builds wealth. Renting does not. A true cliché but a poignant one: If you’re renting, you’re paying someone else’s mortgage. If you can, wouldn’t it be better to be paying your own?

*My thanks to Carey Meushaw, Branch Manager & Sr. Loan Officer (NMLS ID 310813) at Atlantic Coast Mortgage for his contributions this week.

Rebecca McCullough has built a successful real estate business in Alexandria and Northern Virginia by providing excellent service to her clients. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Rebecca today at 571-384-0941 or visit her website RebeccaMcCullough.com.

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

Step inside a cult-classic inspired world at DC Fray’s can’t-miss Halloween party packed with endless references to iconic films and music from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Vibe to retro sounds and live performances, indulge in signature spooky cocktails and food, showcase your artistry at our local maker market, and create FOMO through insta-worthy installations, pop-ups, activations and more.

Better yet, win prizes to take home with your most cult classic-inspired costume. Get $10 off your ticket by taking advantage of early-bird pricing.

Miss this event at your own peril… 👻

Grab Your Tickets Now!

The brand new apartments at South Alex offer a zestful way of life centered around art and design showcasing a curated collection of custom artwork, sculptures, and murals throughout the community.

At South Alex, apartments go beyond the essentials. The distinctive features and finishes include quartz countertops, tile backsplash, kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances, sleek plank flooring in living areas, walk-in closets, full-size washer and dryer, private balconies, den options, and more.

The abundant lifestyle amenities at South Alex elevate the everyday. 

• SPLASH – Resort-style heated swimming pool with cabana and immersed chaises
• MINGLE – Clubroom with billiards, flat screens, a fireplace, kitchen, and indoor / outdoor bar area
• LOUNGE – Lobby lounge with a chic fireplace for cozy community hangouts
• FLEX – Leading edge fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, a climbing wall, battle ropes, yoga studio with barre, and an adult jungle gym
• WORK – Coworking space with a conference room for remote work productivity
• ENTERTAIN – Courtyard featuring everything you need for outdoor entertaining including a fire pit, grilling stations, and lawn games
• PET – Enclosed dog park and indoor pet spa with grooming stations for your furry friends

Anchored by an Aldi grocery with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and community spaces, South Alex pushes the boundaries of modern apartment living with unparalleled amenities, individualized service, and stylish interiors.

Ready to make your move? Call 703.382.5893 to schedule a tour of these artfully-inspired, brand new apartments. Visit the South Alex website to explore floorplans, availability, browse the photo gallery, view 360-degree virtual tours, and apply online. Ask how to save up to 2 months free!

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, Adrianna Vallario and Nancy Lacey, have more than 35 years of experience in real estate and sold over $150 million in 2022.

Welcome to 2413 N Dearing Street! This renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath townhome in the Fairlington Towne neighborhood offers a host of desirable features and an unbeatable location.

Enter and note the new, large windows in the living area fill the space with plenty of natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The spacious living room with dining area offers ample space for both dining and relaxation. The refinished flooring adds a touch of elegance to the interior. The kitchen boasts dark hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, white shaker-style cabinetry, and granite countertops, making it not only stylish but functional for cooking and meal preparation. The kitchen window overlooks the fenced-in backyard with patio-an ideal space for entertaining or simply relaxing.

Off the kitchen, you will find a dedicated laundry room, with shelving, and a coveted first-floor powder room rounds out this level. Upstairs, you’ll find a spacious primary bedroom with seating area, along with a second bedroom, both offering comfortable living spaces. The full bathroom has been totally renovated and features stylish tiling. The property’s location is unbeatable!

Within walking distance of Bradlee Shopping Center, you have quick access to a variety of amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops making daily errands and dining out a breeze. The home’s proximity to I-395, and with a bus stop two blocks away, makes it a commuter’s dream. Welcome home!

Open House: Saturday, September 23 from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday, September 24 from 1-3 p.m.

2413 N Dearing Street, Alexandria 22302 — Listed by 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].

• 820A S Washington Street #327, Alexandria 22314 — $209,900
• 824 Water Place, Alexandria 22314 — $1,199,000
• 1200 Braddock Place #816, Alexandria 22314 — $599,900
• 203 S West Street, Alexandria 22314 — $898,500

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

Elevate your idea of elegance to new heights as you dive into luxury living like never before at Towngate North!

With the recent completion of the final condominium building in this spectacular Old Town North community, you now have the chance to explore the complete Towngate North experience at our Premier Showings Event on Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24.

When you secure your spot for a Premier Showing appointment, you’ll get to discover firsthand the posh living in these stylish condominiums. Guided by one of our dynamic sales team members, you’ll spend your one-hour appointment touring multiple finished residences, taking a full community amenity tour, and discussing options for getting you into your dream home.

Additionally, those who attend a Premier Showing appointment have the opportunity to save up to $10,000 in closing costs.* Request your appointment today at TowngateNorth.com/RSVP.

With over 70% of Towngate North already claimed, this is your moment to seize the spectacular! Our tight-knit community thrives in two exceptional buildings, fostering connections and camaraderie with your fellow neighbors. Whether you’re hosting family or a neighborhood gathering, the community accommodates plenty of entertainment options. Gather for a game night in the on-site clubroom or host a cookout on the gorgeous rooftop terrace with incredible vistas of the Washington, D.C. skyline. Get your blood pumping in the fitness studio, or get down to business in the conference room.

These move-in ready homes have a range of floorplans from 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom layouts, so you’re sure to find a home that meets your needs. Whether you’re moving in with family or ready to enjoy your own space, your home will work perfectly with your lifestyle.

But Towngate North is more than a home; it’s a community built for the lifestyle you were born to live. With the Mount Vernon Trail at your doorstep, you’ll have quick access to plenty of outdoor recreation options. Wake up to a morning walk with your furry friend in the park or relax in the evening as you watch the sunset along the Potomac. However you spend your time, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty.

Your home will also be located just moments from Old Town Alexandria, where you’ll have access to plenty of shopping, dining, and more. Enjoy a dinner out on the town or indulge in a day of shopping with friends. And when you’re ready to travel a little farther, you’ll have direct access to G.W. Parkway and Metro.

With all of this and so much more to discover, it’s easy to understand why you need to experience Towngate North for yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity to schedule your Premier Showing appointment and get in the know on everything that awaits you in this incredible community.

PREMIER SHOWINGS EVENT | Saturday, September 23, | Sunday, September 24

Visit TowngateNorth.com/RSVP to request your showing today.

*Terms and conditions apply and are subject to change without notice.

Get into the fall spirit at National Landing’s can’t-miss Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 30!

Featuring a traditional Bavarian Steinholding competition, best-dressed contest, lawn games, clove decor for kids, beer and ciders for adults, and live entertainment, this event has pint-sized fun for everyone.

So, break out your lederhosen and enjoy the fall weather celebrating Oktoberfest in National Landing! on Saturday, September 30th!

Secure Your Tickets!

Dylan, the best-selling luxury condominiums in the Metro Washington area is now delivering, with three beautiful new models to tour. You’re invited to a Grand Opening Event at Dylan on Sunday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 737 Swann Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301.

Now is the time to buy at Dylan — with record sales over the past few months, remaining inventory is in high demand, and you can move in immediately!

Dylan is conveniently located in the heart of Potomac Yard’s stunning transformation next door to National Landing, home of Amazon’s HQ2 and Virginia Tech’s new billion-dollar Innovation Campus. Enjoy a quick walk from Dylan to the newly opened Potomac Yard metro, which is just one stop to Reagan National Airport.

Dylan still has plenty of affordable, luxury new construction available for sale. Spacious, one-bedroom and den floor plans priced from under $650K feature chef-inspired kitchens, a separate powder room (so guests are not using your owner’s bath), a den where you can work from home, and a private outdoor space.

An exceptional experience begins with Dylan’s luxurious lobbies and continues with the innovative fitness center and indulgent rooftop lounges and outdoor terraces featuring stunning views of the Potomac River, Washington Monument and Capitol.

Residents will enjoy modern conveniences such as pet washing stations, underground reserved parking spaces included in the list price, bike storage, Amazon hub lockers, and a convenient Work-at-Home business center.

Around the corner from Dylan is Potomac Yard Park, a 25-acre long, linear park dotted with playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts.

Schedule your tour today and see what is waiting for you at Dylan. The Sales Gallery is open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Contemporary condominiums priced from the $600s to $1.2M.