Author: Sponsor

Question: Now that I have moved into my dream home in Alexandria, what would you suggest as a way to get involved in the community?

Answer: That is a great question, and one I hear from my clients, especially those who are moving from out of state. Although I have lived in Alexandria since 1989, I am from Florida, and lived in Texas, New Jersey, and New York prior to finding my true home in Virginia. For that reason, I will use myself as an example for how to become a “local”.

Question: Is it a Boom or a Bubble?

Answer: Happy New Year, real estate readers! I hope you’re as excited as I am for another unpredictable year in real estate in Northern Virginia. These last couple of years have been ones for the record books — unprecedented times have led to unexpected results. Who would have thought the real estate market would soar during a global pandemic? More than surviving, the market is thriving. But…

Question: This might be a silly question, but…?

Answer: “I have a silly question” is something that I hear far too frequently and usually followed by something that I’ve been asked before and isn’t silly at all. Frankly, in my opinion, there are no silly questions.

Question: How did the real estate market in the City of Alexandria finish the year in 2021?

Answer: In September we wrote about contract activity from January through August of 2021 for the City of Alexandria compared to the same months of 2020 and 2019. It was not a surprise to see increases in contract activity compared to 2020 which was impacted by shutdowns and isolation due to COVID, but the increases were also significant when compared to the more “normal” market of 2019.

1. What in the real estate market do you think has changed the most over forty years?

I would have to say technology has driven the greatest change. Look at the way we conduct our business today. Property information is available to everyone, agents and customers alike, at our fingertips. The internet, phone apps and QR codes give instant access in real time. Purchasers view photos and videos of homes for sale from their home or car. Contract offers are written, signed and presented to sellers electronically. The access to information makes everyone better informed. The systems and programs advanced through new technologies impact every aspect of the buying and selling process for real estate agents and their clients.