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.
This McEnearney Associates listing is located in the Southeast Quadrant. This location offers an amazing block of historic homes.
This mint condition brick townhome is in a superior locale near Lee Street Park and the Potomac River. There are four finished levels, 2,350 square feet — an outstanding value in the heart of Old Town.
This home has coveted off-street parking!
604 S Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22301 — $1,495,000
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].
- 1401 N Pickett Street, Alexandria, 22304 — $1,299,900
- 324 E Howell Avenue, Alexandria 22301 — $899,900
- 320 S West Street #301, Alexandria 22314 — $879,000
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
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 are the real costs of renting?
Answer: Homeownership is not for everyone. Is that a bad thing and what does it cost in the long run?
There are times when homeownership makes sense, but is this one of those times? For many, the combination of inflation, high interest rates, and steadily increasing home prices has put homebuying plans on hold, especially for Millennials and Gen Z buyers who have less purchasing power due to lower incomes, more debt, and less equity.
In a pricey area like ours, the pinch is even worse. The D.C. area’s cost of living was reported this spring to be 53% higher than the national average, while the housing portion of overall costs was a whopping 144% higher. Combined with a growing population that hasn’t kept pace with housing inventory, the supply-and-demand pressure continues to keep rents high, although there are some signs the climb may be leveling. In August it was reported that the average monthly rent in D.C. was $1,901/month, Virginia was $1,594, and Maryland was $1,741.
About 40% of the D.C.-metro area is made up of renters and a growing number of them report spending more than half of their monthly income on rent. A November report from Virginia Association of Realtors showed that compared with homeowners, renters are carrying more than two times higher housing costs. Data from the Census Bureau indicates that as of 2022 about 50% of renters were housing cost burdened in Virginia, while only 20% of homeowners were housing cost burdened (meaning 30% or more of monthly income was going toward housing costs).
But even with the financial burdens that renting can bring, it may actually be better for some in the long run to stay in tenancy. Because while rental prices have climbed, so have purchase prices. High list prices coupled with high interest rates means it now costs 52% more to own a home than to rent.
The podcast The Daily from The New York Times covered this recently and reviewed the financial paths that buyers and renters take on the way to building wealth. On one path, renters hold off on buying and invest what would have been a down payment in another way; as the investment grows the renter can increase their buying power for a time when overall housing costs may be lower. On the other path, homeowners navigate the initial high costs of buying a home and are rewarded (eventually and hopefully) with equity that grows over years of ownership.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding which is the better path for you right now. Because the market can and will shift, and “timing the market” is almost never a successful strategy.
How long do you plan to stay in the home? If it’s less than 5-7 years, it makes more sense to rent and invest cash elsewhere. Use a rent ratio calculator to determine your relative cost of renting versus buying.
How steady is your income? Annual rent increases can be unpredictable and plenty of tenants have been surprised by a sudden unexpected hike. For the most part, mortgage payments are consistent over the term of the loan (allocating for increases in taxes, insurance, and amenity fees) and easier to budget around in the long term.
What is your budget (or patience!) for home repairs? As a renter, home maintenance costs are borne by the landlord. If something goes wrong, you pick up the phone and someone else takes care of it. As a homeowner, you can expect to pay about 1% of the home’s purchase price every year toward home maintenance. But there are also big-ticket repairs — like a new roof, appliance upgrades, and systems repairs — that will unexpectedly take a bite out of your budget.
What is your lifestyle? Do you like exploring new neighborhoods? Are you a traveler and want the flexibility of trying on a new city for a while? Could a major life milestone be on the horizon? Do you simply want a low-maintenance living situation? Renting offers many benefits for people who don’t want to be tied to the responsibility of paying for and maintaining a home.
The National Association of Realtors has many resources to help decide if homeownership is the right move and where to find first-time homebuyer assistance, as well as reporting relevant data to understand current market dynamics.
And, when you’re ready to find a fantastic new rental or take the first step toward homeownership, be sure to connect with an amazing agent at McEnearney Associates.
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
Eat Fish, Be Healthy — even at home!
Opening their storefront in November 2020, owners Michael and Katy set out to supply top quality fresh and frozen seafood to Alexandria
The staff at MAS Seafood is incredibly knowledgeable and the owners are always available to discuss products, sustainability, seasonality, or just about anything. Their extensive line of fresh products is purposefully sourced, and hand-cut in house. With strict quality controls and bespoke services, MAS ensures everyone receives exactly what they need.
As the business grows, they stay receptive to suggestions, allowing the neighborhood to help fine-tune the shop. After three years in business MAS can offer more than just fresh fish. This family-owned market has items ranging from gourmet tinned seafood, to staples like pasta, beans, and rice.
The newest addition is their MAS Made line of delicious, ready-to-cook items, including crabcakes and salmon burgers. Check out their weekly offerings on their website or social media channels!
Whether you’re looking to add more seafood to your diet or want to wow guests with your holiday menu, you’re guaranteed to find the best seafood in town at MAS.
Stop in to see us Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at 809 Pendleton St Alexandria, VA 22314, a few blocks east of the Braddock Rd Metro station.
masseafood.com | Instagram @masseafood.va | Facebook @mas.seafood.va
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.
This Colonial-style home presents a picture-perfect blend of classic allure and modern convenience. With a beautifully landscaped yard and driveway, the exterior sets the tone for elegance. Inside, hardwood flooring spans the entire home, leading to a cozy sitting room with a fireplace and a spacious dining room with French doors opening to a screened porch. The family room, featuring coffered ceilings and a gas fireplace, seamlessly connects to the gourmet kitchen equipped with a seated island, white shaker-style cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances, including a double oven. A breakfast nook bathed in natural light complements the kitchen.
Entertaining is a breeze with a wet bar, while an adjacent sitting room, convertible into a home office, offers versatility. A coveted first-floor powder room adds practicality to the main level. Upstairs, four bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room provide convenience. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary, boasting an en suite bathroom, walk-in closet, and a patio overlooking the large fenced-in backyard. A separate garage adds to the appeal.
Nestled in a prime location, this home allows easy access to the vibrant neighborhood amenities, including Rosemont’s Grape & Bean, and dining options, coffee shops, entertainment, and shopping on The Avenue!
Open House: Sunday, December 3 from 1-3 p.m.
10 W Glendale Avenue W, Alexandria 22301 — $1,725,000
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].
- 604 S Lee Street, Alexandria 22314 — $1,495,000
- 709 W View Terrace, Alexandria 22301 — $799,900
- 11 E Myrtle Street, Alexandria 22301 — $749,000
- 1115 Prince Street, Alexandria 22314 — $2,000,000
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
Save 20%! Grab a coupon or two for full and short virtual sessions, Gift Certificates or Postcards from your pet before December 5.
This thank-you special celebrates how much you (and Maribeth Decker) love your animal companions.
Booking sessions, purchasing gift certificates or Postcards can save you up to 45% off 2024 prices! Now’s the time to take advantage of this special because prices go up in January!
Coupons must be used by Tuesday, December 5. But you can schedule a session, and use the Gift Certificates and Postcards from your pet into 2024!
How to get the most out of this special
- Think about your beloved companion’s issues and your concerns.
- Ask yourself, “What will work best for me and my family?”
Virtual Sessions (MaribethConnect Virtual Sessions (includes Human Energy Healing)
So, you’re ready to schedule a session even if it’s in 2024… maybe you’d like more insight into your companion’s behavioral or emotional issues? Or your beloved companion is declining physically. Let Maribeth discover how they’re feeling, physically and emotionally. Allow her to provide energy healing for their bodies and spirits. It will be good for both of you.
Interested in Human Energy Healing? Then let Maribeth use her medical intuition and energy healing skills for yourself!
All sessions may include telepathic connections, medical intuition and energy healing. Coupon code THANKS2023 (all caps).
Gift Certificates (Virtual Sessions only)
- For your own family — You want a session with Maribeth, but you want to wait to schedule.
- For a friend or family member — You know someone who’d love to connect intuitively with their beloved companions. They can schedule at their convenience.
Includes telepathic connections to your animals, medical intuition and energy healing as necessary. Allows you to schedule up to 180 days (6 months) after purchasing the gift certificate. Coupon code THANKSALOT2023 (all caps).
Maribeth will connect daily with your beloved pets while you’re on a trip and email you periodic updates about how they’re doing. Relax while you’re gone as she encourages your animals to “eat, drink and be merry” and sends them comforting energy. Or have Maribeth connect directly with your animals — without you.
Maybe you’re busy, but want Maribeth to address the issue and provide a complete after-report via email? Possible uses: Help animal companions cope after one of your family members leaves the house (college) or transitions off the planet. Coupon code THANKSALOT2023.
Sending tons of love energy to you and your animal companions as we get ready for the Holiday Season!
You must use the coupons by Tuesday, December 5! Virtual Sessions can be scheduled into 2024. For Gift Certificates and Postcards From Your Pet, flag or star the confirmation email so you don’t forget to use it!
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 list during the holidays?
Answer: At this time of year, we get many people asking if they should list their home now, or hold on until after the new year? As always, if you need to sell, list it. However, sellers are often inclined to wait until the new year. But should they? Serious buyers are still out there looking. They are still waiting for the right home to come on the market.
It is true we often see an influx of listings and buyers in January. Holidays have a way of making people evaluate their home. We need more room! We need to downsize so we don’t have to host any more. They got engaged or for many other reasons. So, with more buyers, comes more competition. Smart buyers who are looking now will gobble up good listings coming on the market before the new year.
What does demand look like now? Even though interest rates just reached a 20-year high (fortunately they softened slightly), we still have significant demand for good houses priced well. The need to sell isn’t always something that can be timed. Jobs change, people can no longer take care of their homes, families grow, and lifestyles change.
What we saw during the COVID market was opportunity. With interest rates so low, it seemed like everyone wanted to move, and many did. Now they are happily sitting on very low interest rates and are no longer motivated to go anywhere. Even those who didn’t move took advantage of the low rates and refinanced.
So, if the timing is such that you do need or want to sell now, know there are still many frustrated buyers out there still looking for a home. There may not be as many buyers at this time of year, but the ones out there are motivated!
Great, you’ve decided to list (thank you!), what do you do about holiday décor? Do you go Christmas Vacation style to bring in lots of interest, or keep the holiday décor packed away? The answer lies somewhere in between. Nobody expects sellers to hide the season just because you’re selling, but this might not be the year to go for the neighborhood decorating award.
Keeping decorations simple, and understated, while still honoring your family customs, is perfectly acceptable. Subtle and understated is the way to go, always keeping the guidelines of staging in mind. Accent the best features in your home. Don’t put the Christmas tree in front of the window with the best view or cover up beautiful mantles and railings with too much greenery. Use decorations to accent areas of the home you want the buyer to see.
This time of year, it’s fabulous to play up the warmth in a home. The smell of fresh baked cookies, glowing flameless candles, and seasonal floral arrangements create the ambience to make buyers want to stay.
Also keep in mind if you are launching your listing during the holidays when your home is decorated, photographs will include the seasonal items. If your home does not sell before the holidays are over, you may want to consider having new pictures taken to promote the property in the new year. Even if the decorations brought out the best of your home during the holidays, seeing them in mid-January will remind buyers the home has been on the market for a while and may create red flags.
When it comes to photographs, consider a twilight photoshoot. The images taken at this time of day create a charming glow from the inside of the house. They can really show off some of the best features of your home. Large bay windows, fabulous front doors, spacious patios. Now that the trees are bare and the grass is brown, daytime photos may appear bland, but some carefully hung white outdoor lights accenting a patio or pathway lighting highlighted in a twilight photoshoot can really make the drab appear fab!
In Summary
Outside lights? Think accent lighting and bows, and less endless light strings row-on-rows.
Inside decor? Tasteful displays in selected places, not every last bobble in all of your spaces.
Gramma’s traditional home-made wahovit? Maybe keep a space in the closet to move it!
So, is selling now, during the holidays, a good idea? This year, absolutely. Buyers are looking, and there’s not much to look at. Be careful, and sensible with the decorations, and you can still blend your holiday highlights with the needs of a staged home. Make sure there are booties and hand sanitizer and know like any other time of year flexibility will be important.
Wishing you a successful selling holiday season!
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
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].
It’s official! The holiday shopping season is here!
The fantastic businesses that were kind enough to help us launch this series are some of my favs — but first things first. COFFEE. Any good shopping trip in the city starts coffee at The Greenery. I highly recommend “The Stacked.” Trust me on this one — delicious.
The next stop should be Made In ALX (we have some seriously talented and creative people living among us!) If you’re looking for high-quality bespoke stocking stuffers and gifts, put MadeInALX at the top of your shopping tour.
Sending cards to special people? That will require a stop at Penny Post. And if you’re at Penny Post, you’re a half-block from Red Barn Mercantile — so of course you go! Even out-of-towners put Red Barn on their list of shops to visit!
Lastly — you have to put a little self-care into the holiday schedule. That means sitting in Angela’s chair at Salon De Zen. They’ll be sure to keep you looking snappy for all your holiday photos!
We hope you enjoy the season and all the city offers. If you see me at a boat parade or a tree lighting, please say hello!
Happy holidays!
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.
Address: 501 Slaters Lane #110
Neighborhood: Old Town
Type: 1 BR, 1 BA condo — 575 sq. ft.
Listed: $300,000
Noteworthy: Seamlessly combines modern comfort with an abundance of natural light
This updated condo seamlessly combines modern comfort with an abundance of natural light. Offering a range of appealing features, including an expansive wall of windows, a spacious walk-in closet, hardwood flooring, and a balcony.
The kitchen is a culinary delight with pristine white cabinets, updated granite countertops, newer appliances, and space for a cozy dining area. The bathroom has also been updated to a fresh and bright finish. This condo offers a comfortable and practical living space that caters to various needs. As an added bonus, Marina Towers is situated right on the picturesque Alexandria waterfront, providing a tranquil backdrop to your daily life. As a resident, you will enjoy a plethora of amenities including a newly equipped fitness center, sauna, waterfront outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Potomac River, private access to the Mt Vernon trail, private dog park, car wash area, and a riverside clubroom with a full kitchen, bar and huge TV.
Commuting is a breeze with the Express bus stopping at the corner, the Braddock Metro station a mile away, and Reagan National Airport 2 miles away. The complex also offers a 24-hour concierge and a convenience store with laundry/dry cleaning services. Monthly condo dues cover all utilities, except for phone, internet, and cable, ensuring a hassle-free living experience in this very special condo.
This is a prime opportunity to own a lovely unit in a highly desirable location that offers not just a home but a vibrant lifestyle.
Listed by:
Donna Hamaker
[email protected]
(705) 582-7779
Address: 8104 East Boulevard Drive
Neighborhood: Herbert Springs
Type: 6 BR, 5 (+2 half) BA single-family detached
Listed: $5,000,000
Noteworthy: Two-year-old custom build with high-end finishes.
Neighboring Old Town Alexandria in this exclusive and distinctive enclave is this two-year-old, custom build which has been carefully curated with detailed high-end finishes throughout.
Here are featured the benefits of modern living with fashionably gracious, classic finishes. The high ceilings, large rooms, millwork, and design details are incomparable, and the sweeping staircase sublime. One primary suite is on the main level with a roll-in shower — only one step up takes you into these divine premises. The great room is the heart of the home, and the kitchen features a Lacanche seven-burner stove and custom solid white oak cabinet millwork. Behind pocket doors are quiet work and homework spaces with smart wi-fi; and entertaining flow is well-designed and fluid.
There are four levels with six en-suite bedrooms. The Diamond Glass lacquered wet bar, pantry, and 1,000-bottle wine cellar are unparalleled. The three-season living room features a wood-burning fireplace and television connector — for some major football viewing, and there is a grilling porch with hood! Formal spaces and quiet nooks for the most discerning.
It will be your great fortune to become the steward of this amazing residence. Whether birthday parties or black-tie galas, this property will host many years of joyous laughter and clinking glasses. DCA is eight miles away!
Listed by:
Janet Caterson Price — McEnearney Associates
[email protected]
(703) 633-5984
This week’s Q&A column is written by David Howell, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant market news, contact David at 703-855-5089 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: What’s been happening with the local real estate market?
Answer: This week we look at contract activity for September and October of 2023 compared with the same time in 2022 for the City of Alexandria and South Alexandria (Fairfax County portions of Alexandria). The charts below show contract activity by price range and by property type (condos, attached homes, and detached homes) as well as the average days on the market.
If you are interested in more information, every month on our website we profile the most important market indicators for Northern Virginia — contract activity, interest rates, inventory, affordability, and the direction of the market — in an easy to read and digest summary followed by supporting charts and data.
City Of Alexandria
New Contract Activity
- Contract activity in the City of Alexandria increased 3.7% for September and October 2023 compared to September and October of 2022.
- Contract activity was higher for the lowest and two highest price categories.
