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Just Listed in Alexandria: March 7, 2025

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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 Corcoran McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.

Welcome Back!

Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We have been lauded the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia and #87 Small Team in the Nation — based out of Alexandria, Virginia. I, along with my rock-star team members, Sue Kovalsky, Micki MacNaughton, and Nancy Lacey have more than 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $144 million in 2024.

Check out this absolute stunner, listed by our Corcoran McEnearney colleague, Lisa Groover. Welcome to the ultimate in refined elegance, architectural character, and Old Town sophistication. This three bedroom, 3.5 bath townhome is located just steps from the excitement of King Street in the best development the city has to offer, Old Town Village.

Have fun this summer in the community’s salt-water pool, enjoy a happy hour on the patio poolside, get your daily workout done in the fitness center, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, strolling with your furry friends along the tree-lined quiet streets meeting up with friendly neighbors. The traditional, Colonial architecture of this development echoes the historic character of the city. This classic neighborhood design carries through to the home’s foyer with crown molding and French doors to the first-floor office, the perfect telecommuter’s dream space. Complete with gas fireplace, immaculate hardwood floors, and crown molding, tons of natural light, and a view of the courtyard across the street, this entry level space can also be used as a den, library, or music room.

Up the stairs to the open main level, another stunning place to entertain your closest family and friends. Beautiful built-ins with closed storage and open shelving for display, another gas fireplace with marble surround, a wall of windows including French doors to the sunny deck with views of open space beyond, and high ceilings all make this combined living/dining space so comforting and cozy. The recently updated kitchen kissed with golden accents is the ideal place to cook up special meals with all new 42″ white cabinets, quartz counters, custom backsplash, stainless steel appliances, large island with sink, and pantry. It’s all in the details with this kitchen including a gorgeous custom Kohler brushed gold finish faucet and matching brushed gold cabinet hardware.

Enjoy your morning coffee in the breakfast area or al fresco on the recently refinished deck. A convenient powder room finishes this level. Up one level to the relaxing primary suite with cathedral ceiling, sitting area with new bay window, large walk-in organized closet, and a primary bath out of a magazine. Just renovated, the primary bath includes a separate water closet, walk-in shower with dual head shower and marble bench, jetted spa bathtub, and two separate quartz vanities with LED mirrors. A hall bath is similar in style with new quartz counter, an LED mirror and recently refinished tub/shower. The spacious second bedroom that can accommodate a queen bed overlooks the courtyard. A laundry closet with storage shelving finishes this bedroom level.

Up to the final space, the open loft is the perfect guest bedroom suite with full renovated en-suite bath. This flexible space can be used as a second family room, exercise space, second office… the possibilities are endless! With a two-car garage and community guest spots, you’ll never have to search for parking again!

This move-in ready home is the epitome of everything you could possibly want. Immaculately maintained and stunningly updated with every detail designed with the utmost care, this home is an incomparable elegant retreat.

Open House: Saturday, March 8 from 2-4 p.m. | Sunday, March 9 from 2-4 p.m.

409 S Fayette Street, Alexandria 22314 — $1,390,000

409 S Fayette Street

Click here for other Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].

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 40 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.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Listing of the Day: 400 Madison Street #1704

By ALXnow.com

Noteworthy: Panoramic views of Alexandria/D.C./Water/Sunrise/Sunsets from 775 SqFt balcony!

Unparalleled views and endless possibilities! This rare 17th-floor unit offers 1,300 sq. ft. of living space with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a breathtaking wrap-around balcony of 775 sq. ft. showcasing panoramic views of sunrise and sunsets, the Masonic Temple, The Capitol, and the Potomac River.

Go to Listing of the Day: 400 Madison Street #1704 Read more

Just Listed in Alexandria: February 28, 2025

By Sponsor

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 Corcoran McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.

Welcome Back!

Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We have been lauded the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia and #87 Small Team in the Nation — 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 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $144 million in 2024.

Rarely available 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom detached Del Ray home! This stunning home will truly wow at every turn with updated lighting, custom wallpaper beautiful fixtures, gorgeous paint and so much more!

Enter into the foyer, which opens to an oversized living room with custom built-ins with picture lighting and a gas fireplace. Currently used as a playroom and separated family room, this space is both functional and convenient! This space opens to a dining room — great for everyday meals or hosting dinner parties. The kitchen features a large island with a wood countertop and tons of counter space and cabinetry — ideal for the chef or the home cook.

From the kitchen, step to the deck which overlooks the patio and outdoor fireplace. Perfect for outdoor BBQs or enjoying warm spring days — this is the ideal outdoor area! Rounding out the main level is a bedroom with custom closet and a fully renovated bathroom with basketweave tile and custom, designer wallpaper.

Head to the upper level, where you will find three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. At the top of the staircase is an open loft area with space for a Peloton or home office. Tucked away with custom cabinetry is a washer and dryer — so convenient! The primary is a spacious retreat with double walk-in closets, vaulted ceilings and a spa-like bath with shower and soaking tub. The two additional bedrooms are incredibly large and share a hall bathroom.

The lower level features a rec room, tons of storage, a kitchenette and an additional full bathroom. Great for family movie nights or a guest suite, this space has access to the yard through the rear of the home.

Back outside, you will find a storage shed with a fort on top and a one car garage. Use for your car, storage or turn into a gym or office — this is a great space for you to choose your own adventure.

Located just two blocks to “The Avenue” and minutes to the Potomac Metro station, you do not want to miss this beautifully updated home!

401 E Custis Avenue, Alexandria 22301 — $1,800,000

401 E Custis Avenue

Click here for other Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].

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 40 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.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Ask Corcoran McEnearney: What are the top five things you might not know about home buying?

By Sponsor

This week’s column is sponsored and written by Corcoran McEnearney, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact us at 703-549-9292. You may also submit your questions to Corcoran McEnearney via email for response in future columns.

Question: What are the top five things you might not know about home buying?

Answer: In home-buying, what you don’t know can indeed hurt you in the long run.

If you’re in the market for a new home you may be pondering many things: Will I get the best interest rate? What will my commute to work be like? What can we do with the basement? Will the primary bedroom closet fit all my clothes? Is there a cul-de-sac for the kids to play? Will I be able to afford the loan payment?

All important considerations, no doubt. But there are some not-so-obvious aspects of buying a home — one of largest, most important, and expensive transactions most people will undertake — that buyers should consider to minimize risk for what should be a happy and positive life milestone.

Keith Barrett, an attorney and founder of Vesta Settlements, recently met with many of our agents to discuss his top five things that buyers should be aware of.

Title Insurance

Title is the formal right of ownership of property; title insurance protects and insures an owner’s (or lender’s) interest in real property. Specifically, it is a policy of indemnification (“making whole”) against loss caused by any covered defect in the title. Title insurance is unique in its scope because where most insurance policies protect against future unknown events, title insurance is retrospective and looks back in history (generally back 40 years) at what has occurred to land or a property regarding ownership. It’s also unique in that the premium is paid once, rather than monthly or annual premiums like other insurance policies.

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Just Listed in Alexandria: February 21, 2025

By Sponsor

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 Corcoran McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.

Welcome Back!

Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We have been lauded the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia and #87 Small Team in the Nation — 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 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $144 million in 2024.

Welcome to 304 Clifford Avenue. A stunning 2021 renovation/build featuring 3600 square feet over three levels. this home will wow at every turn.

From the front porch, enter into the foyer — to the right you will find a formal living room and a separate, light-filled office just off this space. A formal dining room is located off the living room — great for hosting holiday dinners! Head to the gorgeous kitchen with a walk-in pantry, large island, beautiful countertops and classic white cabinetry. The open kitchen overlooks a spacious family room and eat-in dining area. A half bath rounds out the main level.

Upstairs you will find four bedrooms and three full baths plus laundry. The primary suite features a multiple closets and has beautiful spa-like bath with neutral marble throughout. The lower level boasts a recreation room, a guest room and full bath plus utilities/storage. The deck and large yard are perfect for entertaining! Park in the driveway and walk to all the shops and restaurants of Del Ray. Easy commute with walk to Metro or drive — the GW Parkway and I-395 are just minutes away.

Welcome home!

304 Clifford Avenue, Alexandria 22305 — $2,150,000

304 Clifford Avenue

Click here for other Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].

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 40 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.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Ask Corcoran McEnearney: Should I bring my children when looking for our new home?

By Sponsor

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele of The Peele Group and Corcoran McEnearney, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact The Peele Group at 703-244-6115 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to Corcoran McEnearney via email for response in future columns.

Question: Should I bring my children when looking for our new home?

Answer: Bringing children along when viewing homes can be tricky. You might be concerned about them getting too attached to a home or even the objects inside the home! You also might be concerned about them running around in the home and potentially upsetting the staging. But, in my experience, bringing your children in on your home search can be an asset — with the right approach.

Here are some tips on how to make it easier:

Set expectations. Explain to your children that they will be visiting new houses, but it is different from visiting a friend. Running and playing inside might not be as safe as it usually is.

There might be rooms set up with fun things but let them know that they should think of these tours like visits to a store. The items in the home are just for looking at and not for taking home.

It is also important to note that if a home is completely staged it is very possible that the beds aren’t real. In some cases, it might look like a comfy king bed — complete with ample pillows and comforters — but it is really just an air mattress precariously balanced on a few empty boxes.

Another factor to consider is that other buyers have been through the home, and could have fiddled with locks, etc. I never thought about this, until I experienced what could have been a pretty scary situation.

I was touring a home with a good friend, her husband, and their two young children. Her daughter wanted to check out one of the bedrooms and shut the door behind her to get the full experience. It turned out that someone had tested the door lock before her, so she was locked in the bedroom. Luckily, her parents were able to coach her to open the door and let herself out, but it was an important lesson that I was thankful to have learned, with few consequences.

Bring entertainment and snacks. If you will be touring more than one home, pack a tablet, books, or toys to keep them occupied, as well as a snack. If a home is staged to appeal to families with children, it is likely that there will be toys in the home. It is always a good idea to have your own toys, so it isn’t as upsetting for them when you need to leave toys behind. Snacks can also be very helpful for maintaining stamina. Of course, you know your child best, so plan ahead if there is a chance that your home tours will run into a mealtime.

Don’t get outnumbered. If there are more children than parents, it can be useful to enlist help. The main benefit of this is that you will have more freedom to actually look at the home. Depending on the age of your children, you can always introduce them to your Realtor and have them hang out while you look around. Of course, I am personally biased to this option, as I enjoy hanging with the kids!

Limit visits. Viewing multiple houses in one day can be exhausting for kids. Honestly, from my experience, it is exhausting for adults, too. Try to keep it to just a few per day. When you see more than three or four at a time it can be hard to maintain energy, and remember which homes have what specific features. Children are much more likely to get exhausted and that could potentially impact your impression of the home.

Get them involved. Older children may enjoy choosing their future room or looking for fun nearby places. Let them know that you are in the home search, but don’t let them know that they have a new home until it is a done deal.

Of course, every family is unique and sometimes the decision to bring your children isn’t in your hands. These are just a few ideas to help make that home search smoother!

If you are looking for a local, experienced agent to guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you make informed decisions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hope Peele

Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with Corcoran McEnearney in Alexandria, Virginia. She grew up in Old Town and currently lives in Del Ray. As a partner with The Peele Group, Hope is dedicated to guiding her clients successfully through the many-faceted process of buying or selling a home. Contact Hope at 703-244-6115.

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.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Just Listed in Alexandria: January 31, 2025

By Sponsor

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 Corcoran McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.

Welcome Back!

Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We have been lauded  the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia and #87 Small Team in the Nation — 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 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $144 million in 2024.

6048 Woodmont Road, Alexandria 22307 — $1,349,000

6048 Woodmont Road

Click here for other Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].

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 40 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.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Ask Corcoran McEnearney: Why aren’t mortgage rates dropping?

By Sponsor

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Brian Bonnet, Senior Loan Officer (NMLS ID# 224811) of Atlantic Coast Mortgage, LLC (NMLS ID# 643114). To learn more about current mortgage rates and the home loan process, contact Brian at 703-766-6702 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to Corcoran McEnearney via email for response in future columns.

Question: Why aren’t mortgage rates dropping?

Answer: The Federal Reserve began lowering the Fed Funds Rate this past September with a ½ point decrease, followed by additional ¼ point reductions in November and December. Consumers had eagerly awaited these reductions in the hope that rates on consumer loans, such as mortgages, would follow. (This article was written prior to the January Fed meeting.)

Unfortunately, the opposite has been the case.

According to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rate survey, the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate loans closed during the week of the September Fed rate cut was 6.08%. The survey shows the average rate increasing in the following months with that number currently sitting at 7.04%. So, with a total decrease in the Fed Funds rate of 1.0%, mortgage interest rates have actually increased 1.0%. Why?

Mortgage rates generally track the direction of the 10-year Treasury Yield. The 10-year yield and the yields of other long-term treasuries and bonds are driven largely by expectations of where short-term interest rates will be in the future, as opposed to where they are now.

The Federal Reserve lowered the extremely short-term interest rate, the Fed Funds Rate, but economic reports and even commentary from Federal Reserve governors continues to indicate concerns that instead of moving closer to the Fed’s 2% inflation target, we are actually moving away from it.

In addition to the actual economic numbers we are currently seeing, we have the prospect of tariffs being added to the mix, the result of which would very likely be inflationary. Fed commentary suggests they are less likely to continue lowering the Fed Funds Rate in the near term which has the impact of keeping long term yields, including mortgage rates at higher levels.

No one can tell consumers when mortgage rates will trend lower again, but waiting for lower rates before purchasing a home may not be the wisest financial move. The median price for a home in the D.C. Metro area rose approximately 6.2% in 2024 to $610,000. We continue to see low inventory and will likely see similar increases in home prices during 2025. As prices increase, so do loan amounts. Consumers should remember when rates decline, you can refinance a loan to a lower rate, but you can never “refinance” your purchase price to a lower price.

Let’s look at an example: a $610,000 purchase price now with 20% down at a rate of 7% results in a principal and interest payment of $3,247 on a loan of $488,000. Refinancing the balance a year later to a 6% rate reduces the P&I payment to $2,896.

But if a consumer waits that same year for rates to drop to 6%, the price of that same home will likely be $647,820, an increase of almost $40,000. With 20% down the loan would increase to $518,256 which results in a P&I payment of $3,107, or just $140 less than the previous year.

So, while the purchaser saved $140/month in their P&I payment in the second example by waiting to purchase until rates dropped the next year, they could have saved $351/month by refinancing the loan if they had purchased the year before. Waiting for rates to decrease while home prices increase almost never makes sense.

If you’re in the market to purchase a home, we’d love to create a home-buying strategy that gets you a rate you can live with for a home you can afford today. Please reach out to me or my colleagues at Atlantic Coast Mortgage to get started.

Brian Bonnet

If you would like more information about financing a mortgage in today’s market, please contact Brian Bonnet at [email protected] or call 703-766-6702.

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.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

The Del Ray Montessori School: Creating a love for learning

By Sponsor
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Welcome to The Del Ray Montessori School!

As the only AMI-recognized school in Del Ray, we focus on providing an educational foundation that instills respect, curiosity, and perseverance in every child.

We create a love for learning and establish a foundation for success in preparation for life’s adventures. Our dedicated, AMI-trained teachers provide an enriching, supportive environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and reach their full potential.

In our Primary program (ages 3-6), children thrive as they develop independence and concentration, developing the skills they need to become confident, self-directed learners. The Montessori materials curated for the classrooms engage each child’s natural curiosity. The teacher guides the lessons, ensuring every student’s unique needs are met.

We invite you to learn more about our Primary program by registering for an inquiry call, visiting for a tour, or scheduling an observation. Visit our website for more information.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are also currently available!

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