We invite families to explore our beautiful Montessori classrooms, thoughtfully curated to nurture each child’s interests and development.
Experience firsthand how our environment is designed to meet children where they are, fostering independence and a lifelong love of learning. Whether you’re new to Montessori or looking to deepen your understanding, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our dedicated staff and see our vibrant community in action.
We would also like to invite you to our Montessori Outcomes Parent Night on Thursday, October 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. This event will be hosted in the Del Ray United Methodist Church’s Lunceford Hall.
In education, outcomes are usually understood in the context of “inputs.” Put the knowledge in — out comes that same knowledge. How is Montessori education different? What are the outcomes we are looking for? Come for a dive into children’s discoveries about learning, the world, and themselves through Montessori. Register to learn more!
Located near the intersection of Commonwealth and Windsor Avenues, we are “The Little School Around the Corner.” We serve children ages 18 months to six years old and an elementary program for grades 1st-6th.
If you have questions, please give us a call at 703-380-1241 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!
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 have been recently lauded with the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia 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 $145 million in 2023.
Gorgeous new construction in the heart of Del Ray! This 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath detached craftsman was just completed by distinguished, local builder — Windmill Hill Design Build — and features smart, on-trend finishes with cozy details.
No detail has been overlooked — from the front porch with beautiful brick, custom woodwork and trim, thoughtful yet fun paint and wallpaper, fabulous lighting, wood-burning fireplace and spacious screened porch with a heater! From the tile to faucets, mirrors to lighting, counters to cabinetry — each space was carefully crafted to make you feel right at home. Enter into the foyer from the large front porch, where you will find an office to the left and a spacious dining room to the right. Hosting is a breeze with the dining area connecting to a dry bar and pantry that leads into the kitchen.
The 48 inch range (with pot filler!) and custom hood will please the most discerning chef or the everyday cook, and the oversized island has plenty of space for guests to gather or for casual meals. The contrasting island and perimeter cabinetry feature moody green and blues, and the crisp, white hood and tile provide contrast and keep the space sleek and open. The kitchen overlooks a spacious family room complete with a wood-burning fireplace and beautiful brick surroundings. The screened porch provides an extra living space or an outside home office — great for working from home on crisp fall days. A wallpapered half bath and amazing mudroom round out the first level.
Head upstairs, where three gold lantern style lights will guide you to the four bedrooms and three baths on this level. The primary suite has great light and boasts a walk-in closet, bathroom with shower, private toilet, double vanity and soaking tub. A second bedroom has an en-suite bath, and the third and fourth bedrooms share a hall bath with a tub/shower combo. A spacious laundry room is also located on this level.
The basement is spacious with soaring ceilings and features a recreation room with custom built-ins that are perfect for watching the big game or movie night. An exercise room has additional built-ins and can easily accommodate your treadmill, Peloton, weights and more. The fifth bedroom and fourth full bathroom are located on this level as well — great for guests or an additional home office space. A large utility area and storage space round out this level.
Outside, new fencing and landscaping provide for a usable yet pretty yard. Park your car in the driveway and walk to all that Del Ray has to offer. A stone’s throw from award-winning Stracci Pizza and an easy walk up the Avenue to shops and restaurants and west to the Metro. You will love this location.
Enjoy the Farmer’s Market, Art on the Avenue, Cinema Del Ray, the Halloween Parade and so many more fun events. Just minutes to Reagan National Airport and I-395 plus the GW Parkway, this is a commuter’s dream.
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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele of The Peele Group and McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 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 McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: How much money do I need to buy a home?
Answer: I work with a lot of buyers and the #1 concern is — “Will I be able to afford the costs of buying a home?”
My best suggestion is to talk to a lender as soon as you are considering buying a home. They can help you strategize, even if it’s not for a year or more that you plan to buy. They can save you precious time in avoiding looking at homes that will not work for your budget. They can help you fix things on your credit report so that you aren’t surprised at the last minute with issues that can increase your interest rate. They may even surprise you with how easy it could be to buy a home.
Here are some key points to consider when buying a home.
Downpayment
While you will usually need a down payment, the most important thing to know here is that it doesn’t always have to be 20% down. In fact, most of the buyers that I work with are putting much less of a down payment towards the purchase price.
If you are past or present military, you may qualify for a VA loan, which does not require a downpayment at all. Most buyers will need to put something down, though.
For a conventional loan, you will need to put between 5% and 20% down. The lower amounts usually apply to first-time home buyers, and if you can afford the 20% down, it will help you avoid a monthly mortgage insurance fee (PMI). Again, a lender can help you figure out your options.
There are also some First Time Home Buyer Grants. Virginia has a Down Payment Assistance Grant that never needs to be repaid. There are income limits, but last time I checked, the limit for 2 people was $141K and the max home sale price was $750K. Be sure to ask your lender about this. I have some lenders that I can recommend that know about this program. Just ask!
Closing Costs
When purchasing a home with a mortgage, there will always be some closing costs. This tends to be about 2% of the sales price, but every situation is different, and they could be higher, depending on your situation. It depends on the type of loan you are using, plus there are standard costs factored in, such as appraisal, title insurance, attorney’s fees, taxes, and more. It’s best to discuss this with your lender in advance.
Your Realtor can send a specific home to the lender and they can give you an estimate on all costs. They can also send the info to their trusted settlement company for an estimate. However, your lender will need to weigh in as well.
Realtor Costs
You should also find a great realtor early in the process. They can help you start shopping neighborhoods and understand the process of buying a home. They have a fee for their services, and when you sign your buyer representation paperwork with your Realtor, this fee is outlined.
However, the fee is usually not collected until the time you purchase the home. When you make the offer on a home, you can ask the seller to pay the Realtor fees, which can be 2.5% to 3% or you can pay the fees. In my experience, sellers have been willing to pay the buyers agent compensation.
In conclusion, my best advice is to talk with a lender and a realtor very early in the process. They are there to help you and to be sure that you are super happy with your home when you do buy. As you probably already know, lenders and realtors are your advocates for life.
Whenever you need advice on the best updates for your home over the years, or a refinance if the rates get better, and when it’s time to buy again, they want you to reach out to them and refer your friends and family. So, find those relationships early in the process, and trust them to lead you to your next home!
Hope Peele
Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. 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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
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 have been recently lauded with the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia 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 $145 million in 2023.
Discover this charming, storybook, home nestled in Braddock Heights, one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Alexandria City!
This dutch colonial home offers plenty of space inside and out with 3 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms over 3 levels. The main level features hardwood floors, a spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace, and access to a 3 seasons room. The dining room flows into the kitchen which features gas cooking, ample storage, and overlooks the huge backyard! Walk outside onto the deck, the perfect place to dine outdoors or even host a fall gathering!
Don’t miss the rare main level powder room before heading upstairs. Hardwoods extend upstairs to three spacious and bright bedrooms, and a tastefully updated hall bathroom. The lower level is partially finished and the entire footprint of the main level to include the sunroom! The lower level recreation room is perfect for a family room, office, or guest area with an adjacent full bathroom. The laundry area, utilities, and amazing storage areas can also be found on this level.
Enjoy living in the perfect Braddock Heights location — walk or bike to Fairlington Centre and Del Ray shops and restaurants! Steps to the sought after George Mason ES. Hike nearby parks and the quiet trails at Monticello Park! Ideally located just over 1.5 miles to both Braddock metro and the Amtrak, a couple of blocks from the DASH bus stop, easy access to I-395, National Airport, D.C., and more!
Open House: Saturday, October 5 from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday, October 6 from 2-4 p.m.
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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
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 have been recently lauded with the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia 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 $145 million in 2023.
Gorgeous new construction in the heart of Del Ray! This 5 bedroom, 4.5 baths detached craftsman was just completed by distinguished, local builder — Windmill Hill Design Build — and features smart, on-trend finishes with cozy details.
No detail has been overlooked, from the front porch with beautiful brick, custom woodwork and trim, thoughtful yet fun paint and wallpaper, fabulous lighting, wood-burning fireplace and spacious screened porch with a heater! From the tile to faucets, mirrors to lighting, counters to cabinetry — each space was carefully crafted to make you feel right at home. Enter into the foyer from the large front porch, where you will find an office to the left and a spacious dining room to the right.
Hosting is a breeze with the dining area connecting to a dry bar and pantry that leads into the kitchen. The 48 inch range (with pot filler!) and custom hood will please the most discerning chef or the everyday cook, and the oversized island has plenty of space for guests to gather or for casual meals. The contrasting island and perimeter cabinetry feature moody green and blues, and the crisp, white hood and tile provide contrast and keep the space sleek and open. The kitchen overlooks a spacious family room complete with a wood-burning fireplace and beautiful brick surroundings.
The screened porch provides an extra living space or an outside home office — great for working from home on crisp fall days. A wallpapered half bath and amazing mudroom round out the first level. Head upstairs, where three gold lantern style lights will guide you to the four bedrooms and three baths on this level. The primary suite has great light and boasts a walk-in closet, bathroom with shower, private toilet, double vanity and soaking tub. A second bedroom has an en-suite bath, and the third and fourth bedrooms share a hall bath with a tub/shower combo. A spacious laundry room is also located on this level.
The basement is spacious with soaring ceilings and features a recreation room with custom built-ins that are perfect for watching the big game or movie night. An exercise room has additional built-ins and can easily accommodate your treadmill, Peloton, weights and more. The fifth bedroom and fourth full bathroom are located on this level as well — great for guests or an additional home office space. A large utility area and storage space round out this level. Outside, new fencing and landscaping provide for a usable yet pretty yard. Park your car in the driveway and walk to all that Del Ray has to offer.
A stone’s throw from award-winning Stracci Pizza and an easy walk up the Avenue to shops and restaurants and west to the Metro. You will love this location. Enjoy the Farmer’s Market, Art on the Avenue, Cinema Del Ray, the Halloween Parade and so many more fun events. Just minutes to Reagan National Airport and I-395 plus the GW Parkway.
This is a commuter’s dream. Welcome Home!
Open House: Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 from 1-3 p.m.
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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
Located near the intersection of Commonwealth and Windsor Avenues, we are “The Little School Around the Corner.” Our space accommodates toddler and preschool students ages 18 months to six years old and an elementary program for grades 1st-6th.
Our space includes a large garden and playground area for children to explore and be with nature every day. Enrolled students can also attend before and aftercare as well as our Montessori-based summer camp!
At DRMS, we believe in cultivating classroom communities where empathy, curiosity, and independence flourish. Our approach is grounded in the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles, ensuring each child receives a personalized, holistic education that meets their academic and emotional needs.
Our focus is also on community and connection. We stand by our values of community, belonging, and inclusion. We encourage you to see what makes us unique.
Start with an Inquiry call, or visit us at one of our upcoming Open Houses:
Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
We still have limited spots for the 2024-25 school year and are enrolling for the 2025-26 school year. We look forward to connecting with you!
Strathmore membership for arts, dance, and a world–class concert hall
Rock Creek Park, Strathmore Lawns, and Strathmore Square at your front door
Strathmore Metro station for easy commuting and safe exploring
355, Beltway, 270 all quickly connect you to D.C., Bethesda, Pike and Rose, and beyond
We are Luxury
Highest luxury home finishes
Naturally inspired lush courtyards
Huge landscaped upper–level gardens in select units
Continental elegance in interiors and exteriors
We are Different
Quiet new community at Strathmore Square
Lots of green with all the amenities
Curated community retail and a short drive to urban vibrancy
Explore greenery, paths, and trails near Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and the Strathmore lawns. Relax in a brand-new sophisticated residence with European finishes, generously landscaped terraces, entertainment-focused living spaces, 10’ ceilings, and huge windows for light-filled rooms overlooking the park.
The design focuses on large open entertaining spaces in the most exclusive homes, which allows you to form deeper connections with loved ones as you host memorable dinner parties on your spacious private terrace and expansive living areas. Shed the burden of maintenance and let our incredible management team take care of the details so you can enjoy your new home stress-free.
The green stop on the redline at the Grosvenor Strathmore Metro Station presents an opportunity for luxury living in an art-inspired community. Enjoy access to more, including the nightlife and shopping destinations at Pike and Rose, and Downtown Bethesda, plus all the benefits of membership at Strathmore — the amazing shows at The Music Center, exhibits at The Mansion, summer concerts and outdoor art on the Strathmore Lawn and Sculpture Garden, and our own Strathmore Square music and community events.
Through a one-of-a-kind partnership with Strathmore, residents receive exclusive and diverse Strathmore programming. Enjoy bi-annual sessions with a Curator Concierge, culturally rich performances, and early offerings for premier seats. Enjoy the professional dance conservatory at City Dance on the first floor of Royale, including special resident performances and events.
Close to Rockville Pike and I-495/I-270, yet tucked away in a neighborhood to call your own home to world-class arts and culture — this is Ravel and Royale, where style, connectivity, and serenity meet. Two beautiful variations. One Incredible location.
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: Is staging a home worth it?
Answer: At some point in every listing appointment, the topic of staging comes up. Should I stage? Is it worth the money? In a word, absolutely!
There are countless articles and statistics that talk about the return on investment for each staging dollar. This is twofold. First, professional stagers know how to lay out a home to maximize the impression through photographs that will bring buyers in from online searches.
Secondly, the wow factor when you walk into the home. A well-staged home is often sold before the buyer leaves the main floor. First impressions can mean everything!
So, What is Staging?
Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale. There are many levels and elements to staging. It can be as simple as decluttering. Or it may mean full professional staging. There is also painting and remodeling. Does the home need a little touch-up paint or a new kitchen? Obviously, homes vary greatly depending on the condition and the means and goals of the sellers.
First things first. As Realtors, we would like every seller to understand when discussing staging. We are terrified we are going to offend you and we have no desire to do so. This will likely be the most uncomfortable, difficult conversation we will have with you. We are not looking forward to telling you that gorgeous expensive antiques need to go. It’s not personal. We simply know, homes that are staged with fresh paint, house appropriate neutral furnishings, and carefully arranged accessories sell faster and for more money. Blame HGTV if you would like. But it’s true.
THIS is the one you have been waiting for in Old Town Alexandria! You will not find a better restoration — modernized and improved for today’s conveniences, but finished in absolutely perfect period detail so you don’t lose that spectacular Old Town charm!
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 have been recently lauded with the #1 Real Estate Team in Virginia 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 $145 million in 2023.
Check out this property listed by our McEnearney Associates, Inc. Colleague, Lisa Groover. Exceptional Design, Fantastic Location and Amenities AND Low Maintenance Condo Living!
Move right in to one of Old Town’s most coveted neighborhoods — just a short walk to the unique shops and acclaimed eateries along King Street, a quick bike ride to Metro and the waterfront, plus incredible community amenities including a saltwater pool and clubhouse, updated fitness center, and community library. With the perfect blend of Old Town charm and modern style, this fabulous two bedroom, two and half bath condo in Old Town Village is the low maintenance easy living lifestyle everyone desires in the heart of the city.
The light and bright open floor plan on the main level with large private shaded balcony overlooking the community is ideal for indoor/outdoor living. Warm, immaculately engineered hardwood floors on both levels and architectural details like crown moldings complement the modern finishes in the updated kitchen and baths. Cook up incredible meals in the beautifully appointed updated kitchen, which boasts quartz counters, designer cabinets, and practically untouched stainless steel appliances, including a French door refrigerator and a five burner gas stove.
The gracious dining room is open to the kitchen with a convenient breakfast bar for entertaining and enjoying quick meals. A dual-sided glass gas fireplace serves both the living and dining rooms, making for unforgettable cozy fall nights with friends. A laundry closet with newer washer and dryer and storage, as well as a convenient powder room, finishes off the main level. Upstairs find two spacious primary suites with updated ensuite baths and closet space to die for, including a walk-in closet large enough to display an incredible wardrobe! Both bedrooms can accommodate king beds or use one as a private home office/welcoming guest suite.
Located in the heart of the city, but on a quiet block, enjoy the excitement of Old Town just outside your door or relax quietly on your beautiful, just refinished deck with your favorite vintage and a good book. All the Old Town Village amenities you could ask for plus tons of welcoming community wide events for neighbors of all ages.
An assigned parking space and guest and on street parking available make sure you or your guests never have to hunt for parking in Old Town again.
Open House: Saturday, September 21 from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 from 1-4 p.m.
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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
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 McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: Is that condo you’re eyeing (or selling) on a lending naughty list?
Answer: Stricter lending guidelines for condominium sales mean some properties may not be eligible for certain financing.
Underwriting a residential mortgage loan involves a detailed review of the prospective borrower’s financial picture. It also involves a review of the property to be pledged as collateral for the loan. In the case of loans for condominiums, that review extends beyond the information included in a property’s appraisal report.
In the case of conventional loans, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans require completed condo questionnaires and are obliged to check the Fannie Mae Condo Project Manager (CPM) system to determine whether a loan in a condo project is eligible for sale to Fannie or Freddie. Depending on the responses provided in the condo questionnaire, the lender may then require additional documentation from the condominium association.
The collapse of the Champlain Towers Condo building in Surfside Florida in 2021 has prompted many condo projects to undertake engineering studies of their structures and the lending industry to ascertain whether a condo project presents collateral risk. This increased scrutiny has led to a considerable number of condo projects being listed as “unavailable” within the CPM system.
My recent review of the “unavailable” condo project list for the District of Columbia revealed 30% of projects were on the list because critical repairs are needed and/or the project has significant deferred maintenance. As more condo projects undertake engineering reviews of their structures and facilities, it is likely more projects will be listed as “unavailable” and therefore ineligible for conventional financing until those identified deficiencies are corrected.
The inability to obtain financing for a unit in a condo project is problematic for both purchasers and sellers. Condominium Associations and management companies should be proactive in understanding the requirements of the mortgage industry in order to avoid being deemed ineligible.
When a project does obtain the status of “unavailable,” those condominium associations should be equally proactive in making corrections and communicating with Fannie Mae in order to be removed from the unavailable list as quickly as possible.
Please reach out to me or my colleagues at Atlantic Coast Mortgage for more information about condominium loans and how to find the right lending program for your needs.
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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
