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Just Listed in Alexandria: September 27, 2024

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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 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.

110 E Raymond Avenue, Alexandria 22301 — $2,399,000

110 E Raymond 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.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Discover Del Ray Montessori School: Open House October 19

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1/7

Welcome to the Del Ray Montessori School (DRMS)!

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!

Contact Us Today!

Serenity, culture, and luxury — Ravel & Royale at Strathmore Square

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Ravel and Royale

We are Connected

  • 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.

Leasing now!

Schedule a Personal Tour Today!

Ask McEnearney: Is staging a home worth it?

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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.

Staging A Home (Photo by BTW Images).

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Just Listed in Alexandria: September 20, 2024

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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 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.

1404 Roundhouse Lane #309, Alexandria 22314 — $742,000

1404 Roundhouse Lane #309

Click here for additional 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.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Ask McEnearney: Is that condo you’re eyeing (or selling) on a lending naughty list?

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 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.

Most lenders choose to make sure the entire condominium project is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for FHA loans and the Department of Veteran Affairs for VA loans.

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

Come celebrate with DASH at our Ridership Record Block Party on September 19!

By Sponsor
Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)

Every day, hundreds of passengers board their local DASH bus to get to the important locations in their lives.

Thanks to those loyal residents and our passionate bus operators, DASH is thrilled to announce a new ridership record of over 5.3 million boardings during FY2024!

We will be celebrating this record with a Ridership Record Block Party this Thursday, September 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the William Ramsay Recreation Center. There will be games, music, and food available to commemorate the milestone, so we encourage families to attend!

The nearest bus stop is located on N. Beauregard Street and Sanger Avenue via DASH Line 35.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach us by filling out our contact form or calling 703-746-DASH (3274). Our phone line is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Check us out on our socials: Instagram | Twitter/X | Facebook | Website

Just Listed in Alexandria: September 13, 2024

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 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.

LOCATION! Located in the heart of Del Ray, this semi-detached home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, off-street parking and a wonderful yard!

The main level features a large living room with great flow into the dining area, and a lovely kitchen with gas cooking, great cabinetry, and an island for extra seating and storage. Just off the kitchen is an amazing backyard, fully fenced and perfect for playing outdoors or letting the dogs run around. Upstairs, you’ll find three bedrooms and one full bathroom. The basement has a finished rec room that can also be used for a den or extra guest space with a conveniently connected full bathroom. Laundry room and plentiful storage can also be found in the lower level. D

on’t miss this great opportunity to live near it all! Leave the car in the driveway and walk to shops, restaurants, nearby parks, metro and bus. Easy access to D.C. and the airport as well!

Open House: Sunday, September 15 from 2-4 p.m.

39 E Bellefonte Avenue #1/2, Alexandria 22301 — $889,900

39 E. Bellefonte Ave. #1/2

Click here for additional 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.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria

Ask McEnearney: I just bought a house, now what?

By Sponsor

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: I just bought a house, now what?

Answer: In the lead-up to buying a new home, there are a lot of things that buyers need to keep track of in order to get to the finish line. Lately, I’ve had a number of buyers get close to the date and ask, what’s next? Is there anything else that they should think about doing?

Here are a few things that I usually recommend!

  • Change the locks, garage codes, ring camera access, and anything else that might have given someone access to the home at any point. When homes are prepped for listings, there are often multiple copies of the key made and its best practice to be sure that you update all of that.
  • If it fits into your budget and timeline, this is a great time to replace old carpet, and get any painting or floor refinishing done. These projects are much easier to complete when the home is empty. These personal touches also have the added benefit of making the house feel like your new home.
  • Get a deep clean! Even if the sellers cleaned the home, there have likely been a number of people in and out, bringing in dust and debris. This is not a large investment, but the best opportunity to have the cleanest home possible, while it is the most empty it will likely be for years. 
  • Add curtains and shades where needed! Sometimes when a home is on the market, sellers will take window treatments off to let in as much light as possible. When you are actually living in the home, though, you will likely want a little more privacy. Also, whether the seller left theirs behind or not, you’ll probably want all the new shower curtains! 
  • Check or replace filters and batteries. Ideally, there will already be smoke detectors and CO2 detectors in all appropriate locations. Be sure that these are working properly, and have new batteries. Check HVAC filters, and if there is a water filter, replace that too. 
  • Get things you’ll need before you need them. Some things you just don’t think about until you reach to grab it and realize you don’t have one! Things like fire extinguishers and plungers are definitely items you will want handy when it’s time. This is also a great time to replenish your first aid kit while you’re at it. 
  • Relax and meet your new neighbors! 

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 

Here’s your ticket to making fun possible this fall!

By Sponsor
DC Fray League Registration

Fray social sports leagues are played with a focus on fun, recreation, and socializing. Since 2009, DC Fray social sports have been the BEST way to make new friends and stay active in and around the DMV!

Think: 50% Sport, 50% Social. Fray makes it easy for you to get into the game as an individual, small group or full team across 100+ leagues over 11 sports. 

Registration for our fall social sports leagues closes in just a week! Register by Tuesday, September 17 to get in on the action this season.  

Play traditional sports like volleyball and flag football, and embrace your inner kid with leagues like kickball or skeeball, or try your hand at the nation’s fastest growing sport: pickleball! We’re also pioneering a brand new form of play with our GLOW leagues. Grab some glow sticks and try your hand at bocce, cornhole, kickball and more — in the dark! 

If you haven’t had the chance to experience what a Fray league is all about, we’re hooking up ALXnow readers with $10 off your first league registration with promo code ALXFL24! 

Here are some leagues located in and around the Alexandria area: 

Check out our full list of open fall leagues, or subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when winter 2025 registration is announced!  

Have questions? Want help to get a team together? We got you — email us at [email protected]! 

Want to save even more? 

Get an additional 25% of leagues, plus deals and giveaways to partner events, VIP treatment including open bars at select Fray events and more by becoming a FrayLife+ Member during league checkout! 

View the full league lineup!
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