Question: What updates should I consider if I’m thinking about selling my home in a year?

Answer: This is a frequently asked question and one I am happy to address here. It is also a service I provide to my friends, neighbors and potential clients on a regular basis.


A rare offering, the Potts-Fitzhugh House resides on a half-acre double lot in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

The grand entrance greets you to a storybook foyer with magnificent architecture juxtaposed with historic period details and natural light creating both a majestic yet warm scene. Beyond the entry, the main level offers ideal settings for unforgettable entertaining with an oversized great room, stately dining room and gourmet kitchen. Designed with traditional elegance, this timeless estate is light, bright and open throughout.


Hollin Hills is one of the largest collections of mid-century modern homes in the country, located right here in Alexandria! As you drive through, you can’t help but notice the floor-to-ceiling window, glass box homes that thrive on bringing the lush green surroundings inside. This renowned, historical community was designed by Charles Goodman in the late 1940s (and developed by Robert Davenport) with the inherent concept of connecting daily life with nature through large windows, pristine lines and minimalist design.

Goodman’s work is most notably exemplified by the varying angles in which the homes are sited — many appearing at an angle from the road vs. directly facing the street in a more traditional fashion. Why? When inside, you’ll notice his thoughtful design makes it so you can hardly see another home through most windows. The large windows showcase peaceful views of nature creating a feeling of seclusion and retreat from city life.


Question: Are there benefits to listing my home on the MLS vs. selling it privately?

Answer: In today’s hot real estate market, some sellers may be tempted to sell their home privately, though a private sale does not include full exposure to the market through the multiple listing service (MLS), the internet, and the thousands of agents and brokerage companies who work in this region. We’ve heard a number of possible reasons for wanting to do so, including convenience, privacy and security.


Thinking about taking the next step in your career? The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University offers flexible part-time or full-time options for graduate certificate and master’s degree programs designed to teach applicable, real-world knowledge for in-demand careers.

Join our upcoming Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House for prospective students on Sept. 14. The online session will provide an overview of the Schar School’s top-ranked master’s degree programs and graduate certificate programs, student services, and admissions requirements.


Question: How did the real estate market for the first half of 2021 compare with 2020?

Answer: The City of Alexandria’s real estate market saw substantial improvement in the first half of 2021, but it would have been stunning had it turned out any other way given the doldrums of the COVID market during the spring of 2020.


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