This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
The mini slowdown we experienced this summer is showing up in the weekly Just Sold report with just eight properties going from PENDING to SOLD this week in Reston. Average Days on market for this little group is 24, which doesn’t seem too bad — until you look at the way we count days on market.
When you put your house on the market, the multiple listing system keeps track of how many days it takes for your property to sell. But let’s say you put your house on the market and after 60 or 90 days it doesn’t sell, so you decide to change real estate agents.
Your new agent will create a new listing record for your house — the days on market counter is reset to 0, but there is a new counter called days on market property that keeps track of how long that property has been on the market regardless of what agent has the listing. When we look at the property counter we see the average for this group is actually 64.
That’s a lot of days to have to get up and have your house in ready-to-show condition.
The common thread in these houses that sat on the market a longest time is that the difference between their original list price and their final sold price was significant. Getting your house priced right when the market is in transition is hard; it takes a lot of honest dialogue between agent and client to adjust course quickly if your property isn’t getting enough activity to get it sold.
Here are the 8 properties that sold this week:
- 12105 PURPLE SAGE CT N: 3BR, 1.5 BA. List Price $314,995; Sold Price $300,000
- 2161 CABOTS POINT: 3BR, 3 BA. List Price $624,900; Sold Price $590,000 Seller Subsidy $8,000
- 1560 TRAILS EDGE LN: 5BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $775,000; Sold Price $692,000 Seller Subsidy $10,000
- 2334 ANTIQUA CT: 3BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $335,000; Sold Price $327,000 Seller Subsidy $8,000
- 2417 ALSOP CT: 3BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $399,000; Sold Price $392,000 Seller Subsidy $3,925
- 11939 RIDERS LN: 4BR, 3 Full 2 Half BA. List Price $878,000 Sold Price $878,000
- 1413 NORTHGATE SQ: 3BR, 2 BA. List Price $309,000; Sold Price $289,000 Seller Subsidy $2,300
- 2143 GREENKEEPERS CT: 3BR, 2 BA. List Price $469,000; Sold Price $460,000 Seller Subsidy $3,000
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 26 new properties that came on the market this week in Reston. We are staying pretty even between new listings and properties going from PENDING to SOLD which is keeping the inventory of properties for sale at about the 2.5 months’ worth. Expect to see activity climb as we move into the Fall months. Year to date numbers are looking great with 722 properties sold for a total of more than $337,000.
Here are a few of the properties that came on the market this past week.
1602 WATERS EDGE LN. 4BR 3.5 Bath. $750,000
2353 NASHUA CT. 5BR 3.5 Baths. $699,900
11716 DRY RIVER CT. 3BR 3.5 Baths. $454,000
1424 PARK GARDEN LN. 3BR 3.5 Baths. $557,000
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
The other day, a friend told me her appraisal for a home equity loan came in $40,000 less than comps in her neighborhood. Why did this happen? Because she didn’t realize she needed to clean and straighten the whole house (especially the huge cobwebs in the windows). It was a dark, rainy evening and the house looked dingy from the outside, and they also need to do some upgrades. Granted, the home equity loan is to pay for the upgrades. But still, $40,000 below market value? That is significant.
Do not let this happen to you.
Here is the thing to remember for any appraisal — whether you’re refinancing, apply for a home equity loan, or selling: appraisers are people, and they are just as influenced by physical appearances as buyers are. Your house has to look it’s best when the appraiser comes through lest they appraise the property much lower than it’s worth.
My friend’s story is so common, I decided to do a two-part series on appraisals. Part one includes the steps you need to take to make your property physically appealing. In part two, I’ll discuss the things you can do to make the appraiser’s job easier.
To start, know that physical appearance matters. A lot. Appraisers can assign an “effective age” to your home — this is the age they assign after considering how recent the updates are and the overall condition. Torn wallpaper, vinyl floors curling, threadbare carpets, chipped paint — all of these things add up to the overall age of your home. And that will drive appraisers to comps with the same effective age. So, make your house look good.
1. Spruce it up. Every appraiser I know agrees that it’s important to keep the look, feel, and condition of the property as updated and cared-for as possible. Appraisers probably won’t look under your bed, but they will look at overall how clean the home is. Clean the marks of your walls and the fingerprints around door handles. Wash your windows. Replace the peeling vinyl floor. All of these things actually affect the value of your home, and they add up.
This is also a good time to do some of the upgrades you’ve been thinking about. Paint, new carpets, lights, and plumbing fixtures are relatively low cost upgrades that can make a huge difference in your appraisal. Read More
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Summer must be winding down — 27 houses went from PENDING to SOLD this past week in Reston. That is more than twice the number that sold in the previous week, but still off the previous average of 40+.
Here are a few of the homes that recently sold:
- 1942 CRESCENT PARK DR. List Price $439,900. Sold Price $440,000
- 2303 MIDDLE CREEK LN. List Price $425,000.Sold Price $425,000
- 2100 WHISPERWOOD GLEN LN. List Price $325,000. Sold Price $325,000. Seller Subsidy $4,000
- 1250 NEW BEDFORD LN. List Price $1,084,950. Sold Price $1,069,000
- 1703 SHAGBARK CIRCLE. List Price $775,000. Sold Price $775,000
- 11741 SUMMERCHASE CIR #1741-D. List Price. $199,900. Sold Price $199,000. Seller Subsidy $6,000
Click here for a complete list of the properties that sold last week in Reston.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
When Paul Swinley opened Cafesano in South Lakes Village Center in 2003, he wanted to create a restaurant that combined quick-casual dining with top quality food in a comfortable environment.
Swinley didn’t see why any of those things needed to be independent of each other. He thought Reston needed a spot where people who wanted a quick bite to eat could also enjoy a fresh, tasty meal — with a glass of wine or beer as well.
It seems everyone in Reston agreed. Cafesano was a success from the moment it opened its doors. Today, this locally owned gem is a favorite for residents and people who work in the nearby office buildings.
“My favorite lunch spot in Reston,” is a common refrain from anyone who has eaten here. No matter when you drop by, there will be a steady stream of people coming through to enjoy pizza, paninis, and kabobs (and, of course, baklava).
Cafesano serves a combination of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, but the the primary rule is that the food be fresh. That, combined with great customer service and a sleek, comfortable dining area with amazing views of Lake Thoreau, has contributed to Northern Virginia Magazine naming it the best restaurant in Northern Virginia for lunch in 2012.
Paul’s goal is always to give his guests a memorable dining experience by providing them with flavorful food and outstanding customer service. Drop by and visit — you’ll agree that Cafesano is one of Reston’s locally owned treasures!
Location: South Lake Village Shopping Center, South Lakes Drive, Reston. Price: Inexpensive. Visit Cafesano online for the the menu.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Just 10 properties went from pending to sold this past week in Reston. August is a notoriously slow month in real estate — look for things to start picking up as we move into September.
Here are a few of the houses that sold this past week.
- 11307 STONES THROW DR. Listed for $1,199,000 Sold for $1,110,000. $3,000 in Seller Subsidy
- 11990 MARKET ST #303. Listed for $715,000. Sold for $702,000
- 1516 CHATHAM COLONY CT. Listed for $419,000. Sold for $419,000. $10,000 in Seller Subsidy
- 2274 COCQUINA DR. Listed for $339,000. Sold for $325,000
- 2438 RIDGEHAMPTON CT. Listed for $318,800. Sold for $318,800. $1,020 in Seller Subsidy
- 2161 GOLF COURSE DR. Listed for $428,900. Sold for $424,500. $1,500 in Seller Subsidy
- 2258 COMPASS POINT LN. Listed for $1,399,000. Sold for $1,325,000. $6,000 in Seller Subsidy
- 11300 HARBOR CT #113. Listed for $452,000. Sold for $443,000. $2,000 in Seller Subsidy
- 2187 POND VIEW CT. Listed for $395,000. Sold for $375,000. $1,260 in Seller Subsidy
- 2058 LAKE AUDUBON CT. Listed for $695,000 Sold for $685,000
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 26 new listings that hit the Reston real estate market this week, bringing the total inventory to our new normal of about 250 properties for sale.
In typical Reston fashion, the price range on these properties goes from $117,500 to $3,000,000.
Here are a few of the new listings.
11406 Fairway Drive. 3BR ,2.5 BA TH. $529,000
11990 Market Street, #1714. 3BR, 2.5 BA Condo. $1,280,000
11002 Howland Drive. 4BR, 2.5 BA SFH. $479,900
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Many neighborhoods say they are Reston’s undiscovered jewel. Cabots Point Cluster in the South Lakes area of Reston is one with a true stake on that claim.
This beautiful community of cedar patio homes borders Lake Audubon, Reston’s largest lake. The neighborhood is so secluded that many people don’t realize there are houses back there.
Warm is the way to describe this Reston lakeside neighborhood. Built in the early- to mid-1980s, these townhomes have a distinctive contemporary design with sharp right angles and sun-drenched cedar siding. Rather than the adjoining walls typical of most townhouse developments, two-car garages attach these units.
The yards are beautifully landscaped, and common areas provide a wooded setting. The homes have one or two decks and are staggered along winding, narrow cul-de-sacs that give the impression of a small village.
Many units have lake views. Access to Cabots Point comes from South Lakes Drive, across the street from South Lakes High School and a quick walk to South Lakes Village Center,
Cabots Point may be close to every activity Reston has to offer (including the new Wiehle-Reston East Silver Line Metro station), but for many residents, lazy evenings on the lake are the leisure activity of choice. Talk to any resident of Cabots Point, and most will tell you they have no intention of ever moving out of the neighborhood.
Homes don’t often come on the market here, so if you see one, jump on the opportunity immediately.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
The Reston real estate market seems to be meandering through summer, with the buyers taking their time and evaluating their options.
This past week in Reston, just 13 properties went from PENDING to SOLD. We are holding steady with about 250 properties on the market — a little over two month’s supply of homes.
It’s not a classic buyer’s market, but seller’s will need to work a little harder to make their home stand out as the best choice in their price range–a big change from just a few months ago.
Here are the properties that sold last week in Reston.
- 2046 Durand Street. Listed $699,000; Sold $680,00
- 1416 Hemingway Court. Listed $684,500; Sold $684,500
- 2009 Lakewinds Drive. Listed $749,000; Sold $737,000; Seller Subsidy $4,800
- 2010 Colts Neck Road. Listed $225,000; Sold $210,000; Seller Subsidy $3,500
- 2314 Horseferry Court. Listed $399,500; Sold $385,000
- 11990 Market St #814 .Listed $625,000 Sold $615,000
- 11216 Chestnut Grove Square #118. Listed $259,900; Sold $245,000; Seller Subsidy $3,000
- 11325 Woodbrook Lane. Listed $895,000; Sold $901,000
- 2522 Farrier Lane. Listed $635,000; Sold $625,000; Seller Subsidy $10,000
- 1630 Autumnwood Drive. Listed $725,000; Sold $735,000; Seller Subsidy $10,300
- 1679 Bayfield Way. Listed $379,900; Sold $371,500
- 1409 Aldenham Lane. Listed $498,000; Sold $510,000
- 2377 Hunters Square Court. Listed $340,000; Sold $340,000; Seller Subsidy $9,500
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
There was a milestone day in Reston on July 26, 2014 — the long-anticipated Silver Line Metro opened to the public.
It was a beautiful Saturday, and Restonians came out in droves to take their first trip on the Silver line. Some ventured just a few short stops to Tysons Corner, while others ventured all the way into DC.
To me, there are two primary benefits of taking the Silver Line — you don’t have to fight traffic and you don’t have to look for parking. I may just ride the train one morning simply for the experience of traveling during rush hour without being stuck in gridlock.
As someone who lives and works in Reston, I don’t have to travel into Washington, D.C., very often, if ever. So I don’t. It’s not the driving; it’s the parking. I just don’t want to deal with it. Now with the Metro, that is going to change. Here are my five top Silver Line adventures that don’t even require a train change!
Eastern Market (Eastern Market stop)
Eastern Market is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of D.C. It offers an eclectic mix of fresh food, community events, and local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts on weekends. It’s great fun to meander through the market and have breakfast or lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area. If you want to experience D.C. like a local, visit here.
The Smithsonian (Smithsonian stop)
Where to start? The Smithsonian consists of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and nine research facilities. From fine art to finery to fossils — you could spend weeks exploring the Smithsonian and see only a fraction of what it has to offer. And now, access is just a short train ride away.
The Kennedy Center (Rosslyn stop)
This adventure is two-for-one. The Kennedy Center is such a fantastic resource. From concerts to musicals, there is always something interesting on stage. And even if you aren’t there for a show, you’ll have a great time wandering the Hall of Flags and enjoying the views from the terrace.
However, many people don’t realize what a treat it is to walk to the Kennedy Center from Rossyln, across the Potomac River in Virginia. It’s a fairly short walk that takes you over the Roosevelt Bridge, which (in my opinion) is one of the most beautiful views of DC. I’m looking forward to heading down on a Sunday for a matinee
The Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington is chock full of great restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. If that sounds a little like Reston Town Center, it is. Only it’s in Arlington. Clarendon is a fun change of pace if you just want to ride the metro or do something different on a Saturday night.
Georgetown (Foggy Bottom stop)
Georgetown is one of those iconic DC neighborhoods that is just fun to wander around. Visit the famous Exorcist staircase or visit the gorgeous Georgetown University campus and then wander down M Street to find a piece of pie or a cupcake. There is shopping, dining, and great people watching to be found around every corner. A leisurely, agenda-free afternoon in Georgetown is always fun.
There are hundreds of adventures awaiting you once the metro train doors open. Enjoy the ride!
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 27 properties that went from Pending to Sold this past week in Reston.
The good news is that only 24 new properties were added to the Reston market for a total inventory of 278 homes for sale, which is a little over 2 months of inventory. Average days on market is now 25, about 7 — 10 longer than it was in the Spring.
The implication for sellers in this slower market is that when your home hits the market your price and condition must be on point in order to be the best home in your category so that you can create some urgency in the buyers.
Here are a few of the homes that sold in Reston this week.
2243 Castle Rock Square #1B. Listed at $179,500. Sold at $179,000 (Seller Subsidy: $5,821).
2108 Green Watch Way #301. Listed at $265,000. Sold at $260,000.
1524 Chatham Colony Court. Listed at $499,900. Sold at $521,250.
1925 Upper Lake Drive. Listed at $847,000. Sold at $836,000.
1830 Fountain Drive #1501. Listed at $1,349,000. Sold at $1,265,000 (Seller Subsidy $1,200)
*Seller Subsidy is when the seller contributes cash to the buyer’s closing costs.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
In May and June, real estate agents were reporting slowness in the market — which took most of us by surprise given how fast things had been moving.
The Just Sold numbers are now demonstrating that slowness. Just 22 properties went from Pending to Sold last week in Reston. Thirty-eight new homes came on the market during that same period. Total number of homes for sell in Reston is at a two-year high of 284.
Here are a few that sold in Reston this week.
2429 Ansdel Court. List price: $365,000. Sold price: $345,000. Days on Market: 12
1851 Stratford Park Place #407. List price: $464,900. Sold price: $448,500. Days on Market: 12
11706 Indian Ridge Road. List price: $499,000. Sold price: $495,000. Days on Market: 44
11628 Chapel Cross Way. List price: $639,900. Sold price: $650,000. Days on Market: 2
2002 Turtle Pond Drive. List price: $750,000. Sold price: $710,000. Days on Market: 84
1514 Chatham Colony Court. List price: $429,000. Sold price: $426,000. Days on Market: 20
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
The just sold for this past week fell to its lowest number in more than 12 months. The number of properties going from Pending to Sold was a mere 23, reflective of the sluggish activity we experienced in Reston in the early Summer. Properties going from Active to Pending for the same period was 33.
Here are a few of the properties that sold in Reston this week.
11405 HOOK RD. 4BR, 3.5 Baths — Listed at $650,000. Sold at $650,000.
11706 INDIAN RIDGE RD. 4BR, 2.5 Baths — Listed at $499,000. Sold at $495,000.
11288 FAIRWIND WAY. 3BR, 2.5 Baths — Listed at $486,900. Sold at $477,000.
1423 CHURCH HILL PL #1423. 2BR, 1.5 Baths — Listed at $300,000. Sold at $290,000.
10713 CROSS SCHOOL RD. 4BR, 3.5 Baths — Listed at $799,000. Sold at $800,000.
12009 TALIESIN PL #32. 2BR, 2 Baths — Listed at $369,500. Sold at $359,50 .
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Are you a book lover? Then Reston is a good place for you. Lake Anne Plaza is home to one of the most beloved used book stores in Northern Virginia — Reston’s Used Book Shop, the place “Where Books and People Meet.”
The people who frequent this mom-and-pop gem, well they’re the FRUBs (friends of Reston’s Used Book Shop). FRUBS don’t just buy books. FRUBS love the store, drop in a lot, and sometimes contribute ideas or a little time.
Reston’s Used Book Shop was founded in 1978 by Restonians Sue Schram and Sue Wensell (known as “the Sues”). In 1999, Bud and Susan Burwell took the store and continued the community tradition inspired by the original owners.
Bud and Susan have created a haven for book lovers of all ages. The store includes a literary living room where you can snuggle with a cup of coffee or attend one of the stores frequent lectures or events. You can even stop by for an afternoon of bluegrass music once a month.
Reston’s Used Book Shop is located on Lake Anne Plaza. You never know who you will see or meet when you browsing through the immense selection of books, but you will always have a great time hanging out.
Summer hours: Open daily. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
So come on down and be a FRUB!
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There are 45 new listings that came on the market this week, bringing the total homes for sale in Reston to 254.
The market has been busier as buyers are back from the Fourth of July weekend and getting back in the hunt. Those hoping to be settled before school starts in September need to get focused.
Reston’s 254 properties for sale represent a little fewer than a two-month supply of homes. While we’re adding slightly more homes per week than we’re selling, it will take a while to build enough inventory to shift the market from a Seller’s Market to a Buyer’s Market.
Here are a few of the new listings for this week.
