This is sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Looking for a new home? The fall market is going strong. There are 14 new listings in Reston this week.
Here are a few of them:
11056 SAFFOLD WAY, 3BR 2.5 Bath, $299,900
11928 FIELDTHORN CT, 2BR 1.5 Bath, $324,900
11800 SUNSET HILLS RD #117, 1BR 1 Bath, $360,000
2200 GOLF COURSE DR, 3BR 2.5 Bath, $410,000
2306 DARIUS LN, 5BR 2.5 Bath, $549,000
For the full list of Reston homes for sale click here.
Check out Reston Now’s Real Estate Section for more listings, open houses and mortgage information.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Autumn in Northern Virginia is a beautiful time of year, and there are plenty of activities within an hour of Reston you and your family can enjoy. In fact, there are too many to list. So I’ve narrowed it down to my five personal favorites. Whether I want to hang out in Reston, venture into the city, or head out into the country, there is always something fun to do in or near Reston.
1. Reston Fall Farmer’s Market and Artisan Craft Market, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston.
The popular Reston Farmer’s Market and open air craft market are the must-do Saturday morning activity for many Restonians. People love the markets so much that starting this year they’ll stay open through December 21. If you love buying seasonal produce from local farmers, and love buying beautiful handcrafted arts and gifts from local artisans, you will not want to miss the markets! The Fall Farmer’s & Craft Market is open 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Be sure to check out the new prepared food vendors, Uncle Fred’s BBQ and Arnest Sea Food.
2. Hiking at Great Falls Park, Great Falls, Va. and Potomac, Md.
Many people who move to Reston are surprised to find they don’t have to travel far to find themselves in a tranquil wilderness. Great Falls National Park may only be a few short miles from the bustle of Washington, DC, but it is worlds away from any city. On the Virginia side, you can watch the mighty falls or hike along the miles of paths that twine through the park. On the Maryland side, you can experience the Billy Goat Trail (so named for the rock scrambling you get to do). Both sides of the river are great, and about a ½ hour from Reston.
3. Beer tasting at Corcoran Brewery, Waterford, Va.
For beer lovers, a visit to the Corcoran Brewery is a hops lovers paradise. This craft brewery uses locally grown hops as much as possible, and brews small batch beers in a variety of styles. The tasting room is cozy—bring a picnic, the kids, and your dog and prepare for a wonderful afternoon. Just 45 minutes from Reston, the rural setting of Waterford will rejuvenate you. And if you are traveling with wine lovers, there is something for them too.
4. Wine tours and tastings, Loudoun County, Va.
Virginia wines have come into their own in the past several years, and many of the best wineries in Virginia are a quick 45-minute trip from Reston. Few things are more fun then getting together with friends and touring the great wineries in the area. I like being adventurous and just driving down Route 9, pulling off to the vineyards as I see them. But many people prefer to schedule a tour. Virginia Wine Country Tours and Reston Limousine both offer great private tours. Either way, you’re bound to experience some amazing wines.
5. Union Market, Washington, DC
There is more to do in DC than visiting museums (although that is fun). Union Market showcases local artisanal vendors like Rappahannock Oysters, Red Apron Meats, and Lyon Bakery. Although it first opened in 1871, it’s recent revitalization in 2012 is adding some energy into this North East neighborhood. Come sample treats, enjoy coffee or cocktails, and attend foodie events like celebrity chef demonstrations. There is always something to do, taste, or smell at Union Market.
I’ve been getting some great real estate questions and have decided that the questions and answers may have universal interest; so look for “Ask Eve” the first Monday of each month- if you have a real estate related question feel free to email me at [email protected] maybe your question will be featured in the column.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice a week on Reston Now.
The inventory of homes for sale in Reston is holding steady this week at just under 160 fully active listings.
Below are homes new to the market this week.
11226 Silentwood Lane, 2 BR 2.5 Bath, $315,000
11426 Tanbark Drive, 4 BR 2.5 Bath $649,900
11403 Hook Road, 3 BR 3 Bath, $619,900
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Ask anyone who lived in Reston in the 1960s and 70s what the most “exclusive” neighborhood was, and they’ll likely say South Shore Drive and Fairway.
Why? Because each custom-designed single family home is beautiful, the streets are tree-lined, and you float down to Lake Anne Plaza on your private boat.
Almost 50 years later, it is still one of the most tranquil and idyllic neighborhoods in Reston. And the variety of architecture makes it one of the most unique, and the proximity to Lake Anne and Reston Town Center make one of the most desirable.
The neighborhood consists of three-to-four bedroom homes built between 1965 and 1970. Most are Contemporary style with hardwood floors and plenty of windows (the better to gaze upon the lake).
Fairway Drive is off Wiehle Avenue, between the two North Shore Drives (for those who don’t know, North Shore is a horseshoe). South Shore Drive sits on Lake Anne, and residents have private dock privileges — and most take advantage of that with private boats that they take to concerts and events at Lake Anne Plaza.
Children attend Lake Anne Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High School. It’s an easy walk to Lake Anne Plaza or Tall Oaks Village Center, and a quick hop over to Reston Town Center. South Shore and Fairway are also just minutes from the Toll Road the new Reston Metro Center.
There are two active listings on South Shore Drive; Autumn is a perfect time to take walk around Lake Anne, and to stop and admire this charming neighborhood.
This is a sponsored column from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice a week on Reston Now.
A few more houses have been listed for sale in Reston over the past several weeks.
Right now, were sitting at right around a 160 active listings. That indicates a little more balance in the market, meaning things aren’t slanted towards buyers or sellers. The properties that are priced right and well presented are still selling fast; the consumer knows when they’re getting a good deal.
Here’s what’s new on the Reston real estate market this week:
1323 Wedgewood Manor Way –- 3 BR 3 Bath $599,000
1203 Wild Hawthorn Way –- 3 BR 3.5 Bath $495,000
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of All Reston Real Estate.
Reston is one of those places where people buy a home and then live in it for 50 years. While many houses on the market in Reston have been renovated, at least in the last 15 years, chances are you’ll fall in love with a home that needs some work. Since fixer uppers tend to sell for less than a renovated home, the thought of buying one is attractive. I help clients work through the pros and cons of buying a fixer upper every day. And here’s what I tell them.
Buying a fixer upper
First, you need to be honest about how much of a project you can take on. If you really don’t have the time or desire to do the work yourself, don’t buy a house based on doing the work yourself. That’s a good way to end up living another 15 years with a kitchen from 1970.
Before you buy, try to get an estimate of how much the renovations will cost you. Talk to friends who have done similar renovations. Or try this free estimator (it’s basic, but it’s a place to start) You may find that they add up to the difference between the fixer upper and a renovated home. Of course, for someone who’d like to have work done exactly how they’d like it, that might not matter.
When to consider a fixer upper
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You’ve always wanted a specific type of kitchen, bathroom, deck, etc (maybe you dream of Viking appliances and granite counters). This is a great opportunity to spend a little less on the purchase of your home and funnel that extra money into getting what you really want.
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When the repairs are actually very superficial. It can be hard to imagine how wonderful your living room is if it’s painted a color you hate or has unappealing wall paper. But paint is a simple fix and it will change the look of your whole house.
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When the structure is good, and things just need an overhaul. If the kitchen layout works for you and the cabinets are in good condition, getting new appliances, counters, and painting is easy…and well worth the effort to freshen the house.
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If this is your dream house in your dream neighborhood. If you really love this house, then you should live in it!
Know when to walk away (or at least consider it)
There are some fixer upper scenarios that you really shouldn’t take on.
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A bad roof or ancient heating/air conditioning systems: Both of these are very expensive repairs. If the house you want needs a new ones, negotiate that you’re your price.
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Foundation issues: If you’ve got a bad foundation, it is very time consuming to fix it. Your home inspection will turn up any problems and if it does, consider very carefully if you love the house enough to deal with the headache.
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Old electrical systems: Older homes can have faulty wiring and electrical panels that could pose a risk of electrical fire. Your home inspection will reveal whether this is an issue to consider.
My advice: avoid structural issues that will cause you headaches for years — and may make it difficult to sell your house later. But if you really are handy or you have a great contractor, fixer uppers are a great investment.
– See more at: ALL RESTON REAL ESTATE
