This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
I have a definite routine of things I like to do in Reston. But sometimes it’s nice to shake it up with new ideas. So I was thrilled when Washingtonian magazine wrote an article in the neighborhood guides about things to do in Reston and Herndon.
Sure, a few of my favorites made this list — Lake Anne Plaza, the Reston Farmers Market, Walker Nature Education Center (which is having its Spring Festival May 2, 1 to 5 p.m.), and Urban Retreat (my favorite place for chic home furnishings).
But there were several things on the list that I had forgotten about until I read this article. I know what I’ll be doing this weekend…
- Ariake is a Japanese restaurant Washingtonian describes as Zen-like spot. It’s on Glade Drive near Hunters Woods Village Center in South Reston, and it has a great flagstone patio for warm-weather dining.
- Green Lizard Cycling is a bike shop in Old Town Herndon. But it’s also a coffee shop. I love that combination. The owners are very community oriented, and it’s a great place to hang out.
- ArtSpace Herndon is Herndon’s hub for the visual arts in historic downtown (and just a few blocks from the Green Lizard). I may get a coup of coffee and wander over to see what exhibit is showing.
Even though I know how much there is to do in this community, it was nice to have a reminder. I suggest reading (and bookmarking) the Reston, Herndon neighborhood guide for a complete list of fun things to do–and then make a plan to go do everything on the list.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 50 new properties that came on the market this week, bringing the total number of active listings to just under 300.
The Reston market is very active but still very, very price sensitive. When you sit down with your agent to review comparable home sales, resist the urge to pad the price so you can negotiate it. That usually leads to lingering on the market. Your goal as a seller should be to find the best intersection of price vs. condition to motivate the buyers to take action.
Here are a few of the new listings for Reston this week.
2367 Paddock Lane. 4BR 3.5BA. Price $699,000
2402 Red Maple Lane. 4BR 2.5BA. List Price $609,990
1777 Wainwright Drive. 3BR 2.5BA. List Price $449,000. Open Sunday
1804 South Shore Court. 4BR 3.5BA. List Price $475,000. Open Sunday
1253 Wild Hawthorn Lane. 3BR 2FB, 2 HB. List Price $538,000
On the Just Sold front, we had 22 properties go from PENDING to SOLD in the last week.
With 299 active listings, that leaves us with an average inventory of just under 3.5 month’s supply. The first-quarter sales in Reston were up by 10 percent over the past five-year average.
Here are a few of the sold listings from this past week.
- 1602 Woodstock Lane, 4BR 3.5BA. List Price $900,000. Sold Price $900,000
- 11739 Great Owl Circle. 3BR 3.5BA. List Price $560,000. Sold Price $560,000. Subsidy $14,500
- 11415 Great Meadow Drive. 4BR, 2FB, 2 HB. List Price $599,900. Sold Price $595,000. Subsidy $9,000
- 11870 Abercorn Court. 4BR, 3BA. List Price $410,000. Sold Price $415,000. Subsidy $7,500
- 12025 New Dominion Parkway #508. 2BR 2BA. List Price $725,000. Sold Price $705,000
- 1830 Fountain Drive. #503. 2BR 2FB. List Price $543,000. Sold Price $539,000. Subsidy $2,000
For more information on Reston’s real estate market visit Reston Real Estate.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Lots of properties are hitting the market in Reston. Following a brief slowdown for Easter, 50 new listings hit the Reston real estate market this week bring the inventory up to 289. Properties are selling at a slightly slower pace which has driven the inventory up to just under three months. It is still a strong market with really good activity.
Waterfront property which has been in short supply, has increased by a good bit with lots of choices at different price points on all of the Reston lakes.
Here are a few of the new listings.
1940 UPPER LAKE DR. 4BR, 4BA. List Price $1,495,000. Open Sunday.
1619 INLET CT. 5BR, 3.5BA, List Price $719,000. Open Sunday.
1536 TWISTED OAK DR. 3BR, 1.5BA. List Price $349,000. Open Sunday.
12257 TURKEY WING CT. 3BR, 2BA. List Price $299,900. Open Sunday.
11318 FAIRWAY CT. 4BR, 2.5BA. List Price $674,900.
2116 THOMAS VIEW RD 5BR, 3 BA. List Price $675,900.
Visit Reston Real Estate for more listings and real estate information.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Lake Thoreau in South Reston is a magical spot — it is calm, quiet, and beautiful.
Every home along its banks is gorgeous too! Harbourside Cluster is one of those communities.
Harbourside Cluster is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Reston, with only 14 contemporary patio homes. About 80 percent of these brick, three- and four-bedroom homes are direct lakefront. All have lake access, and many also have spectacular views of the Reston National Golf Course.
It is one of South Reston’s older clusters, as it was built between 1978 and 1981. All homes have a garage, which is especially nice after a snowy winter like we had this year.
Harbourside Cluster is located right off South Lakes Drive and Upper Lake Drive. It’s walking distance to Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High School.
It’s also a half-mile walk to Reston Metro Station or three blocks to multiple bus lines.
Enjoy nearby tennis courts and pool, paved walking trails thru wooded areas around the lake and golf course across street. This neighborhood is less than three miles to Reston Town Center, seven miles to Dulles Airport, and less than half-mile to Dulles Airport Access Road.
Come look at Harbourside Cluster for serene lakeside living in Reston.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
The real estate market in Reston continues its fast pace with 54 properties coming on the market and 33 going from Pending to Sold in the same seven-day period. Inventory has dropped to just under a two months’ supply of homes.
As always, we have a wide range of homes for sale with 13 properties from $1 million to $1,795,000 at the upper end of the market and 169 properties coming in at $500,000 or less. Our least expensive property is a studio condominium at Thoreau Place for $89,800.
Here are a few of the new listings for this week.
1967 LAKEPORT WAY. 3BR, 2.5BA. List Price: $890,000
12252 ANGEL WING CT. 5BR, 2.5BA.List Price: $499,900
1617 INLET CT. 4BR, 2.5BA. List Price: $695,000
1550 CHATHAM COLONY CT. 3BR, 3.5BA. List price: $439,000
1201 WILD HAWTHORN WAY. 3BR, 2FB, 2HB. List Price: $583,900
1634 POPLAR GROVE DR 2BR 2 Bath List Price $375,000
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Spring has officially sprung in Reston, and it’s time to get out of the house and start having some fun.
We are fortunate in Reston to have a resource as wonderful as the Reston Community Center (RCC), which consistently offers wonderful programming. You don’t have to live in Reston to take advantage of RCC’s programs and events either.
RCC offers more than 1,800 classes every year. You can see everything available on RCC’s website Here are a few starting at April that could be a great way to shake off winter. Note: for the prices, the first price is for Reston residents and the second price is for those who live outside of small tax district 5.
K9 Dog Obedience I (class 105090)
Is your dog a little restless after the long winter? A dog obedience class may be just the thing Rover needs. This class is appropriate for dogs over three months old with very little or no obedience training. Positive motivational training techniques will include the basic commands of sit, down, stay, come, and how to walk nicely on a leash. Learn about mouthing, jumping, crate and potty training, and generally controlling poor behavior. There are two sessions, but the first already as a wait list so sign up now.
04/08/15 – 05/20/15, 6:00P – 6:45P, $90/$180, RCC-Hunters Woods
04/09/15 – 05/21/15, 12:00P – 12:45P, $90/$180, RCC-Hunters Woods
Country Western Dance (class 109004)
Get your body moving and learn some fun moves. You’ll learn to line dance, two-step, shuffle and swing the night away to popular country/western tunes played by RCC’s DJ. Dances are held monthly in the Community Room, which offers a spacious wooden dance floor and a smoke free environment. Refreshments are provided. You purchase ticket admission purchased at the door. For more information, please contact Jonathan Navarro, Fitness & Adult Program Director, at 703-390-6159.
The first Sunday of the month, 05/15, 6:30P – 9:30P, $5/$10
Heart Start CPR-AED (302313)
Be a life saver! You will learn how to overcome any reluctance to act in emergency situations and to recognize and care for life- threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults, and basic first aid. You will receive a two-year adult CPR with AED certification and a two-year first aid certification through the American Heart Association.
04/11/15, 10:00A – 1:30P, $60/$120
Zumba Fitness (302327)
Join the Zumba craze. This fun workout combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow you to dance your worries away. It is based on the principle that a workout should be fun and easy to do in order for participants to achieve long term health benefits. Enjoy this fusion of Latin and international music and dance that creates a dynamic and effective fitness regimen.
04/06/15 – 05/11/15, 7:00P – 8:00P, $42/$84, RCC-Lake Anne
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Reston real estate sales continue to move along at a brisk clip with 27 properties going from PENDING to SOLD this past week.
For comparison sake, Herndon settled 16 properties, Sterling 19, Vienna 16 and McLean settled 10. There were nearly 50 more transactions in Reston than in neighboring areas.
Among those sold this week was a property that’s been on the market for just shy of two years: 11308 Stoneledge Ct. That eight-bedroom, 20,000-square-foot home on two acres went for $2.3 million — almost half of its original list price of 4,499,000.
Here are a few of the others that sold in the last week.
11336 ORCHARD LN. 4BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $599,000. Sold Price $589,500. Seller Subsidy $4,200
1675 PARKCREST CIR #101. 1BR, 1 BA. List Price $200,000. Sold Price $195,000. Seller Subsidy $8,000
1559 REGATTA LN. 3BR, 4.5 BA. List Price $999,475. Sold Price $1,000,000. Seller Subsidy $0
1573 WOODCREST DR. 2BR, 1.5 BA. List Price $324,000. Sold Price $324,000. Seller Subsidy $8,000
11407 FIELDSTONE LN. 5BR, 4.5 BA. List Price $879,000. Sold Price $875,000. Seller Subsidy $1,500
2301 HUNTERS RUN DR #2301. 2BR, 1.5 BA. List Price $217,700. Sold Price $210,000. Seller Subsidy $8575
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Wow! There were 50 new properties that came onto the market in Reston in the past seven days — that’s a busy week. That brings the total inventory to 250 properties. The sales are keeping pace with the new listings; the past 30 days has seen 101 properties go from PENDING to SOLD.
Here are a few listings new to the market:
11403 ORCHARD GREEN CT. 3 BR 2.5 BA. List Price $579,000. Open Sunday.
11400 WASHINGTON PLZ W #602. 1 BR, 1 BA. List Price $249,900.
1209 TOTTENHAM CT, 5 BR, 4.5 BA. List Price $1,135,000. Open Sunday.
1201 WILD HAWTHORN WAY. 3BR, 2 FB, 2 HB. List Price $583,900. Open Sunday.
2408 ALSOP CT. 4BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $448,000.
2000 BEACON PL. 4BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $849,50/ Open Sunday.
Click here for more listings and information on Reston Real Estate.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
One of my favorite neighborhoods of lakefront, single-family homes is Purple Beech Drive in South Reston.
I love contemporary architecture, and I especially think the design of these homes fits with Reston — the wood-sided homes feel organic and natural. The sizes and layouts are all different, but typically they are four-bedroom, multi-level homes. They have beautiful wooded yards, and the entire neighborhood is well landscaped and attractive.
Several of the homes have direct lakefront access to Lake Thoreau, and all have full lake access and privileges. Imagine paddling on the lake during the summer or enjoying a picnic on your own floating barge (a favorite among many people who live on Reston’s lakes).
This cul-de-sac is quiet and peaceful–a great place to let your children play outside and enjoy nature.
A lovely walking path circles the lake, making it easy to walk to South Lakes Village Center to enjoy a meal, or simply go for a run. Terraset Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lake High School are less than one-quarter mile walk through neighborhoods.
Other nearby amenities include the Walker Nature Education Center, Reston National Golf Course, Wiehle-Reston East Metro station (about 1 mile away), Reston Town Center, pools and tennis courts.
Purple Beech Drive is the kind of neighborhood that is close to anything you want to do, but also perfect if you just want to hang out in your beautiful home.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 27 properties that went from Pending to Sold this past week. In Reston, there are 226 Active listings. In this faster-moving spring market, that represents just over a two-month’s supply. There were also 32 homes that went from Active to Pending in the same seven-day period.
If you’re in the market to purchase, be sure to have your ducks in a row before heading out — this means sitting down with your lender first to get pre-approved. If you’re thinking of selling, the faster- moving market doesn’t mean you can cut corners in getting your home ready to sell. Making your home looks its best and pricing it well will reward you with a fast contract.
Here are a few of the houses that sold last week.
1551 CHURCH HILL PL #1551. 2BR, 2BA. List Price $290,000. Sold Price $290,000. Seller Subsidy $0.
11419 SUMMER HOUSE CT. 3BR, 2.5BA. List Price $535,000. Sold Price $535,000. Seller Subsidy$ 0.
2150 SOUTH BAY LN. 3BR 2.5BA. List Price $850,000. Sold Price $850,000. Seller Subsidy $0.
2405 RED MAPLE LN. 4BR, 2.5BA. List Price $649,900. Sold Price $625,000. Seller Subsidy $0.
1730 IVY OAK SQ. 3BR, 2.5BA. List Price $374,500. Sold Price $374,500. Seller Subsidy $0.
1729 WAINWRIGHT DR. 2 BR, 2.5BA. List Price $229,900. Sold Price $229,900. Seller Subsidy $5000.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Restonians love their lakeside living, and Chadds Ford Cluster is one of the many lakeside townhome communities in South Reston.
This neighborhood of 57 brick-and-siding townhouses is located off Ridge Heights Road on Lake Thoreau — about half of those are direct lakefront properties.
The cluster was built between 1978 and 1980, and each three-level home has two to four bedrooms. All homes have at least two assigned parking spaces. For those who enjoy boating or rafting, Chadd’s Ford Cluster owns and maintains two docks for the residents and guests to use and enjoy.
Any day the weather is nice, you’ll see people making the most of living on lovely Lake Thoreau. For those who like leisurely walks or runs, the Reston Association paths run through the cluster. It is a beautiful, short walk to South Lakes Village Center for dining and shopping.
For families, Chadds Ford Cluster is walking distance to South Lakes High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and Terraset Elementary School.
This is the kind of neighborhood where you can see the residents’ pride in the beautifully manicured landscaping. The cluster association sponsors several social gatherings each year, adding to the warm community feel.
Give it a visit, and you’ll see what I mean. This is a wonderful neighborhood.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
To many in Reston, art is synonymous with The Greater Reston Arts Center — a wonderful place with a mission to enrich our community by providing access to contemporary visual arts. In pursuit of this mission, GRACE provides a year-round program of contemporary visual art exhibitions, education programs for all ages, and special events.
GRACE has been a Reston institution since 1974, when artists and art lovers founded it as a source of cultural enrichment for the new town of Reston. From its early beginnings in the Lake Anne Village Center to its current home in Reston Town Center, GRACE continues its role as a leader in the expanding regional arts community.
What I love about GRACE is that something is always happening there. I love spending evenings at Reston Town Center, seeing a new exhibit at GRACE and then going out for a wonderful dinner. I feel like I’m in Washington, DC — or even New York. And every May, I look forward to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival–one of the premier juried art festivals in the country.
Click any of these links to learn about GRACE’s exhibitions, educational programming, and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival.
GRACE is located at 12001 Market Street Suite #103 Reston, VA 20190 (near the little park area where you often see children playing). Gallery Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a sponsored article by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Walden Cluster is one of the many hidden gems along the banks of Lake Thoreau in South Reston.
This charming neighborhood consists of 52 townhouses on Swans Neck Way (off of Ridge Heights Road) built between 1980 and 1982. The homes are brick and cedar, 3-level, 2-to-4 bedroom homes. Each house also has at least one assigned parking space.
If you love the idea of living on one of Reston’s lakes, this is a great neighborhood to investigate. About 30 percent of the Walden Cluster homes are direct lakefront property, but all the homes in the neighborhood enjoy the use of Lake Thoreau.
This cluster is wonderful for families — there is a great community tot lot. Better yet, it’s located just across the street from Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle and South Lakes High School. No missing the bus!
It’s also an easy walk to South Lakes Village Center — with several eateries, a Starbucks, and Safeway. And, of course, this neighborhood is close to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.
So if you’re looking for a place to park your canoe, take a look at Walden Cluster.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Reston townhomes make great homes for first-time homebuyers — couples, singles, or growing families — or people who just want to downsize.
Sawyers Cluster in South Reston is a particularly good neighborhood if you’re looking for an affordable home in a great area.
This townhome community was built in 1974, the homes are a modest size. Most have around 1,200 square feet of living space, although a few are larger.
Some feature great basements and all have assigned parking spaces. The townhomes are mostly two or three bedroom, but there are a few four-bedroom units. Most of them have one and a half baths, although a few have three.
Located off South Lakes Drive in South Reston, Sawyers Cluster has easy access to swimming pools, tennis courts and basketball courts. The short drive to the Toll Road and Wiehle-Reston East Metro station make trips to Dulles International Airport or into DC a breeze.
And, of course, the miles of Reston trails, Reston Town Center, and South Lakes Village Center are also close by.
For families looking for an affordable townhome in Reston, Sawyers Cluster is the perfect place.
This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
This Saturday, you’ll have a good reason to tell your friends and family to go jump in a lake!
That’s right — people will be jumping in Lake Anne on purpose. But it’s for a great cause, and that’s why participants do it year after year.
I’m talking about the Annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip. Superheros, Gumby, and whole lot of BFFs in pink tutus will make the plunge for raise money for Camp Sunshine.
It’s the ice bucket challenge, only you jump into the ice rather than it dumping onto your head.
Charities don’t get much worthier than Camp Sunshin. The weeklong sleepaway camp provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to supported illnesses.
Freezin’ for a Reason raises much-needed money to send children to the camp. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000, which will allow 50 families from the Mid-Atlantic area to go to the camp. Through pledges or self-sponsorship, each participant will raise/donate a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to take the icy plunge.
In addition to knowing they’ve helped a child in need, they all also receive very cute shirt that proclaims “I DID IT” event shirt. If you aren’t ready to jump, come and watch the fun — it’s a great time on the plaza!
The plunge takes place on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Lake Anne Plaza. It kicks off at noon with family-friendly activities and warm-up, and the actual dip begins at 2 p.m.
For the fifth year, 97.1 WASH-FM morning show radio personality Chilli Amar will emcee the event.
Event sponsors are: Lake Anne Plaza, Whole Foods Market Reston, Reston Lifestyle Magazine, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, David Madison Photography, Reston Association, Reston Community Center, Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations), Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, Fairfax Christian School, 97.1 WASH-FM, Salon Khouri, Fusion 360, Small Change Consignment, and Sheraton Reston Hotel. For more information about the event or to register to participate, visit the event’s website or become a Facebook Fan (Virginia Polar Dip).
Are you brave enough for the challenge?
Photo of 2014 Virginia Polar Dip/Credit: David Madison Photography
