This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
If you want to be surrounded by nature while living in a populated area, the neighborhoods around Steeplechase and Colts Neck in South Reston are the perfect spot.
The homes in this area of Reston were built in the 70s. These single-family homes contain a mixture of architectural styles–but they all have been well-maintained and cared for over the years.
The thing many visitors notice first is how each lot is private and spacious. The trees in this neighborhood are fully mature, making you feel like you are tucked away in the woods and not a few short miles from Reston Town Center and the Toll Road.
There are Reston Association recreation areas nearby, with playgrounds and facilities for anyone who wants to use them. There are also miles of nature trails that are perfect for dog walking, running, or just enjoying a beautiful day.
Neighborhood children attend Hunters Woods Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School. Both Hunters Woods Village Center and Fox Mill Shopping Center offer easy access to grocery shopping and quick dining. As part of Reston Association, residents also have access to nearby pools and tennis courts.
If you are a nature lover, this is the neighborhood for you.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
I recently posted some tips for getting your home physically ready for the appraisal. Whether you are selling, refinancing, or looking for a home equity loan, the shape your home is in will make a difference in the appraisal. But there are a few more things you can do to make the appraiser’s job easier.
- The appraiser needs to know what kind of improvements you’ve made. So keep a list of anything you’ve done in the last 15 years — the date and the approximate cost. It matters whether your air conditioner is five years old or 25 years old. Something as seemingly small as replacing a toilet also counts.
- Find a plot map of your home. Some HOAs will give you one when you buy your property. The appraiser will go look it up, but they’ll appreciate it if they don’t have to. Regardless, they need to know your property lines and the actual square footage of the structure.
- Find comps and have copies of them. This is also something they’ll do, but if you have already done it for them, it helps — especially if it’s a recent sale that didn’t go through a real estate agent. Those comps can take a while to show up on their databases.
- Make a list of all the improvements in the neighborhood, such as the Metro’s Silver Line coming in, a new high-end grocery store, or a recreation center — anything that makes your neighborhood more appealing to buyers. It’s unlikely that your appraiser lives in your community, so let them know what a great location you’re in!
Once you hand over your helpful information, step back and let the appraiser get to work.
By making your property look it’s best and by giving your appraiser the additional information they need to make a good assessment, you will be well positioned to get the highest valuation of your home.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Tucked behind Reston Parkway and Glade Drive in South Reston is a cluster of neighborhoods perfect for families who want space to grow. Paddock Lane is one of these lovely neighborhoods with something for everyone.
Built in the late 1960s and early 70s, Paddock Lane is a community of single-family homes on quarter- to half-acre plots. The styles of homes range from Colonial to contemporary — there is no cookie-cutter feel in this neighborhood.
In addition to the well-kept homes and yards, one of the most appealing aspects of Paddock Lane is it’s location. Located off Colts Neck Road, Paddock Lane is across the street from Hunters Woods Elementary School, an easy walk for young children.
It is also walking distance to Hunters Woods Village Center, home to the Reston Community Center. There are several parks, a community garden, tennis courts, and Reston Association’s Hunters Woods Pool also within walking distance.
Paddock Lane is only a few short miles to the Dulles Toll Road or the Fairfax County Parkway, which is nice for commuters. This is the perfect street for anyone looking for a little bit of land, a friendly neighborhood, and easy access around Reston.
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 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 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.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.
Lakewinds Cluster is situated on shores of Lake Thoreau in South Reston — one of the most lovely spots Reston has to offer (which is saying something).
The charming homes are located with in walking distance of South Lakes Village Center, and are a short drive to the Dulles Toll Road and Reston Metro Station.
Lakewinds consists of 93 brick and cedar townhomes, of which about 70 percent are on the lakefront. In fact, many residents have small boats or barges to take advantage of the lake. The three-level, three- and four-bedroom homes were built between 1975 and 1978.
Lakewinds is divided into two clusters, Lakewinds I and Lakewinds II. Each home has assigned parking spaces; the Lakewinds II townhomes have one carport spot.
The local schools are Terraset Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and South Lakes High School — all of which are within walking distance. Other nearby South Reston attractions are Reston National Golf Course and Walker Nature Education Center. This neighborhood is great for anyone who values spending time outdoors.
This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
Condo living in Reston is as good as it gets, and Edgewater Cluster is a great example. Located at the intersection of Baron Cameron and Town Center Parkway, these condos offer easy access to major roads, shopping, and entertainment.
Built in the mid-90s, this low-rise condominium complex features primarily two-bedroom units with 1 ½ or 2 baths. The complex is divided into smaller clusters for a community feel.
Many of the units face the large pond, and all are in walking distance of Reston Town Center, Trader Joe’s, and Harris Teeter, as well as Reston Hospital Center and the Reston Regional Library.
The community is in between the Fairfax County Parkway and Reston Parkway, providing easy access to any place you need to go — the Dulles Toll Road and Route 7 are within a few miles.
If you want access to all the Reston Town Center has to offer, Edgewater Cluster is a great value.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
This week in Reston, 14 properties went from a Pending status to Sold. This is the second week in a row that the additions to inventory have been slightly more than double the number of properties that successfully settled. This is reflective of the slower May that Reston real estate agents were reporting.
When looking at the number of properties that went from Active to Pending over the last 30 days, the activity is strong but we’ll have to see how that plays out as those homes move through the sales process, there are lots of things that can go wrong between Pending and Sold.
Here are few of the properties that sold this past week:
12025 New Dominion Parkway #G-118. Listed $899,900. Sold $860,000.
1329 Dasher Lane. Listed $880,000, Sold $870,000.
2018 Upper Lake Drive. Listed $785,000. Sold $773,000.
11700 Great Owl Circle. Listed $595,000. Sold $610,000.
1920 Crescent Park Drive. Listed $535,000. Sold $531,000.
1713 Whisperhill Drive. Listed $324,900. Sold $325,000.
Click here for the full list of what SOLD in Reston this week.
This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.
There were 33 new properties listed for sale in Reston this week, bringing the total inventory to 229. That is down a bit from last week’s high of 250.
Here are a few of the new properties to hit the market:
2504 FAUQUIER LN. 5BR 3 BA $585,000
1250 NEW BEDFORD LN, 5BR 4.5 BA $1,084,985
11310 HARBORSIDE CL, 4BR 2.5 BA $775,000
2022 CHADDS FORD DR, 3BR 2.5 BA $529,000
2353 OLD TRAIL DR, 4BR 2 BA $399,900
