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Ask Eli: Cost of a new home in Northern Virginia

By Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

Question: How has the single-family new construction market performed in Northern Virginia lately?

Answer: Over the past five years, from Q2 2019 to Q2 2024, the average price of a single-family detached (SFD) home in Northern Virginia has increased by a whopping 53.2%, from $691,000 to $1,059,000. The cost of a new SFD home in Northern Virginia has increased by a similar amount, growing by 57.8% to-date since 2020, from $1,315,000 to $2,074,000. That’s right, as of 2024, the average cost of a new SFD home in Northern Virginia is over $2M!

This week, let’s take a deeper dive into the cost of new SFD homes over the past five years around Northern Virginia. A few quick notes about the data:

  • The data is limited to what has been entered into the MLS (Realtor database of record) and not all new construction makes it into the MLS, but the majority does and gives us an accurate reading of the market
  • Northern Virginia totals include the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William plus the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas
  • In the tables below, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas refer to the county portions, not the intendant cities (the data sets are too small to show them separately)
Price Graph

Highlights of New Construction Data

  • The biggest price jump took place from 2020 to 2021, with new SFD home prices increasing by an average of 20% in just one year
  • With average prices of nearly $3.5M, McLean and Great Falls command the highest prices in the region
  • 2024 is the first year of Fairfax County having a higher average price for new SFD homes than Arlington County, but the year is not finished, and the lead could flip back to Arlington before the year is up
  • Ashburn, Arlington, and Dumfries pack their lots with the most house per acre and Nokesville offers the most land per finished sq. ft. of home
  • The biggest homes get built in McLean, averaging over 7,600 sq. ft., six bedrooms, and six full bathrooms
  • From 2023 to 2024 the average new SFD home in Northern Virginia costs buyer $355 sq. ft. (total finished sq. ft.)
Price Table
Data Summary

If you are considering selling your home to a builder, here’s an article I wrote last year with six tips for selling your home to a builder.

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460. 

Here’s your ticket to making fun possible this fall!

By Sponsor
DC Fray League Registration

Fray social sports leagues are played with a focus on fun, recreation, and socializing. Since 2009, DC Fray social sports have been the BEST way to make new friends and stay active in and around the DMV!

Think: 50% Sport, 50% Social. Fray makes it easy for you to get into the game as an individual, small group or full team across 100+ leagues over 11 sports. 

Registration for our fall social sports leagues closes in just a week! Register by Tuesday, September 17 to get in on the action this season. 

Play traditional sports like volleyball and flag football, and embrace your inner kid with leagues like kickball or skeeball, or try your hand at the nation’s fastest growing sport: pickleball! We’re also pioneering a brand new form of play with our GLOW leagues. Grab some glow sticks and try your hand at bocce, cornhole, kickball and more — in the dark! 

If you haven’t had the chance to experience what a Fray league is all about, we’re hooking up ARLnow readers with $10 off your first league registration with promo code ARLFL24! 

Here are some leagues located in and around the Arlington area: 

Check out our full list of open fall leagues, or subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when winter 2025 registration is announced! 

Have questions? Want help to get a team together? We got you — email us at [email protected]! 

Want to save even more? 

Get an additional 25% of leagues, plus deals and giveaways to partner events, VIP treatment including open bars at select Fray events and more by becoming a FrayLife+ Member during league checkout! 

View the full league lineup!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Swimming edition

By Sponsor
Sarah Picot at Long Bridge Park Aquatics & Fitness Center

It was so exciting to watch Arlington’s own Torri Huske win 3 gold and 2 silver medals at the Paris Olympics!

If the Olympics inspired you to get in the pool but your options diminished after the summer, then join me on a tour of where you can swim year round.  

Hopefully you already know that three Arlington High Schools have pools that are open to the public. Our tour starts at Yorktown High School since that is where Torri Huske and two-time Olympian Tom Dolan went to school. Yorktown, Wakefield, and Washington-Liberty have swim times open to the public if you just want to do laps, but you can also schedule private instruction.

All three pools offer drop-in rates and punch card rates for county residents and a slightly higher rate for swimmers who reside outside of the county. These pools are run by the Arlington Public Schools. Since the APS students swim and train there as well, please check the APS website for each school’s public swim hours and fee information. 

If you want more advanced, individualized training, hop over to The Swim Box (located at 5183B Langston Boulevard). This unique facility has multiple infinity pools where your trainer will use video to help improve your technique, while a mirror on the bottom of the pool allows for self-correction.

There is a free 15-minute swim analysis to see if this approach is right for you. I haven’t been in the pool for exercise since I was a kid, so I asked if they worked with newbies. Gratefully they do! I am definitely signing up for my free, ego-shattering analysis. What a great way to get in shape while making sure my technique is correct.   

No talk of swimming would be complete without a trip to Long Bridge Park’s Aquatics and Fitness Center. This 92,000 SF facility opened in 2021 with help from a $10,000,000 grant from Boeing and is home to the Arlington Aquatic Club. This facility is incredible. One side is a leisure pool complete with a slide, spray ground, and lazy river while the other side is for competitive swimming. This is the only 50-meter pool in Arlington.

They have springboards plus 3- and 5-meter diving platforms. You can take group or private lessons in both swimming and diving. They have aqua fitness classes and 55+ water aerobics as well as adult, child, teen and adaptive classes. Unfortunately, you can’t use your APS pool punch card here as it is run by the Parks and Rec Department and not APS. You can pay as you go or become a member. Please check the website for fees and membership options. 

Lost your goggles, need a new suit? Head over to Sport Fair at 5010 Langston Boulevard. They have everything you need to start your swim fitness routine. I’m headed there to get myself ready to add swimming to my workout routine.

One more option in Arlington County is the YMCA at 3422 13th Street N. Check their website for programs.

For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has been a premiere residential, commercial and property management firm with 11 offices located in the Washington metro region. With service excellence, hyper-local expertise, powerful data insights, innovative technology and cutting-edge marketing, McEnearney Associates have helped their clients make informed decisions on their most valuable real estate investments. There is an important difference at McEnearney: It’s not about us, it’s about you. To learn more, visit us at www.McEnearney.com.

Listing of the Day: 1530 Key Boulevard #1112/1115

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Address: 1530 Key Boulevard #1112/1115
Neighborhood: The Atrium | Rosslyn
Type: 4 BR, 3 BA condo — 2,785 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,975,000

Noteworthy: Two units combined, five balconies, three garage spaces, 24 hour concierge

Step into this stunning 2,785 sq. ft. corner-unit condominium at The Atrium Residences, where modern design meets breathtaking views. This reimagined, combined home offers sweeping, unobstructed vistas of the National Cathedral, Georgetown University, and the Key Bridge, with five balconies to enjoy sunrises and sunsets.

The open living room, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, fills the space with natural light, creating an ideal setting for entertaining or relaxation. A family room, complete with custom built-ins, is perfect for TV and reading. The state-of-the-art kitchen features high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and pass-through openings to the dining room, making it a chef’s dream.

The thoughtful floor plan includes an east-facing bedroom/office for inspiring sunrises, with additional bedrooms or den spaces in the tranquil north/west corridor. The master suite is a private retreat, offering expansive views, a dressing room, and an elegant ensuite bathroom with premium fixtures.

A custom-designed butler’s pantry with wine coolers, glass cabinetry, and a luxurious laundry room with built-in cabinetry, countertops, drying racks, a TV, and a beverage refrigerator add to the condo’s appeal. Ample in-unit storage is complemented by two additional storage units on the building’s main level.

Residents enjoy exclusive amenities, including a fitness center, pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a dry cleaner, 24-hour concierge services, and three secure parking spaces. Located in the heart of Rosslyn, this home offers easy access to dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, while maintaining a serene, private environment.

Listed by:
Sheri Grant — TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
[email protected]
(703) 405-1016

Just Sold Condos in Arlington: September 5, 2024

By Sponsor

Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.

Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!

Last week, August 26 to September 1, we had 19 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, which was fewer than the week before but probably due to the Labor Day weekend. The quickest sale was a condo in Fairlington that went under contract after 3 days. The longest time on the market before going under contract was a condo at George Mason Village that took 144 days and several price cuts before selling.

For a complete list of what sold last week, visit ArlingtonCondo.com Just Sold Condos page.

Here are some other stats from last week:

  • Average Days On Market (DOM): 32 days
  • Median DOM: 18 days

Looking at stats for year to date:

  • Average DOM: 27 days
  • Median DOM: 10 days

Here’s the thing, though. The Days On Market stats that are often quoted are only for properties that actually sold. The full name of the statistic is really Days On Market Before Selling. If it doesn’t sell, then, of course, it doesn’t factor in.

Last week, there were 16 condos that didn’t sell and were removed from the market.

For a complete list of what didn’t sell last week, visit ArlingtonCondo.com Just Expired Condos page.

Sold | For Sale

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Arts Focus: Rosslyn Jazz Fest explores jazz from Bomba to Basin Street


By Sponsor
1/5

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

A two-time Grammy Award winner, a 2024 Grammy nominee, and this year’s NPR Tiny Desk sensations are among the stars of the 32nd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, taking place on Saturday, September 7 from 1-7 p.m. at Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Boulevard, in Arlington, Virginia.

globalFEST and Tiny Desk break-out stars El Laberinto Del Coco come directly from Puerto Rico with their unique blend of jazz improvisation with the insistent and irresistible Bomba rhythm. Led by former D.C.-based percussionist Hector Barez of Bio Ritmo, the band features Puerto Rico’s legendary trumpeter and vocalist Jerry Medina, known for his work with salsa icons such as Eddie Palmieri, Ismael Miranda, and Tito Puente.

“Laberinto De Coco makes tradition both fun and important,” says Felix Contreras, co-host of NPR Music’s Alt. Latino. “Your hips move while your soul is enriched with history and joy!”

The stellar lineup continues with New Orleans’ 2024 Grammy nominees, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux, Jr. (formerly of the multi-Grammy nominated Cha Wa); the Gullah-jazz roots music of two-time Grammy winners Ranky Tank; and D.C. singer-songwriter Cecily. This diverse lineup of innovative heavy hitters will have you on your feet all day long! Read more about the artists below, and click here to sample the Spotify playlist.

Now in its 32nd year, Rosslyn Jazz Fest has become a staple in Arlington’s cultural calendar, attracting attendees from near and far. As Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience innovative artists who infuse inspiration from many cultures in an expression of the area’s diversity. The event is co-presented by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) and Arlington Arts.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest is FREE and registration is not required, but encouraged as there are capacity limits at Gateway Park. To register for Rosslyn Jazz Fest on Saturday, September 7, click here!

About the Artists

Cecily (1 p.m.)

D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, (pronounced ses-suh-lee), is known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. Her sound, as soothing as it is rich, is rooted in a deep appreciation for mid-century soul and jazz, 90s R&B, and re-imagined folk music. Her debut album Songs of Love and Freedom garnered her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album and was named “Best New Soul on Bandcamp” by the Bandcamp editorial team, who described the project as “stirringly timeless and modern.”

Ranky Tanky (2:20 p.m.)

This two-time Grammy award-winning Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Their debut album was featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the TODAY Show. It also soared to the #1 position on the Billboard, Amazon and iTunes Jazz Charts. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time, which also offers the group’s first original songs inspired by Gullah tradition.

The Rumble (3:45 p.m.)

This 2024 Grammy-nominated band (“Best Regional Roots Album”) was created in 2021 by seven members of the multi-Grammy-nominated band Cha Wa. After its mass exodus, the collective vowed to both preserve and further a musical vision that blends New Orleans culture from the past, present and future. Fronted by Second Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the legendary Golden Eagles Indian tribe, The Rumble boasts some of the next generation’s most prolific artists.

El Laberinto Del Coco (5:30 p.m.)

Fresh from their appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, 2024 looks to be the year of El Laberinto del Coco — a dynamic Bomba Fusion band hailing from Puerto Rico with roots in Washington, D.C. Combining traditional Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms with contemporary genres, the band recently tore the roof off Lincoln Center as the explosive headliner for the prestigious annual globalFEST showcase in New York. “With their sprawling presentation and big, percussion driven sound […they] had the crowd in rapture,” exclaimed Afropop Worldwide magazine, calling them a “…fitting finale for what is now New York’s premier global music showcase.” Since their 2017 founding by former D.C. percussionist Hector Barez, El Laberinto del Coco has released a critically acclaimed self-titled album, an EP entitled El Laberinto del Coco Virtual, and six new singles. This fast-rising ensemble has captivated audiences at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in Washington, D.C.; SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas; globalFEST at Lincoln Center; Drom NYC; and Chicago’s Summer Concert Series at Millennium Park, among others.

Listing of the Day: 3333 N. Glebe Road

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Address: 3333 N. Glebe Road
Neighborhood: Country Club Hills
Type: 6 BR, 5 (+2 half) BA single-family detached — 6,099 sq. ft.
Listed: $3,000,000

Noteworthy: Radiant heated floors, three-car garage, four fireplaces, and an au pair ensuite

This stunning Country Club Hills estate sits on 0.65 acres of professionally landscaped grounds, has been meticulously renovated and expanded, offering over 6,000 square feet of living space, and is within walking distance of the Washington Golf and Country Club.

The elegant entryway opens to a warm foyer with a handsome staircase and heated oak parquet floors throughout. A double-sized living room with a central fireplace, custom built-ins, and bay windows overlooks the rear grounds, while the adjacent grand dining room comfortably seats 12 or more. Through a beautiful sunroom with walls of windows, one descends to a family room with coffered ceilings, an oversized fireplace, reclaimed pine floors, and French doors opening to a stone terrace. The expansive eat-in kitchen includes heated tile floors and leads to both the dining room and a private au pair ensuite. A wood-paneled library offers a quiet space with a fireplace.

The main level also features a guest bedroom with an adjoining full bathroom and a half bath. Upstairs are five large bedrooms and four bathrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with sitting area, spacious closets, and a marble bath. The finished third level is perfect for an office or playroom. The lower level offers a recreation room, exercise room with a fireplace, a custom half kitchen, laundry, wine storage, and a half bath. The private exterior includes a flagstone terrace, a sweeping grass yard, a playhouse, landscape lighting, and a three-car garage.

This exceptional residence provides easy access to D.C. and airports.

Listed by:
Sheri Grant — TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
[email protected]
(703) 405-1016

Biz Talk: Accelerate investor conference returns to showcase leading early-stage companies

By Sponsor
Accelerate

This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development, a proud sponsor of the Accelerate Investor Conference.

The Accelerate Investor Conference is back for its fourth year, moving its event to Ballston, October 23-24.

Spurring the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship engagement to a new level, the conference showcases our metropolitan region as a destination for innovation, venture investment, business development, and job creation.

Top venture firms from across North America participate in the Conference to attend top keynotes and industry panels. Eighty venture firms, plus local angel investors, participate as judges.

Attendees can watch 40+ high-growth tech, cyber, defense tech, healthcare, and life science companies pitch for their next round of capital. These cutting-edge startups compete for top prizes and are joined by 25 regional student teams presenting business concepts.

In addition to panels on AI, healthcare investment, VC trends, and defense-tech, this year’s lineup for keynote and fireside chat speakers includes:

  • Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach and author of the national bestseller “Venture Meets Mission”
  • Paul Misener, Former VP for Global Innovation Policy and Communications, Amazon
  • Tom Weithman, CIO, VIPC & Managing Director, Virginia Venture Partners

Registration is open at AccelerateDeals.org. Arlington patrons receive $100 off the ticket price before September 23 with the promotion code BIRD$100.

Accelerate sponsors and partners include Arlington Economic Development (AED), the Council for Innovation Promotion, Smart City Works, ManTech, AE Industrial Partners, Go Virginia, Fairfax City, King & Spalding, Fairfax County EDA, George Mason University, MAAN Ventures, NVTC, Prince William County, Sands Capital, Virginia Bio and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.

To learn more about Arlington Economic Development, AED’s contributions to growing the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem and locating in Arlington, please visit the AED website.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: September 4, 2024

By Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of September 2, there are 110 detached homes, 31 townhouses, and 148 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 16 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

1583 21st Court N

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Ask Eli: Learn about new buyer commission rules in person

By Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

You’ve seen the headlines and likely read a range of varying/conflicting information about the new laws affecting buyers and buyer agent commission. I will spend time discussing the new laws and answering your questions at our Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop next week at the Arlington Central Library on Wednesday, September 11. Food and drinks will be provided!

The workshop is a free and will cover: 

  • New laws affecting buyer agent representation and commission
  • How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
  • How to use market trends to your advantage
  • The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/products
  • Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success 

Who is it for? 

  • Anyone curious about the agent commission changes and how they could impact you 
  • Any buyer type from first-time buyer to experienced buyers 
  • Ready to purchase now or planning 18-24 months out 
  • Home buyers in Northern VA, DC, or the Maryland Suburbs 
  • You or anybody you know who would benefit 

Where and When? 

  • Wednesday September 11 from 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy Street), Bluemont Room

Registration is now open, and space is limited. Click the graphic below to RSVP. Bring your appetite and your home buying questions! I’d love to see you there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions about the event. 

Home Buyer Workshop

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.

Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel.

Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460. 

Listing of the Day: 6036 25th Street N.

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Address: 6036 25th Street N.
Neighborhood: Overlee
Type: 5 BR, 3 BA single-family detached — 2,368 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,299,900

Noteworthy: Stately 5-bed brick home near YHS, 11,500+ sq. ft., new updates, cul-de-sac

Discover this rare offering in this stately 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom brick residence, perfectly situated within walking distance to Nottingham Elementary School. Lovingly cared for and meticulously maintained by the same owner for 57 years, this home offers timeless quality and charm.

Nestled on a spacious 11,500+ square foot lot in a tranquil cul-de-sac, the property features a fenced backyard, ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. Step inside to find an inviting open floor plan, with newly refinished hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the upper level and stairway. The primary bedroom is spacious and offers a full bath ensuite, with an additional full hall bath serving the other two upper level bedrooms. Enjoy cozy evenings by the masonry fireplaces in both the living room and the lower-level family room.

Recent updates, including brand-new 2024 air conditioning and stainless steel kitchen appliances, along with a 2017 roof and gutter guards, ensure you can move in with peace of mind. The spacious eat-in kitchen opens to a 9×9 rear deck, perfect for morning coffee or evening dinners, overlooking a private and functional large backyard. The oversized attached garage offers plenty of room for large vehicles and extra storage.

This home is more than just a place to live — it’s a place to love for a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

Take a virtual tour today!

Listed by:
Bret Brock — Brock Realty
[email protected]
(703) 538-6030

Just Sold Condos in Arlington: August 29, 2024

By Sponsor

Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.

Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!

Last week, August 19-25, we had 30 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, ranging in price from $144,000 for a studio at River Place to $1,550,000 for a 3 BR/2 BA unit at Memorial Overlook. The median price was $516,500 and the median days on the market were 13 days.

How are buyers paying for their condos and co-ops? Well, the vast majority of the buyers used conventional financing (21 out of 30) and the number two method was cash, which was used in 7 out of the 30 deals that closed. Show me the money!

Money

Year to date so far shows 828 condo and co-op sales in Arlington. What was the financing breakdown?

  • 275 used cash
  • 463 used conventional financing
  • 15 used FHA loans
  • 65 used VA loans
  • 10 used other financing

(more…)

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