real estate | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published December 12, 2012 at 8:55AM

Tejada Named County Board Chair — The Arlington County Board has announced its intent to elect Walter Tejada as its chair for 2013. Tejada, who was first elected to the Board in 2003, served as the chair in 2008 and vice-chair in 2007 and 2012. Jay Fisette has been chosen as vice-chair for 2013. [Arlington County]

Lost Item Found in Library Donation — The library is trying to track down a mystery person who donated items to the Friends of the Library book sale. The donation contained something of “significant value” that the donor must have mistakenly included and likely wants back. In order to make sure the correct person comes forward to identify the item, the library will not release any more details. If you are the mystery donor, call Central Library Manager Margaret Brown at 703-228-5952. The library asks that people do not call with wild guesses in an attempt to claim the item. [Library Blog]

Feature

Ask Adam: Are There Any Bargains Left in Arlington?

By ARLnow.com

Published December 11, 2012 at 11:15AM

This periodic sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: Are you seeing any bargains on the market still? My preference is not to deal with a fixer upper.

Around Town

Mario’s Pizza House Property Up for Auction

By ARLnow.com

Published December 3, 2012 at 2:25PM | Updated December 3, 2012 at 3:01PM

The family that owns Mario’s Pizza House is selling the 16,000 square foot parcel of land on which Mario’s and the Carvel Ice Cream shop sits. Mario’s has been in business at that location, 3322 Wilson Boulevard, between Clarendon and Virginia Square, since 1958.

The land — much of which sits fallow as a surface parking lot — was originally listed for sale for $3 million. After apparently not finding a buyer at that price, the land is now going up for auction.

Feature

Ask Adam: What Does a $250K Income Buy You in Arlington?

By ARLnow.com

Published November 27, 2012 at 12:45PM | Updated November 27, 2012 at 8:35PM

This periodic sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: A certain politician has been using $250,000 in income as the benchmark for rich families in America. In an expensive area like Arlington, I’m wondering how much home an income like this can afford you?

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published November 27, 2012 at 9:10AM

Arlington Gets Largest Share of Transit Growth — Over the past 11 years, the rate of growth of those who use public transit in Arlington has been higher than any other D.C. area jurisdiction. Chris Hamilton, chief of Arlington Commuter Services, attributes that growth to the county’s transit outreach efforts. [Mobility Lab]

Homebuyer Assistance Available — The Arlington County Board recently approved $500,000 to help qualified first time homebuyers purchase a new home in the county. The funds are available for down payment and closing cost assistance for about 10-15 low- to moderate-income households. Applications will be accepted started Dec. 3. [Arlington County]

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published November 14, 2012 at 8:45AM

Home Sales Up, Prices Down — October home sales in Arlington were up 45 percent by volume, year over year, but prices were down. The average home price decreased to $542,941 from $562,217 in October 2011, which was partially attributed to a larger proportion of rowhouse and townhouse sales in relation to detached single-family homes. [Sun Gazette]

‘Incredible Edible Book Contest’ — On Dec. 1, the Cherrydale Branch Library will hold an “Incredible Edible Book Contest.” Contestants will create something edible to represent a book title, scoring points for cleverness and originality. The entries will be judged by a panel that will include Justin Stegall of Bakeshop and David Guas of Bayou Bakery. [Arlington Public Library]

Feature

Ask Adam: Repairs After the Home Inspection?

By ARLnow.com

Published November 13, 2012 at 1:15PM

This periodic sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: We are purchasing a home in Arlington and want to know what we should be able to ask the sellers to fix as a result of the home inspection.

Feature

Ask Adam: How Does an Escalation Clause Work?

By ARLnow.com

Published November 1, 2012 at 1:45PM | Updated November 20, 2012 at 11:07PM

This periodic sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: Can you please explain how an escalation clause works?

Feature

Ask Adam: Collapsing Retaining Wall

By ARLnow.com

Published October 16, 2012 at 12:00PM | Updated November 20, 2012 at 11:07PM

This periodic sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: I’m wondering if you know who is responsible for a collapsing retaining wall between two homes?

Around Town

Arlington Homes of the Rich and Famous

By ARLnow.com

Published October 1, 2012 at 10:45AM

According to the site:

Actress Sandra Bullock grew up in a home (pictured) in the affluent Woodmont neighborhood.

Feature

Ask Adam: Winning the Home in a Competitive Situation

By ARLnow.com

Published September 18, 2012 at 1:30PM | Updated November 20, 2012 at 11:08PM

This periodic sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.

Question: Are you seeing competition for homes in Arlington? If so, what is the best way to win?

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 18, 2012 at 8:30AM | Updated September 18, 2012 at 1:43PM

$23 Million House Up for Auction — Its address might say McLean, but a $23 million house that’s now up for auction on Chain Bridge Road is technically located in Arlington. The house, once featured on the MTV show “Teen Cribs,” will be auctioned off at the Arlington County Courthouse on Sept. 27 after its owner went into foreclosure. [Curbed, Tranzon Auction]

School Bus Stop Next to Sex Offender’s House — A local mom is lobbying Arlington Public Schools to get her middle-school-aged daughter’s bus stop moved, after finding out that the stop is located near a convicted child sex offender’s house. [WUSA 9]