Fords’ Landing’s Finest

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The Goodhart Group proudly announces its newest listing at 20 Alexander Street in Old Town Alexandria. This home offers over 3,100 finished square feet in one of popular Fords Landing’s largest models, The Henry.

This four-level, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home boasts a sun-filled open floor plan. Enjoy high- end details throughout including cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and classic millwork. The open, updated kitchen is flooded with natural light. The master bedroom includes walk-in closets, a gas fireplace, and a spacious en-suite bath. A top level bedroom features a private sauna and full bath, perfect for guests.

Parking for two cars is offered in the attached garage. Two decks with river views grace the home, which backs to a serene park in the heart of Alexandria. Just steps away are Old Town’s best shops, restaurants, and conveniences. Stroll the scenic promenade that surrounds the community or bask in the glow of the sunrise or sunset while walking the nearby trails.

20 Alexander Street is offered at $1,780,000. Contact us today to learn more!

Stylish Wedding Gifts for the Home

It’s the height of the wedding season (just ask Allison who is attending nine this year!). Here at the Goodhart Group, we are always looking for the latest trends in home decor and design. So we asked local interior designer Ashley Baker  for her current favorite wedding gifts for the home.

Barware

Home bars and bar carts are all the rage right now, and vintage barware from The Hour in Old Town is a fun way to dress up the newlyweds’ cocktail hour. The Hour is two PACKED floors of amazing vintage glasses, trays, shakers, and bar accessories. If you plan on purchasing stemware from the couple’s registry, pair it with a book written by Victoria Vergason, the owner of The Hour. Capitol Cocktails ($29.95) has drink recipes from some of DC’s best known bars and restaurants, and even includes the best local spots to find key ingredients. I love this set of vintage lace scroll glasses from the 1960’s ($180 for the set of six).

Monogrammed Linens

Ivy Lane‘s custom linens are to die for. They offer a full monogramming service, which is a fun way to celebrate the couple’s new initials. I love the pillow cases and waffle hand towels with a simple crisp monogram. These are the types of little luxuries people don’t often treat themselves to, but LOVE receiving as gifts and displaying in their home. Prices range from $45-$115

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Serving and Entertaining

Kitchen storage space can be at a premium, so I love anything that does double-duty, and it’s a bonus if it looks good too. Random Harvest has a huge gorgeous mango wood serving board that can be used to serve appetizers on a coffee table, carved meat buffet style in the kitchen, or anything in between. The Somerset Cutting Board’s ($95) size allows for multiple uses and the beautiful finish means it looks great leaning against the backsplash on the counter, or hanging on the kitchen wall. Pair the cutting board with a set of Random Harvest’s marble handled Ramsey Cheese Knives ($68 for a set of four) for a perfect entertaining combo.

 

Quiet Nights In

Random Harvest has some of the yummiest throws right now. My favorite is the Italian Wool and Cashmere Throw ($225). It’s perfect for the foot of the bed, or curling up with on the sofa, and the neutral color selection will work with any color scheme. They measure 51×67, so it’s the perfect size for two. Sure, everyone has blankets, but not everyone has one THIS luxurious.

A Little Something

You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate to the couple’s favorite store, but if you want to personalize the gift, I love these custom coasters from Huck & Bear Designs. A set of four is $32 and it’s the perfect “little something” to accompany a gift card or check, and note to the newlyweds. They are made by a couple in Arlington and are available on here on Etsy.

Thank you, Ashley and have fun shopping!

April Market Update – City of Alexandria

Recent statistics for City of Alexandria properties going under contract in April showed mixed activity. Single family home sales were patchy. The best performing single family category was the $600-$699K range, with 11 properties going under contract and eight on the market. The $500-$599K range had nine active listings and no sales. We believe that is because most of these homes were in the slower moving 22304 ZIP code, which is not close to Metro.

Above $1.5 million, only one property sold, which was our listing on Kings Cloister Circle.  The $1.25M to $1.49M range had the next fewest sales with just four, while the $1 million to $1.249K range saw double that, with eight homes going under contract.

Townhomes in Alexandria experienced brisk sales in April, with 44% of that inventory selling.  Most of that activity was in the under $700K price point.  Most condos that sold were in the $100-$299K range (yes, Alexandria does have them!) with 55 going under contract. Only one condo over $900K sold in April. The good news is that if you own a townhouse, you are in a great position to move up to a single family home, as inventory over $750K is quite sluggish for detached homes.

If you want to discuss how to make your next move, just text, call, or email us (703-362-1332 or homes@thegoodhartgroup.com). We’d are always happy to buy you coffee and just chat about the market or your specific real estate goals.

COMING SOON! Updated 5/27

The Goodhart Group “Private Collection”

$2,000,000-$2,500,000

307 W. Walnut Street, Alexandria, VA 22301

$1,000,000-$1,500,000

2429 Davis Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22302

3808 Griffith Place, Alexandria, VA 22304

204 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

206 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

208 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

210 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

212 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

$800,000-$1,000,000

NEW- 207 Wilkes Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

$400,000-$600,000

1253 Quaker Hill Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314

A Stunning Braddock Heights Renovation

Enjoy charm with modern conveniences in the heart of Alexandria City!

Currently under construction, 2429 Davis Avenue will be a  2900 sq. ft. fully renovated home with a brand new, three-story addition. This home is located in the highly sought after Braddock Heights neighborhood, close to public transportation, schools, shopping, and dining.

This home features five bedrooms (four upstairs) and 3½ bathrooms. Its grand master bedroom suite includes a walk-in closet, stunning built-in millwork, and a spa inspired shower.

The open kitchen is a chef and entertainer’s dream with a 36″ range, well-appointed finishes, designer lighting, and fixtures throughout. The kitchen opens to a new, light-filled great room. Formal living and dining rooms also await guests, as well as a welcoming (original) wood-burning fireplace.

The three spacious living levels feature hardwood floors, oversized crown molding, and custom trim. The basement offers a recreation room, the fifth bedroom, and a full bathroom. Enjoy the conveniences of a detached driveway, a side entrance, and a custom, main level laundry room.

This home is slated for early fall delivery and move in. Contact us today to learn more now!

Orange is the New….Fitness Craze

By: Allison Goodhart DuShuttle

I recently checked out Old Town’s newest fitness studio, Orangetheory Fitness, located at 1101 King Street (free trial classes are offered at all locations).

The idea behind Orangetheory is to create “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC -which is what burns calories after a workout and creates results.  EPOC is created with intervals of cardiovascular and strength training.

I attended a 60-minute class with my husband, which was broken down to three 20 minute blocks: treadmill/interval training, rowing machine/interval training, and floor/weights. The class “coach” walked around between the different areas throughout the hour. Heart rate monitors track your intensity and you can view your “zone” on a nearby screen at all times. The goal is to be in the orange zone as much as possible, hence the studio’s name.

The continuous changes and loud, upbeat music kept the hour interesting and fun, even though it pushed me into the “red zone” a few times! The nice thing about the screen was that I was able to actually see how much I was pushing myself throughout the 60 minute class. Another nice thing about the class was that you can customize it to your own level. For example, on the treadmill, some people were walking, others jogging while others were all-out sprinting.  While I can’t say I enjoyed all 60 minutes as it definitely pushed me, I signed up for a subscription and will definitely be back. I could tell it really would help me get in better shape… I was definitely sore the next day!

Orangetheory offers various membership levels. There are three other nearby locations (all in Arlington). Be sure to check it out soon and let me know if you have any questions! Hope to see you there…

 

Seminary Ridge Sunday Opens

If you are in 22304 this Sunday between 1-4pm, stop by to see TWO of our lovely listings in Seminary Ridge. Come to the private opens (between 1-2pm) for champagne and nibbles!

3939 Forth Worth Avenue

This gracious Colonial home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a truly amazing chef’s kitchen. Enjoy its two car garage, updated bathrooms, hardwood floors, crown molding, and serene screened porch and deck  – perfect for outdoor entertaining this summer.

508 Fort Williams Parkway

This 4 bedroom , 2.5 bathroom Colonial sits on a beautifully landscaped corner lot. Enjoy a renovated gourmet kitchen, two fireplaces, hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, as well as new windows and HVAC systems. The home has been freshly painted and is ready for its new owners to move right in.

Sue and Allison can attest firsthand to the joys of living in Seminary Ridge. Its streets are wide and the sidewalks wind their way through mature trees. Residents greet each other as they walk their dogs, ride their bikes, and stroll their babies. The community gathers for annuals events including a summer picnic, a Halloween parade and party, a garage sale, and a holiday party. There is a Seminary Ridge book club and a wine club. Located so close to 395, 95, Old Town, Reagan National Airport and DC, Seminary Ridge truly is a commuter’s dream.

Hope to see you!

 

COMING SOON!!! Updated 5/12/16

The Goodhart Group “Private Collection”

$2,000,000-$2,500,000

307 W. Walnut Street, Alexandria, VA 22301

$1,500,000-$2,000,000

20 Alexander Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

$1,000,000-$1,500,000

2429 Davis Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22302

3808 Griffith Place, Alexandria, VA 22304

204 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

206 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

208 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

210 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

212 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (Ellsworth Row)

Deciding to Downsize: One Client’s Journey

 

By Sue Goodhart

One of the hardest things for homeowners who need to make a move to do is to visualize what their next home looks like. My counsel to them is always, “Let’s get out and look at a few things so you can see what the choices might be.”  Or, if they are moving out of the area, I suggest that they vacation in that place for a week to ten days to really get a feel for what life is like there.

One of my clients had decided to downsize after the recent loss of her husband. The plan was to put the house on the market in 2017 and in the meantime, clear out stuff and occasionally check out some condos in a building where some of her friends live. We saw one or two listings over the course of a month and then I saw one that I thought she really might like to see.  Again, this was more to help her start to visualize what her new home might look like.  We scheduled a showing and when we walked in, we both “oohed and aahed” – it one of those rare “House Hunters” moments.  As we meandered through the condo, I pointed out things to her and she shared her thoughts. When we entered a bedroom that was set up as a cozy den, she sat down on the chair and said, “Sue – I think I can move in here.”

As a real estate agent, it is always a lovely moment when you know that someone can now move onto the next phase of life. Which means that all the hard stuff, such as sorting through possessions, leaving a home with happy memories, and making the actual move, becomes so much easier.  After it is all done, I am always so happy to hear when my clients have settled in nicely and love their new homes.

Making a move is always a bit scary.  Emotions come into play even when it make sense financially and logistically to “right-size.” Often in our market, a home has grown too small for our clients’ needs. I often think of our clients with three school aged girls in a small townhouse with one bathroom – they really needed to move! Many times, seniors find themselves in large homes that require a great deal of maintenance and where they might become increasingly isolated, especially in the winter months. In cases like these, deciding where to go and how to get there becomes an overwhelming challenge. That is where we come in. We help our clients create the vision of what their future home will look like. We help them start to take those baby steps to find and purchase the home that makes sense for them at the current stage of their lives.

We aren’t in the business of selling homes. We are in the business of helping people through their life changes, be it new marriages, just born or growing children, first homes, or when a loss or financial impact necessitates a move. When we can help our clients through those transitions and help them love where they live, that’s when we truly love what we do.

 

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Alexandria

One thing we love most about living and working in Alexandria? The fantastic dining options at our fingertips, from casual bites to chef’s tasting menus. On the more casual side, we have PLENTY of Mexican restaurants to go around where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or throughout the year. What’s more – they are all fabulous!  Here are a few of our favorites.

OLD TOWN

Don Taco Tequila Bar: New on the scene {opened in April}, we love the interesting creations on the inexpensive taco menu and the excellent late night happy hour specials at this upscale casual eatery and bar that features gluten free options.  Be sure to try the sweet and spicy mahi mahi taco and the spicy margarita…it’s got quite a kick!

Los Cuates: We first fell in love with this place at its Georgetown location so we were naturally thrilled when the King Street location opened a couple of years ago. The atmosphere here is more typical of a Mexican restaurant. Our favorite thing on the menu is the white queso dip. You will be coming back for more!

DEL RAY

Taqueria Poblano: This tiny gem is by far our favorite spot in Alexandria for traditional Mexican food. Everything on the menu is fabulous, but we particularly love their taquitos and guacamole.  Try their margaritas with award winning house-made mix, not too sweet, not too sour. Perfection! Just be sure to get there early… there can be quite a line at this no-reservation institution.

Los Tios: If sitting outside while enjoying an oversized margarita {frozen or on the rocks} is your idea of the perfect Mexican experience, look no further than Los Tios.  They have the largest margaritas in Alexandria and probably the most flavors. Their food is also delicious. Try the fajitas!

WEST ALEXANDRIA

Los Toltecos: While it may not look like much from the street, this yummy Mexican restaurant is located just outside of Old Town on Duke Street. It has a very casual vibe with an outdoor deck, ideal for spring and summer evenings. They also frequently have karaoke and trivia nights.

For recommendations on enjoying life in Alexandria and around the D.C. Metro area, whether through dining or cultural opportunities, or the real estate market, please don’t hesitate to contact Sue or Allison at any time. We are always happy to help!