McLean Virginia

Driving between McLean and Vienna this weekend?

Just in case you missed the press release, Route 123 between McLean and Vienna VA will be closed June 12 and 13 as they demolish a 495 (The Capital Beltway) overpass. Yes sir, 123 will be blocked off with no realistic notice as to what your options are for detours.

This VDOT map of a detour plan looks like a nightmare to me, so here is where my local Vienna and McLean driving experience can help you.

Two Tysons Corner Detour Options

• Take International Drive in Tyson’s Corner which turns into Spring Hill Road, then turn right on Lewinsville Road.
• Take Route 7 and turn on Magarity Road to Great Falls Street.

When I am with some real estate clients this weekend, I think we will avoid the whole Tysons Corner area or at least give it a wide berth.

Like I have said, living in Northern Virginia requires you to have a driving strategy.

Any thoughts on this project? Leave a comment!

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McLean Virginia

Buying a home in Vienna over a million?

Over the weekend, many local builders participated in the annual Vienna Parade of Homes tour. This joint marketing venture allows many small, custom builders to showcase their work and I looked at three custom homes built by Staats Developers of Vienna, Virginia.

I was impressed, but understand that these are custom homes, not just “new” homes.

One of my long-time colleagues who works for the firm that represents the builder was there, and we had an interesting discussion on the $1,000,000 + real estate market in the area. He mentioned that, although that specific Vienna custom home was “sold”, people had been making unsolicited offers on the property… something crazy like a dozen offers. I was surprised since there are so many $1.0 million+ homes for sale in the 22182 and 22180 Vienna zip codes.

When I told him roughly how many were for sale over a million, he doubted me… so I looked it up in the MRIS/MLS database.

Homes for sale in Vienna and McLean, VA over $1.0 million are plentiful…

As of Sunday afternoon October 25th, there are 53 homes for sale over $1.0 million in the Vienna, Virginia 22182 zip code and 24 homes for sale over $1.0 million in 22180. There are 103 detached homes for sale over $1.0 million in McLean 22101!

But there is a little secret here too. There are still more custom homes listed as “land”, or secretly held as “pocket-listings”… when there is a mutual understanding between a land holder and a builder that they plan on selling in the future.

Are you thinking, “I didn’t even know those homes were there?”

I have set up a quick search for you right now at FranklyMLS

If you would like to move to Vienna, McLean or Oakton, Virginia then you really need an experienced agent (an ABR) who can cover the pro’s and cons, get you into these homes to see what and where you are buying, and then put together an aggressive offer. The agent who is listing the property is working for the seller, and that seller is already offering to compensate your agent (buyer’s agent/ABR)… so you will really benefit with someone who is going to find the best options on the market and then help negotiate the best price.

Yes, you need me. I already live here.

Start your search using the MLS Search tool above or on the right in the Real Estate Resources section… either one is good. If you need financing then I also have a couple of excellent local lenders who I can refer you to for a consultation. I look at this as a team effort because when you move in, I don’t want you to say… “I didn’t even know those homes where there.”