Two Real Estate Markets in One

Doug Francis — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:19:13 +0000

Northern Virginia home buyers looking to move to Vienna are witnessing an interesting spring real estate market in May. Well, at least I find it interesting because detached homes in the $530,000 range are seeing one market while the $1,000,000 plus range is seeing another.

Nielson's Frozen Custard on Church Street

Last weekend, a RE/MAX Presidential team colleague put a 1960’s Town of Vienna home on the market at $539,900 and had seven (7) offers! Yes, even without the “home buyer tax rebate program”, people know that living in Vienna is valuable. Obviously the schools are good and commute times are decent, but the unique sense of community is the key with the W&OD Bike Trail, Concerts on The Town Green, The Vienna Farmers’ Market, and Memorial Day Weekend’s Viva Vienna festival!

Maybe it’s Nielson’s Frozen Custard Shop?

On the other hand, people wanting to move to Vienna in the $1,000,000 price range have ninety four (yes, 94) homes for sail sale to look at! And having represented some buyers in this price range recently, I know that there is negotiating room. If you want to talk about the real estate market then send me an e-mail or call me. See some of the stats that I posted recently for a couple of Vienna zip codes on the Vienna Home Blog.

This sharp contrast between the two price ranges is a pattern that I have seen over the past year. Higher-end buyers were impacted by the lack of credit available for loans in the “Super Jumbo” category last year, but mortgage guys that I know (from reputable banks) can now get these loans done up to $2,000,000.

That’s what I love about the real estate business!

When you are going into “battle” against six other real estate offers then you will need one negotiation strategy, and if you are in the higher end market then you will need another. If I didn’t like the competition involved in this business, then I wouldn’t still be doing it after 19 years.

Bike and Hiking Trails in the Metro DC Region (dougfrancis.com)
“Almost” Home Buyers – Restrain Yourself! (dougfrancis.com)
Bad News for Vienna Real Estate (dougfrancis.com)
Vienna home is a deal close to the W&OD Bike Trail! (dougfrancis.com)

The fall leaf clean-up schedule

Doug Francis — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:03:35 +0000

UPDATED Schedule for 2011

Original Post

The leaves are falling all around my Vienna home, and it’s time to consult the collection schedule that the Town of Vienna puts out. Yes, Town residents get another perk… curbside leaf clean-up. Rake it to the curb and the guys will swing by on their set schedule (sorry, no double backing).

People always admire the tall oak trees in our neighborhood which is such a part of living in Fairfax County. But the month of leaf clean-up can go on and on and on. Actually, it is a fun event that the kids get into… but when the third pass arrives it seems that I am the only one rushing to get the job done.

Town of Vienna, Virginia Leaf Collection Schedule 2011

First Pass

South Side of Town: begins October 21 | North Side of Town: begins October 25th

Second Pass

South Side of Town: October 28 | North Side of Town: begins November 6

Third Pass

South Side of Town: begins: November 19 | North Side of Town: begins December 10

Fourth Pass

South Side of Town: begins December 27 | North Side of Town: begins January 7

Source: Town of Vienna Newsletter

My first leaf pile of the season

Town crew cleaning up my first pile of the season

Town of Vienna VA Vehicle Tax? (dougfrancis.com)
Things You Should Know Before Moving to Northern Virginia (dougfrancis.com)
5 Reasons People Want a House in Vienna (dougfrancis.com)

Doug Francis | Vienna Home Blog | Real Estate Agent in Vienna, McLean and Oakton VA | REALTOR | MLS Search, advice, tips, humor » Town of Vienna