Articles Tagged "Area Information"

Spooky season is upon us, and DC is brimming with fun things you and your family can do to celebrate all things pumpkins, bats, and black cats. Whether you're looking for a haunted adventure or you want something a bit more relaxing, our real estate agents have put together a list of some fun and frightful activities you can anticipate this weekend.

Air And Scare At Home

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You know the great thing about vintage? It never goes out of style. Washington, D.C. happens to be an outstanding place to shop for vintage goods. Whether you're looking for vintage clothes to fill out your wardrobe or antique furniture for your new house in D.C., be sure to check out our real estate agents' favorite vintage shops in Washington!

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After a long day of exploring Silver Spring homes for sale, there's nothing quite like kicking back and relaxing with a cold, frosty beer. Whether you prefer a stout, an IPA, or a Belgian sour, you're in luck — "Beer Day" is right around the corner!

That's right, there's an entire day dedicated to celebrating the history and contributions this delicious drink has made to the world. Luckily, there are several great craft breweries nearby where you can celebrate in style. Here are a few we recommend.

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There's nothing quite as satisfying as starting off your weekend by going out for a delicious breakfast or brunch. If you've been looking at D.C. homes for sale, you'll be glad to know there's no shortage of great area restaurants serving up breakfast classics and a few signature dishes that belong on your "must try" list. 

We asked our real estate agents to name their favorite breakfast spots and were surprised to hear the same names coming up again and again. Here are five that topped our list. 

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Fredericksburg's history is deeply connected with the early days of our country. Founding Father George Washington grew up nearby, President James Madison was involved in local politics, and the city's business and industry helped the post-Civil War economic recovery.

Today, the downtown area is a charming blend of Fredericksburg's past and present. Experience the full flavor of our delightful city with these five activities and shops recommended by our REALTORS®.

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There are many things to love about the holidays, and ending a delicious meal with a piece of fresh-baked pie is one of our favorites. While nothing beats grandma's homemade desserts, a few of our local bakeries come pretty close. 

We asked our real estate agents where they were planning to get their holiday pies this year, and, not surprisingly, the same names came up time and again. If you're ready to start a tasty new tradition, consider ordering your holiday pies from one of these popular area bakeshops. 

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If you're looking for a place near the D.C. area to spend some quality time with a canine pal, then you're in luck! There are many fun dog-friendly places to visit in the surrounding area. Our real estate agents have found some great places to explore with your dog in and around town. 

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Washington D.C. is a remarkable place to call home, and there's plenty to see in surrounding towns and cities like Falls Church and Arlington. D.C. homes for sale truly are in the middle of it all – an exciting place to live with truly world-class amenities.

Its position on the Potomac means the D.C. area has always been known for seafood. Combine that with how attractive it is for leading chefs to open restaurants there, and you are sure to find plenty of mouth-watering dishes to suit any taste.

From lobster to shrimp to choice catches from the Atlantic and beyond, seafood is on the menu at many great local restaurants. What better time to celebrate the best of it than during National Seafood Month, which takes place every year in October?

Let's look at some of the top places to enjoy your favorite seafood dishes around Washington D.C.:

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Does the day really begin before your morning cup of joe? We won't argue if you want to call every day National Coffee Day, but there is a special day devoted to everyone's favorite morning pick-me-up. The official National Coffee Day takes place every year on September 29th, and there are plenty of great coffee shops around D.C. where you can celebrate. Our REALTORS® have the delicious details on 5 great coffee shops located near D.C. where you can enjoy a delightful drink.

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Buying a house can always be an intimidating process, but buying your first house is truly nerve-wracking. But it's also fun and exciting, and our REALTORS® are here to get you through the hard parts so you can enjoy becoming a homeowner for the first time. Here's how you can get ready to buy your first home. 

1. Save for That Down Payment
   The more you are able to save up for a down payment, the more likely you are to secure a mortgage with a good interest rate. For most homebuyers, the magic number for a down payment is 20% of the home's cost, but there are other options. Programs are available for first-time homebuyers to put down as little as 5%, but it's still in your best interest to start saving early and save as much as you can to put down a significant down payment. 
2. Keep an Eye on Your Credit
   A credit score is just one factor that lenders will look at while deciding whether to offer you a mortgage, but it's a significant one. Credit score can impact whether you're approved for a home loan, and will likely affect the terms and interest rate. Obtain a copy of your credit report, dispute any errors, and take any steps you can to improve your credit. These include:

• Pay off your debts
• Make monthly credit card payments on time
• Pay more than the monthly minimum on credit card bills
• Avoid opening new lines of credit
• Don't close inactive accounts

3. Figure Out How Much House You Can Afford
   Before you even start looking at houses, you need to know your price range. Take a hard look at your budget, and remember to make room for other things. As a general rule, your total monthly housing cost (including HOA fees, taxes, insurance, and so on) should be no more than 25% of your take-home pay. 
4. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
   Once you've saved for your down payment and figured out a ballpark idea of your budget, you can start shopping around for a mortgage. But it's important to get pre-approved first and to do so before you really start looking at homes. Your pre-approval letter will give you a more concrete idea of what a lender will be willing to offer, and also shows sellers that you're serious about buying. The pre-approval process involves having a lender verify your financial information; you will need to supply documentation as proof of income, taxes, etc. 
5. Remember to Budget for Closing Costs
   Closing costs often fall to the buyer, and it's easy to forget about these in your financial planning. What makes up these costs varies from house to house, but they typically include an appraisal, home inspection, credit report, attorney fees, and homeowner's insurance. Closing costs usually add up to between 3% and 5% of the home's total cost.

Our team has years of experience connecting first-time homebuyers with D.C. homes for sale, and we're committed to helping you through the entire process. Contact us today to learn more about finding your dream home in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas. 

D.C. is packed from end to end with amazing food trucks ready to serve up delicious bites! From American comfort foods to classic pub fare, our real estate agents encourage you to catch your next meal at one of these D.C. food trucks.

1. Dogs On The Curb – Hot Dogs, Chili
   Eating hot dogs on the curb; is there a better way to spend a warm summer night? Dogs On The Curb offers extravagant hot dogs that are both delicious and health-conscious. Choose the dog that's right for your diet: the vegan Slim Dog, standard Buffalo Dog, or Jalapeno Corn Dog. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or to take down a massive Colossal Chili Dog, Dogs On The Curb has eight hot dogs that are worth sniffing out.
   
   

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Are you up for a game of pickleball? Our real estate agents sure are! Pickleball is sweeping the nation, becoming the new favorite sport for men and women of all ages. This game is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Two or four players play on opposite sides of a net and use solid paddles to hit a pickleball back and forth. Despite being quite a fun and competitive game, it's becoming just as popular in schools as it is in senior centers. If you're hoping to play a few rounds of pickleball this summer, head over to these local pickleball courts.

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Summer is almost here, making now the perfect time to explore the area's best golf courses and work on your golf swing. 

Many of our REALTORS® enjoy hitting the courses on their days off. Here are a few of our favorites in the area!  

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If your moving plans involve relocating to a new state, it's important to give your move the time and resources it needs to make the process a smooth experience. Follow these tips to make sure your move is as stress-free as possible. 

1. Rethink Your Packing Strategy
   Packing is tricky even when you're only moving a few miles from your current home. It takes time to pack and unpack all those boxes, and you're often left scrambling to find must-have items (like your coffee maker and charging station) among items that you don't need right this second (such as seasonal clothing and holiday decor). One way to better organize your packing is to make sure that you label what's in each box. This way, you won't have to open 5 different boxes in hopes of locating must-use items. 

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"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." ~ Dr. Seuss

Monday, March 2nd, is National Read Across America Day, and our real estate agents are taking Dr. Seuss's words to heart by cracking open an exciting new book. Created by the National Education Association, National Read Across America Day encourages people of all ages to pick up a new title or an old favorite and dive into a great story. If you're looking for a cozy place to page through the latest best-sellers, head to one of these great local bookstores around Washington DC.

1. Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café — 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20036
   When browsing DC homes for sale, you'll be happy to discover that a fantastic bookstore and charming café are only a few blocks away. Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café first opened its doors to celebrate the Bicentennial of our nation's capital. Nearly 50 years later, Kramerbooks is still writing new chapters. Stop in to browse their selection and sip on a Literary Cocktail like a Fahrenheit 1517 or The Handmaid's Ale.
   
   

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Our real estate agents are always excited for Presidents Day, and for a good reason. We live in a region with a lot of great presidential history, and past presidents have visited some of our favorite local haunts over the years. Get a presidential experience the history books can't offer and check out these local Alexandria places past presidents have visited. 

1. Gadsby's Tavern - 134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314
   Built-in 1792, if the walls could talk at Gadsby's Tavern, they'd have many presidential stories to share. Presidents George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe are all known to have dined here, and Thomas Jefferson even held his inaugural ball at the Tavern. Just minutes from these Alexandria homes for sale, Gadsby's still serves classic American fare for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. 

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There is no better way to ward away the winter chill than with a piping hot cup of hot cocoa. When you want a sweet treat that is guaranteed to warm you up, our real estate agents recommend these five fantastic D.C. establishments. These are the perfect places to rest and relax from the hustle and bustle of the beltway.

1. Café Chocolat - 1423 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
   Café Chocolat is the sweetest chocolate boutique on this side of the Alps. The modern decor and the high-class atmosphere blend perfectly with the Logan Circle homes for sale just down the road. This top tier café is the perfect place to try treats from around the world, and the best part is you won't need your passport to enjoy the trip.

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Our agents know that when you're chewing over your home buying options around DC, a bite to eat won't go amiss. Sometimes, it's tough to find low-carb options that offer you a true gourmet experience – but the DC area has what you're hungry for.

Low-carb dining is popular for losing weight and maintaining health. In the last few years, it's started to go mainstream. Here's the secret: Innovative restaurateurs around Washington DC have been cooking up some of the country's top low-carb meals for more than a decade.

Let's look at some of the DC area's best low-carb dining:

1. Grateful Kitchen Co. – 727 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
   While checking out the best Alexandria homes for sale, you won't want to miss out on a visit to Grateful Kitchen Co. Known for its fresh, healthy, nutritious food, Grateful Kitchen is a true community brand. The flavors of its seasonal menu are enhanced by its relaxed, welcoming space. Its 100% organic dishes range from smoked salmon salad to bowls and wraps aplenty.

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The holiday season seems to fly by every year, and if you're like our REALTORS®, you often find yourself scrambling for last-minute gifts. Thankfully, the Washington, D.C. area is full of fabulous shops that will help you cross off those final few presents. Here are a few of our favorite Georgetown shopping destinations for your last-minute holiday shopping trips.

1. Georgetown Park — 3222 M St., NW Washington, D.C. 20007
   The newly renovated Georgetown Park is a sight to behold! Offering an unrivaled shopping experience in an urban environment, Georgetown Park has become one of the tri-state area's best destinations for shopping. Over 300,000 square feet of space in this gorgeous setting is dedicated to a variety of great shops. Grab your gift list and spend a few hours roaming around Georgetown Park's 12 stores, including TJ Maxx, Forever 21, and Washington Sports Club.

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'Tis the season for festive fun around Washington DC! Our REALTORS® are excited for all of the merry events taking place in the greater DC area, and we know you'll be too! If you love dazzling performances, fantastic music, unique craft fairs and discussing classic Christmas novels with other literature lovers, then be sure to plan for these winter events!

• The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays — National Theatre 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20004 | Dec 3 – 8
  Christmas is a magical time of the year in Washington DC, perhaps even more so this holiday season thanks to the arrival of a few incredible illusionists. The Illusionists is coming to the National Theatre for their Magic of the Holidays performance. Outrageous and astonishing acts will fill the stage as their thrilling and sophisticated magic fills your mind with wonder and awe. If you're searching for homes in the Washington DC area, be sure to plan a trip to the theatre between December 3rd and 8th for a show that will truly make your holidays magical!  

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Do you find yourself gazing longingly at some of the amazing DC homes for sale in other neighborhoods? Maybe you whisper to your house, "It's not you, it's me." There comes a point in many relationships when it's best to part ways. If any of these signs apply to your situation, you're ready to move to a new neighborhood.

1. Change in Personal Status
   Whether you're starting or ending a relationship with a significant other, a fresh start in a new home makes the transition a little smoother. Also, if you're beginning a family or becoming an empty-nester, you'll likely prefer more or less room.
   
   
2. Job or Career Change
   Promotions and other career advancements sometimes come with relocation. Perhaps you're looking to make a change and opportunities in your chosen field are more plentiful in other areas.
   
   
3. Fluctuations in Local Economy
   Communities generally develop around successful companies and industries. The welfare of those communities is deeply entwined with the ups and downs of the local economy. Declining area business can lead to the erosion of features and qualities that make a community desirable.

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The spookiest season of the year is right around the corner, and our REALTORS® want to help you celebrate Halloween throughout October! We've grabbed our favorite costumes and gathered together a list of the best Halloween events in the DC area for you to enjoy with your friends and family.

• The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland —1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, VA 20190  
  Oct 3-6, 10-13, 16-20, 23-27
  Start your house search early in October by scheduling a few Reston homes for sale showings. While you're in the area, check out The Glow: A Pumpkin Wonderland. Lake Fairfax Park is transformed into a pumpkin patch showcasing thousands of jack o' lanterns. This evening event is a leisurely yet festive walk for the whole family!

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