Living in the downtown district of Bethesda boasts of apartments and condominiums offering convenience and luxurious living.  Potential condo owners can experience the variety of floor plans offering one, two, or three bedroom with various living spaces at an affordable price.  Potential Bethesda condo owners can enjoy the following benefits including: being within close proximity of Bethesda metro station, taking the Bethesda Circulator, and enjoying the Capital Crescent Trail that runs through downtown Bethesda for biking and jogging.

Bethesda Maryland also has special events for its community and its residents. Every second Friday of the month, Bethesda has a Bethesda Art Walk showcasing artwork locally, nationally, and internationally to art enthusiasts at various downtown Bethesda galleries.  Bethesda has other special events such as “Play in a Day” offered in the spring, a literary festival in the summer, summer concert series, fine arts festival, outdoor movies in the summer, Taste of Bethesda and Farmers Market in the fall.

There are also two hundred plus community dining and restaurants options providing a diversity of cuisine, delis, bakeries, sandwich shops, coffee houses, ice cream, yogurt and gelato, and cafés.

Bethesda is also home to several attractive landmarks and places including: Walter Reed National Military, The Writer’s Center, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the National Institutes of Health campus that one can absolutely enjoy.

The Bethesda community has received media attention including the following notables listed below:

• CNN Money noted that Bethesda MD is number one as a top earning town
• Forbes reported in 2009 that Bethesda MD is one of American’s most livable cities
• Total Beauty rated Bethesda MD as “Best Teeth-Cities”  – number three.
• The book “ The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” authored by Ann Brashares  takes place in Bethesda, Maryland

Overall, living in the downtown bustling can provide a unique experience to its residents and potential residents offering the charm and beauty of dining, entertainment, and its conveniences to luxury residential living.

If your interested in learning more about some of the awesome listings that exist near DC click HERE or just enter your information into the box on your right and an expert real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

There are a lot of awesome things going on right now in DC. Here are just a few of the news items and events that you need to know about.

DC Area- National Harbor Restaurant Week: Do you like dining out at various restaurants? National Harbor Restaurant Week is coming  to the DC area October 3-16, 2011. Enjoy the cuisines of American, Chinese, Mexican, Seafood, and much more. During this time period, enjoy gourmet prix-fixe for $20 and dinners for $35.

DC Northwest- Taste of DC: Taste of DC is a festival that is held in DC(October 8-10, 2011) offering food, wine, beer, and entertainment. Taste of DC mission is to provide experiences of food while bringing the community together. For more information visit the Taste of DC website.

DC- Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day beer festival that is held annually in Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest event focuses on beer, food, and dancing. One of the places that will hold Oktoberfest is Biergarten Haus(1335 H Street NE).

DC NW- Most Expensive Office Space: In a recent study by Jones Lang LaSalle, there were five most expensive office spaces across North America.  DC was listed as number five with the most expensive office space located at Pennsylvania Avenue in northwest DC. Jones Lang LaSalle noted the office space is “$80 per square foot” and it is expensive because it is home to dozens of law firms.

DC- Mortgage Rates hit an all time low: According to Freddie Ma in the Week of September 26th morgage rates in the DC area hit a low of 4.01% for a 30-year mortgage and 3.28% for a 15-year mortgage. What does this mean for the potential home buyer?

If you want to take advantage of these low mortgage rates and take part in these awesome DC area happenings then just enter your information into the box on your right and a DC real estate expert will get in touch with you asap!

Image Credits: dcmetrocentric.com

This luxury style building boasts of several model-style apartments including: The Bridgewater, The Madison, The Randolph, The Phillips, The Potomac, and The Emory. These different model-style apartments include one, two, and three bedroom with living space of 636 to 1,153 square feet.

One of the models at Fairfax Towers that can be great for a single professional on the go is the Bridgewater. The Bridgewater has one bedroom, one bath with 636 square feet of living space. This apartment unit will have a coat closet and kitchen as you enter the entryway of this luxury apartment. The kitchen boasts of oak cabinetry, appliances, floor tiling, and a breakfast bar view. The living room and dining room is combined that shows views of Tyson’s and Falls Church. The bedroom is totally spacious including carpeting, a regular size closet, and amazing amount of sunlight. In the Bridgewater model-apartment, the bathroom is not adjoined to the bedroom as it is separate but packs a great punch. The bathroom has a soaking tub and shower, beautiful ceramic floor tiling, a sink vanity, and a warm wall-palette. Included in this apartment unit are the washer and dryer with a linen closet making laundry a breeze.

Community Features
Fairfax Towers luxury apartments offer lots of community features within their high-rise building that you just cannot beat including:

• Fitness Center
• Swimming pool with sundeck and saunas
• Two tennis courts
• Barbeque area with picnic table
• Lots of free parking
• Pet-friendly
• Concierge service
• A library/study on the main floor
• On-site retail services(food market/dry cleaners, dentist, and hair salon)
• Free shuttle to metro

Interested in living in a luxury style apartment that offers conveniences to Tyson’s Corner? If so, enter your information into the box on the right and a rock star real estate agent will tell you everything you would want to know about Fairfax Towers luxury apartments.

Name: Fairfax Towers Luxury Apartments
Address: 2251 Pimmit Run Lane, Falls Church, VA 22043
Website: http://www.fairfaxtowers.com/home.html
Listings: (*Prices and fees are subject to change)
2251 Pimmit Run Lane – 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Price: $1,465 monthly rent, MLS: #FX4664420
2251 Pimmit Run Lane – 2 bedrooms, 1 ½ bath, Price: $1,665 monthly rent, MLS: #FX4664421
2251 Pimmit Run Lane – 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, Price: $2,030 monthly rent, MLS: #FX4664422
2251 Pimmit Run Lane – -3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Price: $2,145 monthly rent, MLS: #FX4664423

Photo Courtesy of Fairfax Towers website

Photo from Sam Hurd Photography Website

Herndon-Metro Future Plans to become more bicycle friendly
DC has become known for its pedestrian and bicycling friendliness. Well, it seems like Herndon, Virginia is looking have that “pedestrian and bicycling” feature in their area. Fairfax County Times reports that “the Town of Herndon is working to convert the town’s side of the future Herndon Monroe metro station into a more urban-style neighborhood that is oriented to pedestrian and cyclists, as well as drivers” Do you think this can be pulled off considering that the area is more suburban? or Should they just wait until the Silver line (metrorail station) comes, which will be 2016 to implement a more pedestrian friendly area?
Source: Fairfax County Times

Do you want a Free Home Energy Assessment?
The District of Department of the Environment is offering DC homeowners an opportunity to receive a free home energy audit. This program promotes energy efficiency assessments to see how well the home is performing. The audit also provides suggestions on how to improve your home’s energy.
Source: District of Department of the Environment (DDOE)

Free Performances at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center provides free performances every day at 6:00pm. Check out different genres of music at the Kennedy Center which is located at 2700 F Street, northwest Washington, DC
Source: Kennedy Center

Are you happy in the state you live in?
Live Science identified ten states that most people are “the happiest” in. Maryland was listed as one of the happiest states to live in. Why?, you might ask. According to Live Science, Maryland and the other nine states listed could be based on work environment, access to health, a safe place to exercise and walk, or overall community satisfaction.
Source: Live Science

Old Town Alexandria, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and DC offer accessible shopping, dining, entertainment, and public transit to the Potomac Yards community. One of the beauties of living in Potomac Yards luxury townhomes is that is it adjacent to Potomac Yards shopping center that features Target, Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, the theatre, Old Navy, and much more.

Potomac Yards luxury townhomes, which is located on Route 1-Jefferson Highway, is an eclectic mix of modern and cosmopolitan feel with a historic charm. The architectural structure of these townhomes resembles much of the homes in the Alexandria area having a federal architectural feel with red-brick cobblestones.

It was such a great pleasure to go on a hard hat tour (Saturday, August 20, 2011) as Cammie spoke about the new developments of Potomac Yards luxury townhomes and condominiums. Here are a few conversation pieces that Cammie spoke about on the hard hat tour….

Q: What townhome are we touring?
A: We are touring a not so-completed model townhome that is located at 2309 Main Line Boulevard.

Q: Why did you choose this area?
A: This land was going to be used for the football stadium but it was a great idea to use this land to build a mix use of residential, commercial, and office space.

Q: Can you describe some of the exterior features of the Potomac townhomes?
A: The architectural style will mimic the style of Alexandria homes. The townhomes will include a private roof terrace, deck, or balcony. In addition to, there will either be a one or two car garage with garage door openers for each home.

Q: What are some interior features for Potomac Yards townhomes?
A: Some will include 10’ ceilings on the main living level, classic oak staircase off main level, hardwood flooring throughout main level, marble vanity tops, enclosed glass shower with tiled seating, a pedestal sink in the powder room, granite counters in the kitchen, and energy star appliances in the kitchen

Q: I noticed these are nearby Washington, DC and the airport. How sound proof are these homes?
A: We have a STC Rating Requirement that protects these homes from hearing sounds when a plane flies over.

Q: What else will be included in this community?
A: There is going to be a park in this area. The park will include a stage, a waterfall, tennis, and much more. The beauty of this is that the City of Alexandria will maintain the park as the residents do not have to maintain it.

Q: What is the price range of these homes?
A: They range anywhere between $400K -$800K+

Q: I noticed that most of these homes are still being constructed. When will all of them finally be completed?
A: We are hoping for all of the townhomes and condominiums are completed by November 2011.

Interested in these new developments from Pulte Homes? If that is the case, check out this home that is nearby the model home that I went on tour to view having four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths priced at $830,740 with its location at 2313 Main Line Boulevard Unit #275.

For more information, call 1-877-852-6636 or contact a DC CondoDomain agent.

Source: The dialog are pieces of Cammie’s conversation as we went on a hard hat tour for at least 30 minutes.
Photo Courtesy of New Home Directory Pulte Homes in Alexandria, VA

Kelsey Gardens Gets Raze
Bye, Bye to the vacant Kelsey Gardens as new development will kick in soon on the 1500 block of 7^th Street.
Source: Renew Shaw
Source: Washington City Paper

Dedication Memorial for Martin Luther King Jr.
The memorial and dedication for Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights leader, will have its kickoff at the National Mall near the Tidal Basin on Monday, August 22, 2011.
Source: Dedicate The Dream

US Post Office Plan to Close At Tech World
There is a quite a buzz going around about the closings of US Postal services through the United States. In this case, USPS posted an announcement indicating certain locations to be closed particularly in the DC Metropolitan area. This particular location will be at the Tech World which is located at 800 K Street. Where will the people that live in this area actually go for postal service?

Five Most Walkable DC Homes.
This week we are spotlighting the five most walkable homes in DC with a price range of $800k to a cool million.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 25. See more city of Washington real estate.
(all data current as of 2/4/2012)

1. $859,500 : 616 E St Nw #1150, Washington
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,672 sq ft
2. $885,000 : 2600 Pennsylvania Ave Nw #303, Washington
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,250 sq ft
3. $849,000 : 3251 Prospect St Nw #R-318, Washington
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,074 sq ft
4. $897,500 : 1177 22nd St Nw #1b, Washington
   
   1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,247 sq ft
5. $879,000 : 1125 11th St Nw #702, Washington
   
   2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,550 sq ft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

For more information about DC Condo Domain, call 1-877-852-6636, or search more of our listings.

Photo courtesy from nj.com

Georgetown takes on many different meanings for those who have lived in the DC metro area for a certain amount of time. For some, Georgetown symbolizes an occasional visit to the area. For others, it is a place that seems to be crowded throughout the week and weekend. However, Georgetown is more than just that. This area has built a great reputation of being known for its rich history, its upscale neighborhoods, and its character. It is home to numerous historic row houses, condominiums, parks, and the ever-so prestigious Georgetown University. Georgetown presents a character of cobble-stoned streets, historic lampposts, colonial style architecture, trendy boutiques, dining establishments (that runs along Wisconsin Avenue and M Street), and the picturesque C & O Canal.

So why live in Georgetown?

Georgetown definitely has a hefty price tag on their homes, but there are reasons to live in the Georgetown area. Listed below are my top five reasons to live in Georgetown.

The Waterfront
Georgetown Waterfront runs along K Street and is an amazing place to see spectacular views of the Potomac River, dine, or even go on a sightseeing cruise.

Transportation
The Georgetown area lacks a direct metro stop but they make up for with easy access to bus routes, walking, biking, and the DC Circulator

History
If you are a lover of history, Georgetown is filled with rich history. Several notables to view are The Old Stone House, The Dumbarton House, and The Tudor Place

Culture
Some great classic films were set in Georgetown. Do you recall films like “St. Elmo’s Fire?” or “All the President’s Men?” Can you believe these films were set in Georgetown?

Georgetown Cupcakes
These owners whip up a delicious batch of gourmet cupcakes that is located at 33^rd and M Street. These owners not only have two stores but they also can be seen on the TLC channel representing DC Cupcakes.

So with those five reasons in mind, would you like to live in this area? If your answer is yes, then check out these five condominiums that offer two bedrooms and two full baths…

3251 Prospect Street, Northwest Unit #R-301, Washington, DC 20007
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2
Square Feet: 1,518
Price: $1,098,000
MLS: #DC7431912

1015 33^rd Street, Northwest, Unit#509, Washington, DC 20007
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2
Square Feet: 1,730
Price: $1,130,000
MLS: #DC7434149

3267 N Street, Northwest, Unit#4, Washington, DC 20007
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2
Square Feet: 947
Price: $675,000
MLS: #DC7430914

3030 K Street, Northwest, Unit#209, Washington, DC 20007
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2
Square Feet: 2,234
Price: $1,695,000
MLS: #DC7452153

3303 Water Street, Northwest, Unit#8C, Washington, DC 20007
Bedroom: 2
Bathroom: 2 ½
Square Feet: 2,226
Price: $2,800,000
MLS: #DC7565860

For information about condo living in the Georgetown neighborhood, call 1-877-852-6636 , search our DC Condo Domain Listing, or share with your thoughts about reasons to live in the Georgetown neighborhoods.

But what if you have answered all these questions that are listed above and you find out that the home is a short sale? Do you know all the particulars of what a short sale involve? If not, Jack Wang, who is a DC Condo Domain Real Estate Consultant, gives us the answer to what a short sale is.  Check out what Jack Wang has to say about this….

Q: I really like this home that I found and it is a short sale. What is a short sale?

A: A short sale is a legal lender approved solution designed to assist those home owners who are financially strapped to get out from under their mortgage debt. In short sales, the mortgage holder agrees to take less than what home owner owes on the property.

An example of a short sale would be is if a home owner owes $400,000 on their current mortgage and their home is only worth $375,000. The lender in this example would agree to take a short fall of $25,000 at closing. The mortgage holder may completely wipe out the debt and the home owner does not have to repay the $25,000.

The home owner benefits in this situation because they get out of a sticky financial mess without going to foreclosure which can seriously damage your credit.

You may be thinking why would a mortgage holder want to allow a short sale? There are a number of reasons, most notably the cost involved for the lender going through a foreclosure proceeding. This avenue can save the lender money that they would otherwise lose.

All lenders are considering the short sale route, even if they have been unresponsive or unreasonable about a refinance or loan modification.

If you are considering the short sale process please feel free to contact me or call 877-852-6636 with any questions. I specialize in this unique type of sale and have expert knowledge of all short sale procedures!

Photo from Foreclosure News Website