Happy Fall!

The change in the weather has not changed the real estate market herein Northern Virginia. We still have a limited supply of houses for sale with lots of demand. Houses are selling quickly when priced right, are in the right condition and in a desirable location. In all of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier Counties plus all of the cities in between–Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, etc.) the median days on market are just 14!  As you can see, properties are selling quickly! The important thing to note however is prices are not drastically increasing with this supply and demand issue and when prices do get “pushed” we are having appraisal issues. It is important to price your house properly so if you are considering selling, please call me to discuss the right pricing strategy for you as each market is different. During this time of year, people always ask, is now a good time to sell? My answer is–yes–if you need to sell.  If there is a situation in your life that dictates the need to sell, list your house now. As I mentioned, we have a strong demand for houses. There is only a 1.5 month’s supply of housing right now. Also, we know that inventory levels are very low, only 3,855 resale houses are for sale today, so we know what the competition is for you. Who knows who will be selling in the spring and how this will affect pricing? We also know that rates, although they increased slightly this week, they are still outstanding! At this time, a buyer can get a 30-year fixed rate at under 4% which is phenomenal. Additionally, houses that are decorated for the holiday season often show better and, in some cases, give the buyer ideas on how they can enjoy the holidays in the house as well. A nice staging technique that can go a long way.  So, again, if you are thinking about selling and want to know if you should wait or list today, please call me. I hope you have a festive Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

It’s a good life.

Chris

Local Events

Check out these great events happening in and around Northern Virginia in November!

ICE! Christmas at the Gaylord National Resort

Fairfax County

Fairfax Ballet Company’s 2019 Nutcracker
W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax
November 30th at 4 pm and December 1st at 2:30 pm
Fairfax Ballet Company members, along with students from the Russell School of Ballet and professional guest artists, join Clara and her Nutcracker prince in this journey through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, twirling candy canes, and an epic battle between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice.

Loudoun County

Planetarium: Native American Astronomy
Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center, Purcellville
November 17th 1:30—5:00 pm $8/person at the door
Step inside the Digitalis Delta 4 inflatable planetarium to discover the wonders of space! This month we will learn how the Native Americans interpreted the night sky, their stories about some of the constellations and traditions that occurred at this time of year.  Shows typically last 30-40 minutes and are appropriate for ages 4 and up; planetarium shows are on the stage of the theater with mostly floor seating.  Times: 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm

Maryland

ICE! Christmas at the Gaylord National Resort
The Christmas Village, National Harbor, MD
The award-winning ICE! Is a winter wonderland created entirely of 5,000 blocks of ice weighing 1.5 million pounds. Hand-sculpted by 40 international artisans and kept at a chilling nine degrees Fahrenheit, these stunning sculptures and interactive art pieces are a must-see destination. ICE! 2019 features Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and takes place on select dates from Friday, November 15, through Monday, December 30, 2019.

*Be on the lookout for you invitation to RE/MAX Gateway’s Annual Breakfast with Santa and Toys for Tots event coming in December!*

 

Partner Spotlight

A spotlight on one of my valued partners in real estate

Signature Design Interiors

Signature Design Interiors is a full service decorating, remodeling and staging firm. We are known for our turnkey service and purposeful designs that are beautiful, functional and unique to each individual client.

SDI’s creative team of designers has been working together for over a decade. When you work with us you get the talent of all of our experts in space planning, furnishings, art, color, remodeling, and staging working together behind the scenes to create your project.

We are proud of the accolades we have achieved, which include:
•Voted Best Interior Designer on Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2017 Top Contractors List
Best of Houzz Service 2014-2018
Home Advisor Elite Service Award
•Featured on HGTV’s My Lottery Dream Home and in The Washington Post’s House Calls
•Endorsed by Moms of Arlington

Our Services 

Custom Upholstery & Furnishings • Art & Accessories • Lighting • Flooring • Color Consultations •  Paint & Wall Coverings • Staging • Kitchen, Bath & Basement Remodeling

Let’s Create Something Together. Call 888.969.3326 today. 

Please visit SignatureDesignInteriors.com to meet our team, learn more about our process, and view our portfolio. 

Recipe Corner

Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese

www.delish.com

Prep time 20 minutes/total time 1 hour 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

· 3 tbsp. olive oil
· 1/2 c.  whole sage leaves, plus 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh sage leaves
· 3/4 lb. short pasta, such as shells
· Kosher Salt
· 2 tbsp. butter
· 2 tbsp. flour
· 2 c. milk
· 1 (15-oz) can pure pumpkin puree
· 2 c. gruyere cheese, shredded
· 8 slices thick cut bacon

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small skillet, heat oil. Add sage leaves and cook, stirring a few times, until crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove sage to paper-towel lined plate.

2. Next, chop the bacon and brown in the same skillet as the sage. Place browned bacon pieces on a paper-towel lined plate.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium pot of boiling salted water, boil pasta until al dente, per package instructions.

4. Return empty pot to medium heat and melt butter. Add flour and some finely chopped sage cook, stirring, 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and pumpkin puree. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 4 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and add cheese a handful at a time, stirring to combine. Stir in half of the bacon. Lightly season with salt. Add pasta to cheese sauce and stir to coat. Top with crispy sage leaves and remaining bacon, serve warm.

 

From Summer Blues to Harvest Hues: Simple Ways to Transition a Backyard Into a Haven Buyers Will “Fall” in Love With

Daylight is dwindling, temperatures are dropping; it’s time to cover up the grill, toss the flowers and retire the patio furniture to the garage, right? Not so fast! Remember that backyard appeal can be just as
important as curb appeal to potential buyers – all year long. With proper appointing, the backyard can remain a central hub all the way through the fall. Here are five easy ways to spice up any backyard to impress buyers, while simultaneously transitioning it from summer to fall.

  1. Say goodbye to vibrant petals – and hello to burgundy blooms!
    Beautiful summer flowers have long since wilted, but that doesn’t mean plants are off-limits until spring. It’s time to transition into seasonally appropriate plants – you know, the ones that can handle cooler nights but still frame a back door with a pop of color. Pansies and garden mums are notorious for surviving signs of winter weather so they’re both stylish and practical. Feeling creative? Consider stacking this inexpensive wooden plant ladder with fresh herbs or fall flowers.
  2. Find the best seat in the house
    Comfortable nooks are more desirable than sterile sitting parlors – that’s a given – so provide your backyard with that cozy versatility. Draping machine-washable throw blankets over outdoor seating acts as an invitation to curl up. And exchanging bold-colored summer pillows for durable outdoor pillows in shades like burgundy and burnt-orange, or even classic plaids, fosters a cabin-like feeling.
  3. Gather ’round the fire
    Large bonfires may be a hit in the summertime, but compact fire pits are the perfect accompaniment to fall. There are wood-burning options for the fire-savvy, and gas-burning options for those who enjoy instant gratification. To ensure the safety of you and your neighbors, read up on fire safety protocols before purchasing a fire pit. If the thought of flames ablaze in your yard isn’t terribly appealing, consider a fuss-free heat lamp instead.
  4. Get your head in the game!
    A home shouldn’t be too personalized during a showing – but it should show some signs of life. To make a backyard look like a place to lounge and play, include games and entertainment that double as decor. Cornhole is the perfect addition to the yard during the fall and it shows opportunity for people to engage with the outdoor space. Additionally, having a pair of binoculars sitting decoratively on a table or hanging on a hook encourages star-gazing on a crisp autumn night. These playful touches give the backyard character and show it can be a gathering place.
  5. Hang vintage bulbs for a modern feel
    Who would have guessed that those oversized, old-fashioned light bulbs would come back in style – for patio fashion! Weather-proof string lights are now a staple for cultivating an appealing backyard during the day or night. Accent lights set the mood, creating a starry-ambiance and providing ample extra lighting on especially dark nights. These lights can wrap around porch railings, weave through a pergola or simply hang in the air.