Falls Church Spring Real Estate 2022

R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SPRING 2022 | PAGE 11

Real Estate Special Spring 2022

Real Estate Values Skyrocket Page 12

Is it better to Rebuild or Remodel?

Page 14 INSIDE: Your Real Estate Experts page 16-17

New Iconic Homes in Falls Church: The Enclave at Aylors Overlook For a limited time only, enjoy pre-model pricing—and move in this summer!

Aylors Overlook is a distinctive community of 16 newly designed single-family homes with extraordinary exterior façades including welcoming bluestone steps and majestic 8' tall front doors. Inside, open interiors, chef’s kitchens, striking wood floors, 9' ceilings throughout, oak staircases with elegant contemporary rails, and lavish bedrooms with oversized walk-in closets and spa-worthy bathrooms await to delight you.

Aylors Overlook is urban convenience expertly blended with small-town allure. In a premier location just 2 miles from the charm of Downtown Falls Church, less than 10 minutes from the eclectic and electric shopping and dining of both the Mosaic District and Tysons, and with easy access to Metro, Route 7, I-66, and I-495, Aylors Overlook is central to everything.

AylorsOverlook.com | 703.844.8484 2529 Remington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 4–7 bedrooms | 4.5–6.5 baths | Pre-model home pricing from the $1.7Ms Tours by appointment only.

R EA L E STATE

PAGE 12 | SPRING 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Little City Real Estate Market In The Middle of ‘Perfect Storm’

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

If the huge jump in assessed real estate values reported in last week’s News-Press didn’t convince you, the eye popping evaluations of key area realtors should. Residential real estate, especially of the single family home variety, is exploding in value in this area right now. To call it a “seller’s market,” where sellers are likely to get more than they’re asking, is putting it too mildly.

In fact, in the words of one such local realtor, it is only if one puts together two popular superlatives that a correct image of how things are now emerges.

It is not only a “perfect storm” for sellers, but the City of Falls Church is the “eye of the storm,” as Falls Church realtor Albert Bitici put it in an interview this week.

“The eye of the perfect storm” is not likely to replace “The Little City” as the official slogan for Falls Church right now, but

"Obtained Top Dollar for our home"

it does reflect this moment in its history.

Bitici told the News-Press this period is “unlike anything I’ve ever seen” in his many years in the business.

The current period “is far outpacing any recent years” in terms of the boom. The “tight inventory market” is matched with an almost panicky rush to buy anything that looks good, causing 20 to 30 offers to be made on the great undersupply for high quality homes on the market in the City.

In fact, according to realtor Ken Trotter, there are only six single family homes up for sale in Falls Church right now, and only 35 in the wider Greater Falls Church area.

What was a three-to-six month inventory of homes on the market has shrunk to less than one month now. “This is not only a seller’s market, it is an historic market” that has unleashed a lot of bidding wars, he told the NewsPress this week.

Of course, Falls Church resi-

dential real estate has always been premium for families that need room to raise little ones, if only for the world quality of the City’s independent public school system, which now offers International Baccalaureate curricula from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Realtors have often commented on this over the years, that the value of a home in Falls Church enjoys a 15 percent or higher “value added” because of the quality of the schools, But now it is not only for that, and for the completion of a state-of-the-art new $120 million high school facility that was completed just in the last year, but it is also for the demonstrable quality of life features of Falls Church that continues to bring remarkable new features to the City’s parks, neighborhoods, and commercial zones in a way that is actually causing residential real estate tax rates to go down considerably (which is

Continued on Page 19

"His service is truly whiteglove"

One of the many houses that saw their accessed value skyrocket. (Photo: Sue Johnson)

Helping Our Clients Buy, Sell and Invest!

Kathy Pippin, Realtor SOLD $2.4M McLean VA

"His professionalism and knowledge guided us through these difficult times"

Website: Kathypippinproperties.com Email: Kathy@Kathypippinproperties.com

Albert guided me at every step and took care of every detail. "

WINNER

"I can’t rave enough about having Albert Bitici as my realtor to sell my home.

Albert was AMAZING from start to finish!"

Call/Text: 703-408-0838

Albert Bitici embodies everything you could ask for in a real estate agent "

KW Metro Center | 2111 Wilson Blvd, St 1050, Arlington VA, 22201 | 571-775-0468 Each office is independently owned and operated

Licensed in VA

Please SCAN the QR code to learn more about us!

6707 Old Dominion Dr. #315 McLean, VA 22101

Jimmy Boone Producing Branch Manager | Retail | NMLS 1704126 P: (703) 234-2614 | M: (703) 403-2953 cardinalfinancial.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

R EA L E STATE

SPRING 2022 | PAGE 13

Questions about the Spring Market?

We have answers!

As your Falls Church experts, ROCK STAR Realty Group is here to help with your home-buying & selling decisions!

Join us for ROCK the House coffees at Northside Social, Falls Church: Each Wednesday 10-11 AM

Call us to pre-order your coffee: 703-867-8674

R EA L E STATE

PAGE 14 | SPRING 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The Pros and Cons of Remodeling Vs. Building From Scratch

by Amanda Snead

Falls Church News-Press

Is it better to remodel or rebuild? There are many factors to consider when looking into these projects. From upgrading appliances to building a new home from the ground up, different projects will work better for different people.

Falls Church City is home to almost 15,000 people according to the 2020 census with an average of three people per household. The area is popular due to its proximity to the Washington D.C. area, public school systems and sense of community.

However, living in this area means you sacrifice the size of your home for the other benefits that come with living in the area.

According to Chandler Fox of Foxcraft Design Group and a real estate agent for Sotheby’s Realty, there are two types of builds — spec and custom. Spec building means that a builder will buy a lot without yet having a buyer, “speculating” that they

will be able to sell the house for a profit when the build is complete.

Custom building involves building what a customer wants using their money and budget for a home built to their specifications.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, many people found themselves at home and realized they were unhappy with their surroundings or wanted changes.

In some cases these were smaller DIY projects done by the homeowners themselves but often times the projects were too large and they needed to outsource.

“The older ramblers you see around town are too small for most modern families and they want to expand and have more space. Especially in this Covid world where ‘space’ at home as taken on a whole new meaning and having one if not two home offices in addition to a screened porch has become more of the norm,” said Rob Zimmermann of Zimmermann Homes. “A renovation can be less expensive, however, in comparison with new construction you would addition-

ally get a new foundation and water management system, taller ceilings, taller windows and more natural light, more flexibility on the floor plan, and you gain a garage which often can not be added to a rambler due to setbacks. On top of all of these benefits, a new construction home when completed is worth significantly more then the extra $75k you spent to put it there. So from an investment standpoint, you get a great return on the extra money spent to build new vs. a renovation.”

Fox stated that the most important thing to consider is cost versus value— what renovations are you looking to make in your home versus how much you are looking to spend.

With renovations, projects can be spaced out over a larger period of time and changes can be made as the homeowners have the budget in place. A new build requires more money up front but allows for more to be done at once.

Continued on Page 21

Before

After

Home Renovated by Coupard Architects. (Photo: Coupard Architects)

BUILDING CUSTOM HOMES SINCE 2007

For over a decade, Cottage Street Custom Homes has been committed to building high quality, character rich homes in Falls Church City that complement the neighborhood and are thoughtfully appointed with custom, quality-driven selections our clients love.

We build the houses that become the place you want to call home!

Contact: Scott Shreffler @ 703.786.5192 www.cottagestreethomes.com

SALES@ZIMMERMANNHOMES.COM CALL ROB: 203-313-9697 WWW.ZIMMERMANNHOMES.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SPRING 2022 | PAGE 15

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PAGE 16 | SPRING 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

M e e t Yo u r H o m e E x p e r t s

Albert Bitici – The Bitici Group – Keller Williams Metro Center

Covid-19 and rising interest rates continue to have an impact on our housing market and we remain in one of the most unpredictable real estate markets in a generation... Who you are in business with matters now more than ever.

Several years ago, I created The Bitici Group with a focus of providing the right advice to clients, backed by the highest level of customer service, and the best marketing.

To show your house in the best light, we hire top designers, writers and photographers...

Which is why The Bitici Group attracts forward-thinking clients and exceptional real estate to prove that fantastic results are achieved with a tailored approach.

There is no better time to sell a home than right now, and no better team to help you than The Bitici Group, voted best Real Estate Group in Best of Falls Church 2021.

For a smarter, personalized approach to buying, selling and investing in real estate, contact The Bitici Group at Keller Williams.

Albert Bitici – The Bitici Group – Keller Williams Metro Center 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22201 571.775.0468 • TheBiticiGroup.com

Bethany Ellis – Long and Foster Bethany Ellis owns and operates a highly successful real estate business in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. She is an experienced Realtor® whose goal is to exceed your expectations. Her knowledge of the local market, attention to detail, excellent negotiating ability, and effective communication ensures that your real estate transaction will go smoothly from start to finish. Bethany has direct access to local lenders, home inspectors, new home developers, settlement groups, and local service providers (painters, plumbers, carpet suppliers, handymen, electricians, plumbers, and more). Bethany Ellis is your real estate resource. Call Bethany when you are ready to buy, sell or invest in real estate.

Bethany Ellis, Long and Foster 1355 Beverly Rd., #109 McLean, VA 22101 703.307.7003 • buyandsellwithBethany.com

Peake Mangement Lindsey Peake was raised with a passion for real estate that has extended through 3 generations. An avid investor herself, she works hard to find good investment properties and homes for clients. Not all houses make good rental property, that’s where experience helps.

With a 40-year history in Northern Virginia, the company is strong and well-established.

The focus is always on the client, whether listing a home for sale, buying the perfect home, or managing property.

A strong believer that long term property ownership creates wealth and treating clients as good friends helping them on their path to creating wealth. .

Peake Mangement, Inc. 450 N Washington St. Ste M Falls Church, VA 22046 703.408.2153 • www.peakeinc.com

Ken Trotter, Silver Line Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Ken Trotter is the founder and principal agent of the Silver Line Group and regularly recognized as one of Washington, DC’s top producing Realtors®. While the heart of the Silver Line Group’s practice is in Falls Church, the team also regularly represents buyers and sellers along the Silver Line corridor from DC to Dulles.

Ken was a successful litigation attorney prior to becoming a Realtor®, and he drew upon that experience when establishing the guiding principals behind the Silver Line Group’s professional service: “We focus on making our clients’ interests our sole priority and zealously strive to achieve the best results for our clients in every transaction.”

The Silver Line Group’s talented team of professionals strongly believes in delivering the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and expertise at all price points. From urban condos with high walkability scores to estate homes, the team is passionate about helping you find the perfect home, or the right buyer for your home.

For more detailed information about the Silver Line Group’s real estate practice, please visit SilverLineHouses.com and reach out directly to Ken.

Ken Trotter, J.D., Realtor, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 703.606.1122 • SilverLineHouses.com

Casey Margenau

With $3 billion in real estate sold and over 30 years as a Top Producer in Northern Virginia, Casey Margenau uses his wealth of experience to ensure the financial success of his clients. In 2013 Casey saw a need for a boutique real estate company for the higher end market and he established Casey Margenau Fine Homes & Estates. His in-depth market knowledge allows him to ensure the financial success of his clients. By custom tailoring a marketing strategy for each property, Casey provides the greatest exposure to achieve the goal of the highest offers possible in the shortest period of time. Many area builders rely on his expertise when making development plans.

His professionalism and attention to detail have led him to the very top of his field.https://caseymargenau.com/

Casey Margenau 8478A Tyco Road Vienna, VA 703.442.8600 • caseymargenau.com

Tori McKinney - ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center Tori’s passion is helping her clients find their dream homes. Along with her team, she rolls out the red carpet to ensure you are treated like the VIP that you are.

While purposefully participating in the community, Tori is the Falls Church Real Estate expert. She and her Rock Star Realty Group are here for you every step of the way eager to provide Rock Star service to all home buyers and sellers. Tori is ever so grateful for each client and the neighborhoods she serves.

Tori is an ongoing public school volunteer and sponsor and directs her philanthropic efforts to the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. She is the Executive Producer of the Tinner Hill Music Festival, taking place this year on June 11, 2022.

Tori McKinney | CEO & Realtor® | ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 703.867.8674 • RockStarRealtyGroup.com

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson Kelly Millspaugh Thompson is a Falls Church City native and small business owner. Kelly opened Stylish Patina, Home + Gift Boutique in Falls Church in 2013. A few years ago she expanded her service offering to include Real Estate. She now melds her love of Real Estate and Interior Design into a one of a kind full service offering for her clients. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Her extensive experience in home decor, interior design and home renovation provides a broad area of expertise that she can bring to her clients both on the buying and selling side of the equation. If you are looking for a Realtor with a designer’s eye contact Kelly for your no obligation consult!

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson • Realtor ® • Designer • Owner Stylish Patina 450 W. Broad St. Suite 120 A Falls Church VA 22046 C: 703.303.3700 • stylishpatina.com

DuBro Architects + Builders DuBro Architects + Builders have been transforming our clients’ homes for 20 years. We care deeply for our clients and the community within which we work. We are driven by the integration of insightful design and expert craftsmanship infused with a spirit of integrity and innovation. LOVE YOUR HOME.

DUBRO Architects + Builders | Jeff DuBro, Owner 429 S Maple Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046 Office: 703.533.7464 • www.dubro.net

Mostafa Shah - Korte Realty Korte Realty, the 57 year old family real estate firm on West Broad Street in Falls Church, is the business of Treena Rinaldi, and Mostafa (Mosi) Shah. Mosi joined the firm in 2007 adding his own brand of sales expertise to the mix. Known for his patience and good humor, Mosi broke the record when showed a client over 100 properties before the final purchase was made. His native language is Farsi, which is a great help in dealing with international clients. A strong believer in community support, he has also served on the Board of the Chamber for several years.

Treena Rinaldi and Mosi Shah, Korte Realty 712 W. Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046 703.532.7704 • Korterealty.com

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airfax

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Gaskins Team

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SPRING 2022 | PAGE 17

A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

M e e t Yo u r H o m e E x p e r t s Madison Homes

The Gaskins Team is here to help you navigate today’s market, whether it’s buying, selling, investing, development or relocation. The team live and work in Falls Church and DC and offer superior local expertise and modern marketing technologies to make sure you get exactly what you need. Lasting client relationships is a hallmark of the top-notch service they provide. They are a regional favorite and have been recognized by numerous local publications as some of the best in the industry.

Gaskins Team 105 W Broad Street, Suite 200, Falls Church, VA 22046 703.722.0725 • thegaskinsteam.com

Kathy Pippin, Samson Properties Kathy Pippin grew up in Northern Virginia, attended Wakefield HS and received an engineering degree in Maryland. Her methodical approach and local knowledge, coupled with her negotiation skills and top-notch marketing, have well equipped her to serve her clients, whether first-time home buyers, repeat buyers, sellers, or investors. She is pragmatic and has a consultative approach when helping clients buy or sell. She has a dedicated team to produce successful outcomes for each sale. Kathy believes in giving back to the community and supporting local and national charities in the areas of children’s cancer research, survivors of abuse, and worldwide medical assistance. Her trusted loan officer, Jimmy Boone, with Cardinal Finance, provides great loan programs and always exceeds clients’ expectations.

Kathy Pippin, Samson Properties 6707 Old Dominion Drive #315 McLean, VA 22101 703.408.0838 • KathyPippinProperties.com

Julie Andre Julie Andre is an area native and highly experienced Senior Mortgage Officer with UNFCU, lending in all 50 States. She provides valuable solutions and education for all home loan types and sizes. Julie provides individualized attention to borrowers from pre-approval through closing. First-time buyers, move-up buyers, downsizers, selfemployed, investors, second homes, cash buyers seeking delayed financing, foreign nationals and more. In addition to weekdays, Julie is available evenings and weekends.

Feel free to reach out by phone/text (703) 237-0333 or email jandre@unfcu.com.

Julie Andre • Senior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 1010775 Direct: 703.237.0333 • unfcu.org/juliea

FOXCRAFT Design Group Foxcraft Design Group is entering their 33rd year as an award-winning design/build firm and general contractor. What is the secret to longevity in such a competitive marketplace? “We understand adapting homes for growing families and the importance that a neighborhood plays in family life,” explains Foxcraft president and co-owner Chandler Fox. Foxcraft is among the most creative, experienced design/build firms in the region, specializing in meeting clients’ budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines. “We’ve done it all,” Fox says. “Clients come back to us many times for additional projects. We are problem solvers and trusted advisors.” www.foxcraft.com

FOXCRAFT Design Group 110 Great Falls St, Falls Church, VA 22046 703.536.1888 • foxcraft.com

Falls Church Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Supply Locally-owned and Virginia-grown, Falls Church Hydroponics and Organic Gardening Supply was founded in 2022, with the simple plan of providing organic and hydroponic gardeners with a consciously curated selection of products and an unmatched level of customer service. Joe Parelhoff the stores owner, hopes to share with his surrounding community the many benefits of hydroponic and organic gardening and the positive impact it can have on food production and quality, animals and humans, and the environment as a whole.

Falls Church Hydroponics & Organic Gardening Supply 1075 W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA 703.712.7880 • fallschurchhydro.com

Since its founding in 1992, award-winning Madison Homes has grown into one of the most respected residential builders and developers of infill developments in the Washington, D.C. market. We specialize in the creation of luxury single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, offering a wide variety of architectural styles and locations.

Our current portfolio of new-home communities includes The Towns at Grosvenor Place in North Bethesda. Past successes include Mclean Village, Trenton Square in Ballston, The Townes of Abingdon Place in Old Town North, Rosslyn Key, Ballston Green, Silas Station, Portrait Square in N.E. Washington, DC, 1745 N St., and Eleven Oaks in historic Fairfax.

Madison Home Inc. 1950 Old Gallows Road, Suite 200 | Tysons Corner, VA 22182 703.506.9292 • madisonhomesinc.com

Cottage Street Custom Homes As Founder of Cottage Street Custom Homes, Scott has 20+ years of proven residential real estate development experience. He began Cottage Street Custom Homes in 2012 and has completed over 40 homes, primarily in Falls Church City, where he lived for over a decade. His work receives outstanding customer and community satisfaction. He brings to the table industry best practices and relationships with the region’s best trade contractors. Previously, Scott worked as a Procurement Manager for EYA, LLC and Production Manager at Ryland Homes. His experience and commitment to satisfaction built on trust is the foundation of his company.

Cottage Street Custom Home | Scott Shreffler, Founder 703.786.5192 • cottagestreethomes.com

Zimmermann Homes My family and I live in Falls Church, where we take pride in building leadingedge custom homes that increase energy efficiency, require minimal service, and are very durable. All Zimmermann Homes come standard with upgraded products and building techniques designed to add value and make the home more comfortable to live in. We are passionate about working together with our clients to build these innovative homes that combine a level of performance and beauty that is tough to find elsewhere.

Zimmermann Homes 203.331.9697 • zimmermannhomes.com

Merelyn Kaye & Karin Morrison - McEnearney Associates You’ve seen us in The News-Press for years! Falls Church’s most seasoned, knowledgeable, and successful mom and daughter real estate team provides the expertise and service you need — satisfaction guaranteed! Whether Buying, Selling, Renting, or Property Management, we’re your full-service team!

When you need a repair, information on refinancing, or sales anywhere in the USA, we can help. When you want a no-hassle estimate of your home’s value or need to get it sold fast for top dollar, we are ready to help. When you need to find a new home in this fast-paced seller’s market, we will get it done, there is no substitute for experience.

Karin Morrison McEnearney Associates 1320 Old Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA. 22101 703.626.3257 • merelynkaye.com

Diane Edwards Century 21 New Millennium

Diane Edwards • MBA • Realtor ® Licensed in VA,DC,MD NVAR Lifetime Top Producer Diane Edwards Century 21 New Millennium Realtor Direct: 703.989.6873 • Office 703.556.4222 • Diane.Edwards.c21nm.com

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PAGE 18 | SPRING 2022

News Press Presents

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

How long does it take to build a house?

If you’re thinking about buying a piece of land and building the home of your dreams, it’s important to consider how long the project will take. While most houses can be built in four to 10 months, there are a variety of facCOMMON REASONS FOR DELAYS

O PE $ N 1, HO 2 US 0 0 E SU ,0 ND 0 0 AY 2– 4

take quite some time to obtain the necessary construction permits. Another factor that can extend a build by several weeks or more is the location. The topography and type of soil in particular can slow things down. Plus, certain weather conditions and shortages in building materials may also cause delays. Any last-minute design changes will likewise result in a setback to the timeline.

BUILT IN 2017

BY COTTAGE STREET CUSTOM HOMES!

402 PARKER AVE | FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 WWW.402PARKER.COM

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Falls Church City Schools

C A L L 7 0 3 -7 2 2 - 0 7 2 5 F O R A P R I V AT E S H O W I N G

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CALL 703-722-0725 FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING

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TIPS TO STAY ON SCHEDULE Proper planning is the best way to prevent delays and keep a build on schedule. Among other things, preparation will help ensure materials such as windows and doors are delivered on time. You should also make sure you schedule service calls with plumbers, electricians and other professionals in the right order to keep things on track. By staying on top of the project’s progress, you can greatly reduce the risk of delays.

In all cases, the experience of your contractor will have a major impact on how fast the work gets done. Be sure to meet with several professionals and select someone who has the right credentials.

R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SPRING 2022 | PAGE 19

Falls Church City Places Emphasis On Quality Neighborhoods

Continued from Page 12

being promised with a new fiscal year budget this spring to offset a double-digit explosion in real estate valuations).

But the other factors more unique to this time period involve the impact of the two-year Covid-19 pandemic hiatus which, as Bitici explains, has caused major lifestyle changes, many of which appear to be persisting.

They include the desire to avoid lengthy commutes, if not to augment the ability to work from home, and the collateral desire for having “living in spaces,” rather than homes being seen as only places for raising kids or sleeping on weekends.

In this way, Falls Church emphasis on the quality of its neighborhoods, with programs to make them more “walkable” and the to include an introduction of “traffic calming” measures, and more, creates a desirable extension of the single family home.

Then there is the other clinching factor, which is the current movement toward rising interest rates that is adding enormously to the anxiety associated with finding the right

home right now.

“Rising interest rates are adding great pressure to make a buy right now from those who don’t want to miss out on this trend,” Bitici said.

Another prominent local realtor echoed the same themes. Alison Miller, told the News-Press that “available housing inventory on the market in Northern Virginia is extremely tight right now.”

She cited the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) market statistics publication that shows that in February 2022, Fairfax and Falls Church have only a single month (or .3 months) of housing supply on the market while neighboring Arlington has closer to three months (or .7 months). “It means,” she said, that “if suddenly no more houses went on the market, all available supply would be absorbed in that amount of time.”

But she stressed that “buyers should not be discouraged,” adding “it is possible to buy in this market with patience and an experienced agent,” adding that condos and townhouses are also “a little less competitive to buy than single family homes right now.”

One of the Many high end properties you can find in the Little City. (Photo: Sue Johnson)

UNDER CONTRACT

Serving All of Falls Church, Northern Virginia and DC 2913 Cleave Dr. Falls Church 4BR/2FBA/1HBA 3 Level Home

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We are in a SELLERS MARKET. There are a lot of buyers and not enough homes to sell.

Thinking of selling?

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PAGE 20 | SPRING 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

7 must-have tools and accessories for novice gardeners Are you new to gardening? If so, here are some tools and accessories to stock up on before you get started.

5. Hose. Pair your no-kink garden hose with a spray nozzle. Look for one with several spray patterns to meet your watering needs.

1. Trowel. Choose a high-quality, one-piece model that’s durable and ergonomic.

6. Rake. Look for a durable model that can be used for soil, leaves and gravel.

2. Gloves. Look for a pair with rubberized palms

7. Shovel. This landscaping essential can be used to move a variety of materials including soil and sand.

3. Spade. Whether you need to dig holes, turn over soil or loosen packed earth, look for a spade that’s the right size to suit your needs.

4. Hoe. This multipurpose tool is great for large gardens. It can be used to break up packed earth, loosen weeds and dig trenches for sowing seeds and starters.

visit your local garden centre.

Falls Church Hydroponics & Organic Garden Supply

Home Sales Vs. 1 Year Ago Change in # of Homes Sold: 2Q ‘22 vs 2Q ‘21

-47.27% Change in Falls Church City (22046) -4.48% Change in Bailey’s X-roads (22041) -30.93% Change in Sleepy Hollow (22042) -27.78% Change in Pimmit Hills (22043) -48.57% Change in Lake Barcroft (22044) For Rent: 601 N. Oak St.

703-712-7880 • fallschurchhydro.com 1075 W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA Info@fallschurchhydro.com • Instagram: @fallschurchhydroponics

Grow With Us!

Diane Edwards • MBA, Realtor

Licensed in VA,DC,MD NVAR Lifetime Top Producer Century 21 New Millennium Direct: 703-989-6873 • Office: 703-556-4222 Email: Diane.Edwards@c21nm.com Website: Diane.Edwards.c21nm.com

LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME! CUTE CAPE! 3BR/1BA, GREAT LOCATION!

Off street parking Near Farmers Mkt & New Fab Bike Path Move in Ready Now!!

IN FALLS CHURCH CITY Schools!

8 blocks to West Falls Church Metro!

Single family with 2 BR on main level /1 bath PLUS full finished upstairs with 2 additional rooms. 2 levels + unfin. basement.

Central AC, hardwood floors, gas heat/cooking.

New: gas range, dishwasher, sink, counter and disposal. LOTS of storage.

Large unfinished basement/outside entrance!

Gas Furnace! Washer/Dryer. Avail. NOW. No Pets/No Smoking. Prefer a lease term beginning now with a minimum of 12 months.

Additional annual lease terms are also negotiable.

Use application and credit features in MLS. Call owner/agent 703-989-6873 to schedule a tour.

2022 RainSmart Grants We support the efforts of both indoor and outdoor gardeners interested in growing hydroponically or with exclusively organic components.

We Carry Everything You Need to Build and Maintain a Bountiful and Lavish Organic Garden.

• Organic soils and nutrients • Hydroton • Grow Tents • Grow-lighting and lighting accessories • Pots and Planters • Fans, Filters, and other Environment Control Equipment • Hydroponic systems and accompanying parts • Gardening Accessories • Plants and Seeds - and much more

The Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) announces 2022 grants to help reduce stormwater runoff in the City of Falls Church.

• Rain Barrels: $50 for each of up to 2 barrels • Rain Gardens: $1,500 or 50% of cost whichever is less; apply by April 1 See the VPIS website for information: http://www.vpis.org/environment/rainsmart-program/

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SPRING 2022 | PAGE 21

There Are Many Factors to Consider When Remodeling or Building

Continued from Page 14

“In my experience larger renovations have been happening less over the last ten years as more people are demolishing old smaller homes and building new bigger ones,” said Mark Coupard from Coupard Architects and Builders.

“You reach a point where working with an existing structure is more difficult and expensive than building new. People sometimes push those limits and add on if they really like the home they have and just want more of it, or the house is a special place to them and they don’t want to see it destroyed. Clients often decide to build new if the practical renovation options won’t provide them with the space, aesthetics or efficiencies they desire. Some houses are begging to be knocked down but if that’s not the case it is worth a look. We try to understand what our clients really need in their home and if they value the structure and prioritize quality over quantity, a major renovation can still make sense.”

As reported in the News-Press last week, real estate assessments have gone up by 11.42 percent in the City. Higher real estate numbers means more equity in the home and more opportunity to borrow against that and renovate.

“If prices have gone up as much as they have, it’s comforting as a homeowner to know that your house has increased in value. It’s frustrating for people who want to buy an existing house because they’ve gone up 10 to 20 percent. It’s frustrating for people who want to build a new house because lot prices and the construction have both gone up. I would say it’s good news to existing homeowners and people in the real estate market and it’s bad news to everybody that’s on the outside looking in.”

Overall, the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to renovate or build are budget— how much money you’re looking to spend, and time— how long are you willing to spend waiting for the project to be completed.

An outdoor porch completed by Foxcraft Design Group Inc. (Photo: FOXCRAFT Design Group Inc.)

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upper? If so, you should know the process can have many steps, and that encountering unforeseen issues is fairly common. Here are some tips to help make your renovation a success.

INSPECT THE PROPERTY BEFOREHAND As with any home, you’ll want to look for signs of water damage, cracks in the foundation and other an inspector to ensure nothing is overlooked. A major renovation could prove quite costly if the home isn’t structurally sound.

KNOW WHEN TO HIRE PROFESSIONALS If you’re handy, you might be tempted to take on as many renovation tasks as possible to reduce your expenses. However, when it comes to electrical, hea-

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ting and plumbing jobs, it’s best to leave the work to the experts. This will prevent you from making costly mistakes and ensure the job’s done safely.

LOOK FOR AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES Although you don’t want to skimp on structural ma terials, there are plenty of ways to cut costs on features that are largely esthetic. For example, consider mic more expensive materials. You can also rely on paint to create accent walls or repurpose old kitchen cabinets.

Finally, remember to put some thought into the de cor. New furniture and decorative accessories can vated home. Consider hiring an interior designer to help you create a cohesive space.

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SPRING 2022 | PAGE 23