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Sellers: Make a Better Offer, Without Contingencies
As the inventory of for-sale homes remains at low levels, sellers are getting more comfortable at the bargaining table and telling buyers to cool it with the contingencies. In competitive situations that attract multiple bids, some sellers are even telling buyers they want an offer without mortgage contingencies. A mortgage contingency, often included in sales... Continue reading→
10 Cities With the Worst Traffic Congestion
The average American spent a total of 28 hours sitting in traffic last year, according to INRIX, a traffic information group. But residents in some of the nation’s most congested cities spent nearly double that—an average of 42 hours a year—sitting in traffic. In its 2012 Traffic Scorecard, INRIX compared the average of the drivers’... Continue reading→
Are Underpriced Homes Fueling Bidding Wars?
The number of homes for sale is at the lowest point in more than 10 years, but with buyer demand still high, many markets are seeing bidding wars. A TIME magazine article recently asked: “Are buyers being manipulated into overbidding for the relatively few attractive homes on the market?” Some real estate professionals say that... Continue reading→
More Americans Optimistic About Housing Recovery
More than half of Americans — 51 percent — now say they expect home prices to increase within the next year, according to a survey by mortgage giant Fannie Mae of about 1,000 Americans’ attitudes toward housing. “For the first time in the survey’s three-year history, the majority of Americans surveyed now expect home prices... Continue reading→
Demand for Home-Purchase Loans Hits 3-Year High
Mortgage applications were on the rise last week, with applications for home purchases — viewed as a leading indicator of future home sales — moving up to their highest level since May 2010, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported. Mortgage applications for home purchases increased 2 percent last week, while applications for refinancings, which make up...
Buying your first condo?
Buying a condo is a great way to start your independence in the world. Buying a condo is a great option for empty-nesters looking to downsize and enjoy life. Buying a condo is a great way to live in an unbeatable location. No matter what your age is, do you really want the hassles of... Continue reading→
George Washington’s Grist Mill
A gristmill is a mill for the grinding of grain, specifically a customer's own grain. Grist mills were a common site in colonial America, but there are few such mills still in operation today. Pierce Mill a Rock Creek Park in DC is open to the public but is non-operational. The mill needs repairs. But... Continue reading→
Billions of Cicadas Will Return in 2013
Sometime this year billions of cicadas will return after 17 years underground. These insects are harmless. At worst they might damage a few shrubs or saplings. These 1-inch insects have been underground sucking roots and waiting for there return since 1996. Source: “East About to Be Overrun by Billions of Cicadas,” The Weather Channel... Continue reading→
Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront
Alexandria's history as a colonial seaport is well-known in the area, and is one of the reasons that this city to calls to visitors from around the country and around the world. Alexandria's seaport was once a bustling place of industry and commerce, but the cargo ships... Continue reading→
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association — Old Town’s Atheanaeum
Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA). Constructed between 1851-52, the Athenaeum is a Greek revival building with a rich history. The building is named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena. Over the years The Athenaeum has taken many names and... Continue reading→