With the election of our first African-American President, I thought it might be a good time to take note of Alexandria's Black History Museum. African Americans have been an important part of the Alexandria's history and vibrant community back to the city's founding in 1749. Both as slaves and as free men, African-Americans have contributed to the city's tapestry of life benefiting the community of Alexandria with rich economic and cultural contributions. Alexandria was a key city during the US Civil War and though Robert E. Lee is one of the city's sons, the city was quickly occupied by the Union and remained in Federal hands through-out the war.
After the war the city was segregated but a defining moment in the history of segregation in Alexandria occured in 1939 when five young African-American men staged a "sit-in" at the city's segregated Queen Street Library. The young men brought focus to the issue of the inequality of educational opportunities and as a result Alexandria built the Robert Robinson Library in 1940. This library was used by African-Americans until desegregation in the early 1960's. Today, that structure is a foundational element of the Alexandria Black History Museum.
Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4356
Fax: (703) 706-3999
In time, additional sites were added to the museum. At the eastern bound of the Carlyle District one will find the Alexandria African American Heritage Park. Next door to the Museum, the Watson Reading Room houses a non-circulating collection of books, videos, documents, and periodicals on African-American life and culture.
The African American Museum is a source of pride for all Alexandrians. The museum has a calendar of events and rotating exhibits, so check back even if you have already been to the museum. From Benjamin Banneker in Alexandria's earliest days, to Dr. Albert Johnson to Samuel Wilbert Tucker during the Civil Rights Movement, Alexandria is a focal point in that courageous and audacious journey that led to the diverse, vibrant and prosperous Alexandria of today. |
Richmond Highway Express, nicknamed "REX" is a bus route operated by the WMATA (the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) in partnership with Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Government. The REX is a limited stop express bus that serves the Richmond Highway corridor. Before the REX, riders from Fort Belvoir had many stops to make along Richmond Highway enroute to Huntington Metrorail Station and to the King Street Metrorail Station.
REX buses operate every 15 minutes in both directions on Richmond Highway during weekday rush hours. During non-rush hours and on Satuday the REX comes through every 30 minutes. Then on Sunday the bus only operates every 60 minutes. Buses operate between 5:30 AM and 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Sunday.
The REX uses special technology which allows REX buses to sustain green lights in order to move more quickly up and down Rt. 1. The REX bus has low-floor buses for quicker boarding and SmartCard for quicker paying. In addition the REX has only a limited number of stops:
- King Street Metro (Alexandria)
- Dulaney Street/PTO (Alexandria)
- Eisenhower Avenue (Alexandria)
- Kings Highway
- Beacon Center
- Lockheed Boulevard
- Arlington Drive
- Belford Drive South
- Ladson Lane
- South County Center
- Frye Road
- Lukens Lane
- Sacramento Drive/Cooper Road
- Old Mill Road/Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway
- Dewitt Hospital (Fort Belvoir)
- Langfitt Loop (Fort Belvoir)
- 16th Street & Belvoir Road (Fort Belvoir)
- Jackson Loop (North) & Gunston Road (Fort Belvoir)
REX passengers may transfer at any Richmond Highwaystop to Fairfax Connector routes, and may transfer at Huntington and King Street Metro stationsto rail service as well as other local bus service such as Alexandria’s DASH.
To stand-out from other Metrobuses and other area bus lines, REX busses are purple-blue with a golden yellow logo featuring the image of a running lion. The lion references the three lions emblazoned on the Fairfax County seal, which references the family crest of Lord Fairfax. Bus stop signs use the same color scheme, and stand out among the other bus stops along Route 1.
|
Condos are often the most volatile real estate investments. When prices go up, they go WAY up in a condo. When prices go down, competition is fierce to sell. In a tough market here are some great ideas
Via Mykel Martin: Times are certainly tough for sellers right now. And you probably won't sell your house for the amount you would like. The best strategy for now would be to stay put and wait out the crisis. But if you simply have to sell (for a job transfer or financial reasons), there are some things you can do to expedite the process.
The following tips will help you sell your house in these tough economic times we find ourselves in:
- I know you've heard it before, but it bears repeating. Pricing competitively is critical when selling a home in this kind of market.
- Creating curb appeal in today's tough real estate market is essential in getting your home sold fast. Sellers need every edge they can get in this economy, and presentation goes a long way in this regard. Curb appeal is a buyer's first impression to what's to come inside and with good curb appeal, you set the stage for an inviting place to call home.
- The key thing to remember when selling in foreclosure is Time Is of the Essence and hiring a realtor is highly recommended. But don't just sit back be frustrated. Supercharge your Realtor's ordinary real estate marketing efforts by ensuring that they include an aggressive online marketing plan. The key driver of marketing success nowadays is to make sure you get found online.
Did you know that you can sell your house and everything in it through eBay. While this may sound crazy, eBay allows buyers from all over the world the ability to lookup listings, including yours to buy. This effectively opens your market from your small local community into a much wider buyer audience.
Zillow is a lesser known site that is actually cutting staff due to the economy, but it's another great free resource that can help you expand your marketing reach and sell your house quicker. A good Realtor should know of several other online sites to list your house on like Google, Yahoo, Craigslist and Trulia...just to name a few others.
When you're in Foreclosure and have to sell, the faster you sell the better and incorporating these Internet options can often times make it faster.
|
When we think of Fall, we think of chores around the house. Condo owners don't have to worry much about these reminders
Via Jennifer Rathbun: It looks like we arrived home just in time to enjoy the Virginia foliage!
When we woke up this morning, the wind had knocked the leaves off the trees and into every nook and cranny around the yard - including the roads and the gutters.
Remember to clean your rain gutters and drain pipes a few times this season.
Be careful on back roads. There could be wet leaves or branches around the next turn.
And don't forget to disconnect your water hoses and drain outside faucets. If your outside faucets are not freeze proof, consider putting a thermal cover over them.
You may also want to:
-
Have your Heat pump serviced
-
Check weather stripping and caulking
-
Remove air conditioners from windows
-
Check storm windows/doors - clean/repair/install
-
Check for crack/holes in siding - fill if necessary
-
Take down screens/clean/store
-
Check roof for leaks - repair if necessary
-
Check flashings around vents/skylights/chimney for leaks
-
Check chimney for damaged caps & loose/missing mortar
-
Check/clean chimney flue - make sure damper closes tight
Preparation now will save you $$ and time when it's really cold and and dark outside this winter!
|
The old ways are often the best ways Via Loreena Yeo - Realtor(R)/Broker proudly serving Frisco TX Real Estate: I'm a huge advocate of encouraging friends and family to make our homes a true blessing. Hence, my thoughts and my blogs will reflect that. More than anything, my family do our best to live by it.
There are some very simple guidelines to follow when purchasing a house to call HOME. However, be prepared that these are not easy to achieve because we live in a society that feeds on "I want it NOW" attitude.
1. Be debt-free.
This plan includes becoming debt-free of all store accounts, credit card debts, school loans, car loans, medical bills and any kinds of consumer debts. Only when we become debt-free, it relieves us from the vicious cycle of "minimum payments" and continuous fear of never-ending "emergencies". Credit cards are not our source of "emergency savior" - get out of that rutt, please! I'm sad to say, for some people, lunch may be an emergency.
2. 3-6 months of living expenses saved.
Having a good stash of savings prepare us for the "RAINy days". To start, have a minimum amount of cash stocked away for "emergency preparedness". That "special" number may differ person to person. For those of us who are more "emergency" prone, maybe begin with $2000. For those of us whose jobs are "more secure", life has less risks, then perhaps $1000 may be sufficient to tide small emergencies. Beyond that, attack the consumer debts with a vengence. Be willing to change our lifestyles. Most of all, be prepared to make alot of UNHAPPY sacrifices. A quote that I continuously remind myself when I wonder why I do what I do:
Live like no one else, so that later you can live like no one else (Dave Ramsey).
After having all the consumer debts paid off, continue to save 3-6 months worth of living expenses ie the expenses that is needed for survival. Since we are getting ready to purchase a house, be sure to save a sizeable down payment on top of that. Remember, a house should be a blessing. The difference between a blessing and a curse (after Murphy moves in) is the savings.
3. 15-year, fixed mortgage.
Get 15-year, fixed mortgage. Be sure that the payment is no more than 1/4 of our take-home pay. Would other numbers work? Sure it would (or maybe).... Remember that we are discussing Down To Earth Home Buying strategy for the blessed home? We can work all our lives to buy more or "house" more, but do we really want to live in the Merry-Go-Around Chase the House Payment rutt?
4. Furnish room by room.
Dont go out to furnish the ENTIRE house all in one go. When we have a house, HomeDepot and Lowes are our second home. It's not a matter of "if" it would happen, it's more about "how bad" it will be. Dont begin the whole cycle (Step 1) that we have worked so hard to get out only to fall back in. Shop cheaper alternatives: estate sales, goodwill (blog).
5. Not in the 1st Year.
For first time buyers, please dont shop for a house until the 1st Year has pass. Why? The first year of marriage is one of the most crucial years of a couple's life. Get to know each other first. Learn to live on one-income (even if both husband and wife works). Learn to live less than we make. Learn to live below our means. It's already stressful, dont add house-shopping to the list.
Will other steps work? Most definitely. But I could almost assure you that a person who hadnt had a car payment will tell you the wonderful feeling of not having one. A family who wished they had waited to save enough will tell you that they wished their home is a blessing. I know I may be stepping on a few toes about this. But these are just my humble opinions on How to Make our House a blessing. There's no big secrets to home buying.
Blessed are those who lives in their house filled with happy days.
|
The holidays are approaching and here are a few thoughts Via Jacqui Denski: With the Holidays approaching, many buyers feel uncomfortable purchasing a home in November or December. These are the foolish ones! There is no better present to give yourself and your family then a new home to celebrate the holidays! Many sellers feel discouraged and shy away from people coming in and out of their home during the holiday season. However, nothing sells a home faster than the beauty of holiday decorations! When people are searching for the perfect home, they are looking to fit their furniture, where the kids will play and how they will entertain company for the holidays!
Home Sellers Holiday Tip:
Follow the KISS method: Keep It Simple Sweetie! You want your home to feel comfortable, look clean and smell yummy! Decorations: have lights and garland around the windows and railings, a wreath on the door, a lit tree with garland and a topper (angel or star) maybe gifts for an added touch, have the table set with placemats, candles, holiday dishes (For other Holiday celebrations, decorate in a similar manor with the traditional theme) Clean: Bathroom and kitchen shiny (clean with glass cleaner) all food and makeup in cabinets or drawers, clean up clutter either in the trash or box it up, all packed boxes in the attic, basement, garage etc..., have all beds made and toys put on shelves, in toybox or packed up, keep office desk clear of clutter only computer, phone and mouse pad Smelling yummy: food scented candles are the best!!! Choose 1 fragrance (like sugar cookie, vanilla etc...) and have a candle in the kitchen, every bathroom and on an end table or hallway shelf.
Every house that has used these tips has been the buyers favorite and has sold within the first month on the market!
Home Buyers Holiday Tip:
If you read above, you know that sellers are working hard to keep their homes clean for your viewing pleasure. Please be considerate in the cold, snowy weather and wipe your feet or remove your shoes before viewing the homes.
If your goal is to purchase your home BEFORE December 22nd, having all of your ducks in a row before you contact your Real Estate agent will save alot of time and frustration. Check your credit to be sure that there aren't any surprises with past due bills or your credit score. Interview banks and mortgage companies to decide what they are looking for to qualify a buyer. Some look for perfect credit while others work specifically with problem credit. Ask what information they will need to qualify you and spend a day gathering ALL the information required. When you find a bank or mortgage company that you are comfortable working with begin the pre-qualification process either in person or by phone and fax. Once you have the pre-qualification letter you should immediately contact your favorite agent, sign a working agreement and have her or him send you all the homes that fit your personal criteria to your email for viewing. ASAP email or call back with the houses you would like to see and your favorite agent will set up appointments and you will be off and running. By getting your pre-qualification before contacting an agent, you will 1. Get top priority treatment 2. have saved a week or more worth of time 3. have prevented unneccessary frustration 4. Be celebrating the holidays in your new home!!!
Happy Holidays!
I look forward to working with you!
Jacqui Denski
HBO Realty
860-997-6969
|
Since September of 1985, Fairfax County has provided an alternative to WMATA's Metrobus called the Fairfax Connector. The Fairfax Connector began operation in the southern end of Fairfax County from Huntington Metro Station to Mount Vernon and Fort Belvoir. Today the Connector has more than fifty routes providing public transportation to most of Fairfax County. The northern end of the county including Reston and Herndon is now well served by buses.  Riders pay fares in by
- cash (exact change only);
- valid transfer tickets or tokens;
- bus pass cards from regional bus systems;
- Virginia Railway Express (VRE) passes;
- Translink passes or;
- with Metro SmarTrip cards.
The basic fare for a bus trip is usually a dollar, but certain express routes range up to three dollars. When transferring from Metrorail transfer, fares are discounted significantly. The dollar fare is discounted to 35 cents (exact change) with a transfer ticker and the three dollar fair is discounted to $2.10 exact change. Pennies are not accepted as fare. Drivers do not carry cash and do not make change.
Fares for seniors are discounted to either $0.50 or $1.00. Seniors get free fare with a Metrorail transfer. Up to two children under age 5 may ride for free with a paying adult. The disabled ride free on all routes.
The are are a number of simple restrictions and rules on the Fairfax Connector. Smoking, eating, drinking and playing radio or video devices without earphones are strictly prohibited. Strollers must be folded on the bus. Service animals are permitted on the bus. Other small animals are permitted only if transported in a secure container.
Bus transfer tickets or tokens are issued FREE to customers paying fares with cash or tokens. Transfers are valid for two additional hours from time of boarding for an unlimited number of rides. A transfer cannot be redeemed for another transfer. VRE, Translink and bus passes serve as transfers.
 For three dollars, a rider can purchase a regional one day bus pass. This pass is valid for an unlimited number of rides on local routes of participating regional bus systems on the day purchased. The one-day pass has a value of $1.25 per trip when used on express routes. The one day pass expires at midnight, Sunday-Thursday and at 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
North Fairfax County Schedules : Fairfax Connector bus routes serving Fairfax County Government Center, Herndon, Reston, Tysons Corner, Crystal City, Pentagon including service to the West Falls Church-VT/UVA, Dunn Loring/Merrifield, and Vienna-Fairfax/GMU Metrorail Stations.
South Fairfax County Schedules : Fairfax Connector bus routes serving Belle View, Fort Hunt, Fullerton Industrial Park, Kingstowne, Richmond Highway, Springfield, Tysons Corner, Pentagon including service to the Huntington, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, and Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metrorail Stations.
Schedules for Mobile Devices - Get up to date schedules for Northern Virginia area transits services delivered to your handheld device by CommuterPage.com.
Fairfax Connector Fare Chart
Fares are subject to change without notice. These fares were last updated January 2008 and as of November 15th they are still presumed to be (but not guaranteed to be) accurate.
Using SmarTrip, Cash, Bus Passes,
VRE Passes, or Translink Passes | Cost |
| All local routes except express routes using SmarTrip or cash |
$1.00 |
| Express routes 380, 595 & 597 Using SmarTrip or cash |
$3.00 |
| All routes using regional systems' bus passe, VRE passes or Translink passes |
FREE |
| All routes using MetroAccess ID card (valid for card holder & 1 companion) |
FREE |
| Using Metrorail-to-Bus Transfers |
| All local routes except express routes using SmarTrip or cash |
$0.35 |
| Express routes 380, 595 & 597 using SmarTrip or cash |
$2.10 |
| All routes using Senior/Disabled SmarTrip & MetroAccess ID cards |
FREE |
Using Senior/Disabled SmarTrip, cash,
valid Metro ID card or valid Medicare card
* (see details under Senior Disabled Fares) |
| All routes except express routes |
$0.50 |
| Express routes 380, 595 & 597 |
$2.00 |
| Using Paper Transfers |
| Local-to-local, express-to-express & express-to-local routes |
FREE |
| All local-to-express routes |
$2.00 |
| Children's Fares |
|
Up to 2 children ages 4 and under traveling with an adult paying full fare
|
FREE |
| Children age 5 and older |
Adult Fare |
|
The question to ask
Via Daniel Wexler : Here are the questions to ask yourself if home buying is right for you
- Do you need the flexibility of renting? or can you afford to stay in your home for at least 5 years or longer?
- Can you afford a 20% down payment?
- Can you afford a monthly payment on a 30-year fixed mortgage?
- ask your CPA ... Does the tax benefit of home ownership offset a potential decline in home value?
- Have you reduced other real estate debt before you add more on this home purchase?
- Does a fixed monthly mortgage payment for the next 15 years outweigh the likely inflation of rents during that same time (called an inflation hedge)
These are broad questions that can have many variations for each individual situation. However, it is a good foundation from which to start your home buying process.
You do not need the Real Estate boom to enjoy the many benefits of owning a home
|
Here's a tip we don't often remember Via Ellie Marshall:  A space that we often forget about is our beloved, yet often neglected launry room. Yet, this is where we wash our cloths, iron & set ourselves 'right' for the world to see.
Here are a few easy & effective tips to help you get this area in order:
De-Clutter & throughly Clean The Area
Paint or Wallpaper the room (or area) - Any color will work, but light, bright crisp colors are the most effective & uplifting.
Storage Space- Make sure you have enough (most client's do not). Any added storage needs to be durable and functional.
Folding Table- For your laundry, make sure you have a large, sturdy folding table. Please do not use your your bed or kitchen table.
Large Sink/Tub- A tub can come in handy for soaking clothes, cleaning large objects or other household chores.
Water-Resistant Floor Coverings- Paint concrete floors with a heavy-duty paint or cover the floor with glue-down vinyl if the slab is smooth, stays dry and is crack-free.
Respect your launry area, spruce it up and you will find this necessary chore will become a pleasure, not a burden. Plus, a neat looking laundry room always registers as a positive for any prospective buyer.
|
I couldn't agree more with this little nugget Via Scott Skinner: Capital Appreciaion should be the last reason to buy; as homes do cost about 8%-10% year to own when you figure in interest, taxes, insurance and upkeep.
Though, if you have a fixed rate mortgage, pay down principal and are patient, history tells us, you will enjoy the many wealth creation benefits
Make sure you make prudent investment decisions when you buy Real Estate and buy a home for the right reasons.
Most importantly, make sure you can afford it, there is no sense working hard 7 days a week, even if we do have beautiful weather here in Scottsdale and the Greater Phoenix Valley, just to struggle to pay a mortgage that you cannot enjoy
|