Market Watch & Musings

Working in real estate can be challenging in fact some agents face truly awful situations. The horror stories we’ve collected below can happen to any agent, so be sure to review them closely and take note of recommended ways of avoiding them.

1. Stealing Medication During Open House

At the top of our horror story list is the open house incident, in Oregon, the owner was selling her own property a couple of years ago. She let buyers walk through her home at their own pace. When one visitor did not return for a long time, she went searching for him and found him rifling through the kitchen cabinets. She asked him what he was looking for and he bolted out the door—with her prescription medication in his jacket.

Theft is a fairly common issue for agents hosting open houses. To avoid this problem, make sure you lock up all valuables and keep them out of sight. Just as important, make sure dangerous items—like medication—are also locked up. If you’re concerned about safety, have another agent join you at the open house, and be sure they accompany all visitors as they tour the property.

2. The Home Wrecker

Some people take the foreclosure of their property harder than others. The owner of one house, in particular, decided to respond to the news by painting obscenities all over the walls and punching holes in the cabinets. He even poured concrete down the toilets to stop up the plumbing. There was so much damage to the house that the city condemned the property rather than put it up for sale at auction.

Notice of foreclosure is hard—whatever your circumstances. If you’re an agent or investor who wants the property, be prepared to spend a little extra money on repairs to damage caused by homeowners unhappy about the loss of their home.

3. Raining Rat Poison

Upon moving into her new house in Pennsylvania, Liz Spikol was greeted with a short note from the previous owner stating, “We have seen a mouse.” One mouse did not seem like a big deal for the new owner, so she continued her move-in. Within a week, however, she noticed blue powder falling from the ceiling and opened it up to inspect. The ceiling area was overrun with mice—dead and alive. The blue powder was rat poison.

To be sure you’re not setting yourself up for unwanted surprises, be sure to complete a thorough inspection of any property you intend to buy. Check all areas of the house—not just common living areas—and ensure your home inspector does the same.

4. Bathroom Gatherings

A chair would be perfectly acceptable in a sitting or living room, but an armchair in a bathroom—complete with an area rug and pillows—is odd. One property, as showcased below, featured exactly this setup, which made it a bit awkward to shoot and show for prospective clients.

If you’re aiming to sell a property, appeal to the most common buyer in your market. This often requires re-staging a home to be sure that each room reflects its intended purpose. Whatever the owner’s preferences, a house should feel open and welcoming to all prospects, giving them the ability to envision themselves living there.

5. Unwelcome Guests

Mike Litzner, an agent from Long Island, New York, reported finding a homeless man living in the house he was showing to potential buyers. The man created a fort around himself and stocked it with alcohol to help manage cold nights. One buyer humorously asked if the fort came with the house.

Believe it or not, common squatters are not an uncommon problem for real estate agents. To be sure you avoid this problem—and disrupt showings—keep doors and windows locked at all times and only provide keys or entry codes to approved persons.

Bottom Line – Real Estate Agent Horror Stories

While real estate horror stories can be humorous, they can also jeopardize sales or ruin the relationship between a buyer or seller and an agent. To avoid this, be sure to consider the scenarios above and make note of how to avoid them. Being prepared will go a long way to ensuring nothing disrupts a successful sale.


Thinking of Buying or Selling? Now is a great time.
Call us today for a free consultation.

We are your Realtors - We Guarantee to Listen, Advise and Advocate for You!
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Did you know – holiday shopping for interior design lovers can be easy? Before plunging into great interior design gift ideas, consider the person you want to gift. Their style, home needs, and available space will guide you toward getting them a perfect gift they really appreciate. Here are the lists of the top interior design for stress-free seasonal shopping.

1. Artwork as Interior Design Gifts

Hanging art is one of the best gifts for interior design lovers short on floor space and gives love to empty walls. Art can also increase value over time as an investment.

2. Greenery & Interior Design Ornaments

Plants are hassle-free interior design presents. You can grab mood-boosting greenery when you’re in a rush or out of ideas and still be sure to put a smile on someone’s face. Living plants not only look great in a beautiful pot, but they also produce oxygen which can help purify the air, improve your mood, and lower fatigue.

3. Sculptural Carafes & Decanters

A sculptural carafe or decanter could be just the thing for that friend with the home bar. Craftsman pitchers, like those from Crate and Barrel, make great gifts for interior design lovers and wine lovers alike. Master glassblowers and makers craft sophisticated mixed-material bottles that stand out from the rest to become truly showstopper pieces.

4. Interior Design Gift Ideas for Dinnertime

Few things feel chicer than handsome serveware appetizers, cheeses, and salads look even more delectable in pretty platters and bowls. And when not in use, these arty pieces can adorn open shelves in the kitchen.



Read on for the lists of perfect gifts @decorilla

Here are the best reasons to spend a day in Arlington while on vacation in Washington DC. There’s a place right across the wild and wide Potomac River that is worth a brief respite from your Washington DC itinerary. Arts, culture, and nightlife are alive and well here.

1. Arlington National Cemetery

Established during the Civil War consisting of 624 acres of land once owned by Robert E. Lee, Arlington National Cemetery is a United States military cemetery home to the Tomb of soldiers who died in the nation’s wars beginning with the American Civil War. And the eternal flame marking President John F. Kennedy’s grave as well as the final resting places of numerous other famous Americans. The cemetery is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2. U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

It is a military monument dedicated to the memory of all the members of the United States Marine Corps who have died defending the country since 1775. It is also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.

3. The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

It is a permanent outdoor memorial to remember the 184 people who died during the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon: these people include those who were in the building at the time of the attack as well as the passengers on American Airlines Flight 77.


Learn more of the complete lists @arlingtontours

Here are some of the most interesting, unique, and photogenic places to see in Old Town Alexandria. You can reach all of these places with a short walk around the downtown area.

1. The Spite House

Check out the Spite House at 523 Queen Street. rumored to have been built by a homeowner to block loiterers from the alley next to his house. At just 7 feet wide, the skinniest historic house in the US is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Alexandria.

2. Cobblestones on Captain’s Row

Cobblestone streets were once the norm in Old Town and that history is preserved on Captain’s Row. The beautiful 100 block of Prince Street features a wide cobblestone street climbing a hill. Stately trees and homes, several built by sea captains that gave the street its name, line the street. The street is a popular backdrop for photographers and Instagrammers.

3. Colorful Doors and Homes

Old Town Alexandria is an architecture-lovers dream. Allow time to wander the streets and you’ll see a range of home styles, lovely gardens, brick sidewalks, and beautifully decorated doorways.

4. Cherry Blossoms and Gardens

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Virginia, and Old Town really shines during cherry blossom season. Visit in late March and early April to see delicate Yoshino cherry trees in bloom along King Street. As they fade, late-blooming Kwanzan trees take over, followed by Redbuds and Apple blossoms. At the same time, Alexandria gardens fill with color at houses and businesses through the neighborhoods.



Learn more of the complete lists of places @funinfairfaxva

Just want to share this delicious recipe with one of our all time favorite, Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad.
It’s super easy to make & perfect for the Holiday season!



8 oz. bow tie pasta, cooked & cooled (use gluten-free if needed)
1 1/2 cups corn, cut off the cob (can be fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 of red onion, chopped
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1-2 small avocados, diced

Cilantro Lime Dressing: Blend together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup lime juice + 1/4 cup cilantro + 2 garlic gloves + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne

1. Add all of your salad ingredients to a bowl & toss it with your desired amount of dressing. Keep it chilled in the fridge until you're ready to eat! (It's also amazing with a little cotija on top too!)

Christmas is just around the corner! Looking for some fun activities in Alexandria this weekend? The City invites the community to join Mayor Justin Wilson and a host of friends to welcome back the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 20, at 6 p.m. in Market Square (301 King Street).



Bring your family to celebrate the season in person for the first time since 2019. Due to the timing of Thanksgiving, this year’s event will take place the weekend before the holiday.

The Town Crier welcomes visitors, followed by holiday music as Santa Claus rides into town on Alexandria’s iconic King Street Trolley. Help count down to the lighting of the tree to ring in the city’s official start to the Holiday Season. Admission is free, and the event will occur rain or shine.

The public is encouraged to take public transit or walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take Metrorail’s Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street-Old Town Station and then take the free King Street Trolley to the event in front of City Hall.

For more information, visit @alexandriava.gov

As the saying goes - time flies. 2022 is right around the corner when it feels like we just turned the page to 2021.

If you're thinking about selling your home during the next spring market, then it's time to get started. Analysts are expecting another busy real estate market, so if you're going to buy or sell in the next six months to a year, now is the time to start making your game plan.

1. Start cleaning, donating, decluttering, organizing, purging your closets, cabinets, attic, and basement. Sell old furniture that you're going to replace when you get to your new home. The more you can do now, the less stressful it will be to prep for showings.

2. Start making your plan -- once you sell, where are you going? What will you do if your home sells before you find a new one? How will you prepare to compete in a multiple offer situation? (Call us - we have those answers.)

3. Have a "pre-inspection" if your home is older and in need of repairs. The inspector can help identify any potential red flags to buyers so you can have them fixed prior to listing the home.

4. Meet with us earlier than you think you need to. We can talk through your goals, priorities and make a strong strategy to help get it done. A chat is not a commitment.


We are your Realtors - We Guarantee to Listen, Advise and Advocate for You!
Call: 703.772.3526
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.anaandmelissa.com

Fall in love with these lists of the best attractions, landmarks, and activities in Washington DC.

1. The White House

A trip to the nation’s capital is not complete without visiting the White House. The grand building has been home to Presidents since the 18th-century.

2. United States Capitol

Was built in the 1800s and is the US government’s legislative arm, housing both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

3. National Air and Space Museum

One of the best Smithsonian Museums is the National Air and Space Museum. Dedicated to everything space and aviation, the museum has some fantastic items on display, such as Niel Armstrong’s spacesuit, spacecraft, and various historical planes.

4. Washington Monument

In the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument, the world’s tallest obelisk. Dedicated to the memory of the first President, George Washington, the impressive stone structure was the tallest building in the world before being overtaken by the Eiffel Tower.

5. United States National Arboretum

The United States National Arboretum is an extensive collection of trees and wooded plants that aid research projects by the United States Department of Agriculture.

6. Washington National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral is a Protestant Episcopal church that has been the site of many significant ceremonies, such as state funerals, Presidential prayers, and remembrance services.

The church was also where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his last sermon in the Cathedral days before his assassination. The church is a mix of classic architectural styles, although predominantly classed as Neo-Gothic.



Know more of the lists @virginiatraveltips



We are your Realtors - We Guarantee to Listen, Advise and Advocate for You!
Give us a call at 703.772.3526
Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thoughtfully designed one bedroom, one bathroom unit in a boutique building with a Private Patio in the heart of the Shaw! With a Walker’s Paradise Walk Score of 98, this unit is one block to the metro and close to Whole Foods, Giant, and the shops/dining of Shaw, Bloomingdale, 14th St Corridor, Logan, and U-Street.



We are so happy to help our buyer find his dream home. We can also do the same for you. We cared for our clients and your best interest is our top priority. We are willing to go on as many tours as needed to find you the right home.

  

Besides being a top-notch realtor, we also have knowledge of housing laws and regulations which proves that we can really guide you throughout the home buying process.

  

  

Thinking of Buying in DC? Now is a great time.
We are always ready for a consultation.

We are your Realtors - We Guarantee to Listen, Advise and Advocate for You!
Give us a call at 703.772.3526
Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit our website at www.anaandmelissa.com

Great News! The once-hazardous intersection will have safer crosswalks, bike lanes, a park—and no Wendy's.


@washingtonianmag

The infamous “Dave Thomas Circle” will soon no longer be a burger-scented death trap for innocent Washingtonians trying to get across Northeast DC. Construction is expected to begin in Summer 2022.

The intersection, so named because of Wendy’s restaurant that occupied a traffic island, was for years a running local joke—at least to people who didn’t suffer fender-benders at the dangerous and confusing confluence of Florida and New York Avenues. But after the District used eminent domain to shutter the eatery in September, officials completed work on a proposed redesign, which was released to the public in a virtual meeting last night.

When construction is finished, according to the plans, the intersection will have high-visibility crosswalks with audible pedestrian signals, protected bicycle lanes, two-way traffic on First Street and Florida Avenue, and three new public gathering spaces. Mayor Muriel Bowser hopes the new design will make the intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers to maneuver through. The move is a part of her new Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries.