Market Watch & Musings

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
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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.

In Mclean! Sold in 5 days significantly above the asking price! This 5 bedroom 3 bath split level home is located on a cul-de-sac and has a pool!




  

  

  

  

We were so happy to help our sellers and we can also do the same for you.

Thinking of selling? You might want to move on your plans sooner rather than later while inventory is still low. We are always ready for a consultation.

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

Look what just sold on the Potomac -- this beautiful home previously owned by the CEO of Lockheed Martin.



An Alexandria home called River View Estate, on East Boulevard Drive that was listed for $60 million sold for $48 million in a cash transaction in late October. The home set a new record in the DC metro area for the most expensive home sold. River View Estate sits on 16+ acres along the Potomac River.



Thinking of selling? Now is the right time while inventory is still low. There are plenty of buyers on the market, but experts are predicting more people will sell within the next year, meaning there is going to be more competition.

The good news? If you work with experienced agents (like us!), we can help you navigate the market. Call or email us if you have any questions or if you'd like to set up a complimentary consultation.

We are your Realtors - We Guarantee to Listen, Advise and Advocate for You!
Call 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

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, veteran home buying had a big year in 2020. The VA loan program backed a record of 1.2 million loans. The good news is that VA loans offer plenty of advantages for veterans looking to purchase or refinance this year, too.

Here's a closer look at three big ones.

1. $0 Down Amid Rising Home Prices

During the early stages of the pandemic, the housing market retrenched a bit before skyrocketing. A combination of low mortgage rates and low housing inventory caused home prices to soar but qualified VA buyers can purchase a home with $0 down.

Regardless of the home price, if you have your full entitlement, you will not need to pay a down payment. No down payment gives you flexibility as a homebuyer since you won't need to worry about draining your bank account amid rising home prices.

2. Low-Interest Rates

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage last year was 3.11%, according to Freddie Mac. VA loans have had the lowest average fixed rate on the market for six years running. Veterans using the VA loan benefit have access to the lowest average rates available.

3. Expanded Eligibility for National Guard

This year, even more veterans will be able to take advantage of this hard-earned benefit. National Guard members activated under Title 32 orders become eligible for a VA loan after serving 90 days, 30 of which must be consecutive.

This retroactive change could help countless Guard members suddenly become eligible for what is arguably the most powerful mortgage product on the market today.

Take the Next Step
The Ana and Melissa Team can help you become homeowners with VA loans.
We make sure that each buyer is provided with expert advice and assistance when it comes to the home buying process.

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

As inventory remains low in the DC area and the cost of purchasing becomes exorbitant, investors are realizing that renting single-family homes is the future's best investment.



Click here to read more about this article.

Paint or wallpaper.  It seems the decorating world goes back and forth. between neutrals and color.  Now the big trend is earth tones, wallpaper in fun spaces like bathrooms and laundry rooms.  But have you ever thought of painting your space with cool geometric designs or murals?  Check out this book "Wonder Walls"  by Phoebe  Cornog.



Wallpaper may be desirable, but it can be expensive, difficult to install, and damaging to the wall upon removal. Street art and graffiti might seem unattainable, but everyone has an interior wall they can paint. Wall painting offers a way to achieve these modern design effects in the home, and it can be accessible to everyone — even those who don’t consider themselves artists. This bright and colorful book from the creators of Pandr Design Co. features DIY how-to wall painting techniques that will help readers discover the possibilities of paint and see their walls as their canvas.



Authors Phoebe Cornog and Roxy Prima take readers through wall preparation and paint selection and then teach how to achieve different techniques step by step, from marbling to sponging to geometric design to lettering and more. They address tips, tricks, and troubleshooting and help readers customize their home — without breaking a sweat or breaking the bank. For fans of interior design or anyone seeking to bring color into their home and make their space unique, this book will spark the imagination, feed creativity, and deliver the confidence to do it yourself.

The Ana and Melissa Team has a great condo for sale in Vienna, Virginia, a great small town just outside of DC, and Tyson's Corner has a vibrant shopping and restaurant district on its main street.  Explore what Vienna has to offer.



1. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is truly a hidden gem of the Washington DC region and a must-visit for nature lovers. This beautiful park in Vienna Virginia is one of our favorite places for an adventure with young children or a multi-generational outing. When the flowers are blooming, or fall foliage colors the trees, it’s perfect for a romantic stroll too.



2. Washington and Old Dominion Trail

The Washington and Old Dominion Trail is a 44-mile long, rails-to-trails bike path that follows a historic railroad line. The stretch of trail from Hunter Mill Road to downtown Vienna is a very scenic place to walk, bike, or rollerblade. Once you reach the Vienna Virginia town boundary, the trail gets busier, and frequent road crossings require extra caution. Stop at the historic train station to check out a vintage red caboose and admire the large Vienna mural.



3. Caboose Brewing Company

Virginia is home to a vibrant craft beer scene, filled with interesting breweries and Beer Trails. Vienna Virginia is lucky to have Caboose Brewing Company in the downtown area. Caboose is both brewery and restaurant. They serve a wonderful line-up of brews and delicious, locally sourced food. Caboose Brewing Company is right next to the bike trail, a few blocks north of Church Street at the end of an industrial road. They are open Monday to Thursday, 4:00 to 11:00 pm, with longer hours on the weekends (Friday 12-12, Saturday 11-12, Sunday 11-10.



4. Downtown Vienna Dining

When all this exploring makes you hungry, you have a LOT of choices for where to eat. Our favorite casual places to eat in downtown Vienna Virginia include Taco Bamba, Sweetleaf Cafe, and Pure Pasty. For sit-down dining, we suggest Pazzo Pomodoro, Natta Thai, Maple Ave, and Bazin’s on Church.



5. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Enjoy music on a much larger scale at the only national park dedicated to live entertainment. Wolf Trap National Park is an indoor/outdoor venue hosting major musical acts and theater throughout the year. During the colder months, acts are housed indoors at the Barns at Wolf Trap. From May to December, the entertainment takes over the 7,000-seat Filene Center and the children’s-oriented Theater in the Woods. The Filene Center offers a combination of covered and lawn seating that is especially fun on a beautiful evening. Wolf Trap hosts a few very popular free events every year. Kick-off the summer season at the annual Wolf Trap Summer Blast-off, featuring fireworks, and music by the President’s Own Marine Band. Finish the season at the annual Holiday Sing-along in early December.



Small towns like Vienna are one of the things we love most about living in Northern Virginia. There is always something new to explore, or a favorite restaurant or brewery calling us back. We hope our favorite things to do in Vienna Virginia inspire a visit. Vienna makes a fun day trip destination in the Washington DC area.


If you are ready to make a move, now is the right time!
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.

Great new listing in the Marquis condominium community and just across the street from the Vienna Metro station.



This two-bedroom two-bath unit boasts a wonderful open floor plan with a kitchen that includes a center island, an office nook, and a wonderful outdoor patio that overlooks the community courtyard.

The building amenities are expansive! There is a clubhouse with a fitness center, golf simulator, theater room, and meeting room. For spring and summer, a large community pool and courtyards for outdoor grilling. Across the street, you find a wonderful trail for a 3 miles jog or walk.

$399,000 | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
For more information, 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.
www.2791CenterboroDr#386.com

ZILLOW RIDES BOOMING REAL ESTATE MARKET TO 70% REVENUE GROWTH
Zillow’s class C share price was down 10% on Tuesday, falling before the company announced after the market closed that it would end home flipping. Shares continued to slide in after-hours trading.

The move represents a big hit to Zillow’s top line. Home-flipping was the company’s largest source of revenue, but it has never turned a profit.


Zillow, which released earnings Tuesday, said its home-flipping business, Zillow Offers, lost $381 million last quarter, as measured by adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. That resulted in a combined adjusted Ebitda loss of $169 million across all of Zillow.

It has an inventory of about 9,800 homes across the United States that it is currently shopping for to investors. Additionally, there are another 8,200 homes in a contract it has agreed to buy. The company expects to lose somewhere between 5% and 7% on these homes, the company said. Zillow also paid significantly more than those competitors for each home it purchased, buying homes priced $65,000 above the median on average, according to DelPrete’s analysis. By October, the company had listed 250 Phoenix homes at a median-price discount of 6.2% below what it had paid for them. DelPrete called Zillow’s price blunder a catastrophic failure.

A wider look at Zillow’s national performance by analysts at KeyBanc Capital Markets found it had listed 66% of homes at prices below what it had paid for them, with an average discount of 4.5%.

Zillow said it expects that the wind-down of its home-flipping outfit will take several quarters.