Market Watch & Musings

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.

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