This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: How did the real estate markets near Tysons do in 2019?
Answer: Northern Virginia continues to dominate economic growth in the Washington region (see this excellent presentation from the Stephen Fuller Institute) and Tysons is and will continue to be an engine for Northern Virginia’s job growth.
Residential real estate prices have been mostly flat over the last 5-6 years, but buyer confidence has increased sharply over the last 12+ months with the announcement of Amazon HQ2 and rapid commercial investment in Tyson. This led to a strong year in the residential real estate markets surrounding Tysons.
For our annual review of the 2019 real estate market, we looked at the following Tysons-area markets:
- Falls Church: 22046 & 22043
- McLean: 22101
- Vienna: 22180 & 22181
With the exception of three outliers in Mclean ($12M, $20M and $43M sales) that skewed the findings and a few bad data entries that we removed, this represents all sales that closed in 2018 and 2019. We’ve prepared a bulleted list of key/interesting findings and then shared a summary table for those who want to review the data themselves.
Summary of Findings
- The average sold price across all three markets increased 5.4% in 2019 and buyer negotiation leverage dropped to an average of just 1.3% being negotiated off the original asking price
- Falls Church and Vienna led the growth in home prices, while McLean’s values remained mostly unchanged from 2018 (ignore the huge negative change in McLean condo prices, that’s a result of too few data points)
- The sub-market that performed the best was the Falls Church townhouse/duplex market, with a 6.6% YoY increase in average price
- The Vienna townhouse/duplex market provided buyers with the least room to negotiate, with the average purchase price equaling the seller’s original asking price
- While the 2019 condo market gained a modest 3.4% (not bad for condos), there seems to be significant upward pressure on prices coming into 2020 with a 40%+ drop in average days on market and buyer’s negotiating significantly less off the original asking price in 2019
- The number of new homes sold in 2019 increased nearly 30% from 152 to 195 and were pretty evenly distributed between all three markets
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
It’s that time again; to kiss away the old year and embrace a new one.
I can’t believe 2019 is over already. Every New Year brings a time of reflection — of what we’ve accomplished, what our new goals will be and for what we are grateful. For me, I extend my thanks to you, and I hope that you have gained something from my many posts.
I have enjoyed writing this column for the past year and I’m excited by what lies ahead. It has been a very rewarding experience writing this column and I’m looking forward to a new year of answering your real estate questions.
If you have real estate goals that you want to accomplish in 2020, this is the time to talk to a professional and make a plan to make those goals a reality. I’ll be happy to help you with that. If you don’t know where to begin, this past column will be helpful.
My first column in 2020 will be a real estate review for 2019. Stay tuned!
For now, here are the 5 Highest Priced Homes and the 5 Lowest Priced Homes that sold in 2019 within a 6 mile radius from Tysons.
Please keep submitting your questions to [email protected]. I look forward to answering all of them.
Happy New Year!
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
As another holiday season approaches, I want to take just a quick moment to wish you happy, safe and memorable holidays. One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you for reading this column. May the holiday season end this year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year.
Here are some tips for keeping your home safe during the holidays:
Keep Your Tree Well Hydrated and Away From Heat Sources
The U.S. sees about 200 Christmas tree fires per year and they tend to be more life-threatening than other home fires when they do occur. Prevention centers around two factors: keeping your tree well-hydrated and away from heat sources. Make sure your tree has fresh, green needles when you buy it, cut off about 2 inches before putting it in the stand and water it daily. Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways
Lights
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. Make sure both the lights and any electrical cords you’re using are marked for outdoor use, be sure to inspect the strands to make sure there aren’t any frayed cords or cracked lamps. Always buy lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, such as UL, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.
Mixing and matching lights can create a fire hazard, so keep outside lights outdoors and inside lights indoors. Don’t overload indoor outlets and use power strips sparingly before you string lights on the house or the tree. Turn everything off before you go or use light timers on indoor and outside decorations.
This tip saves you steps and helps hold down the electricity bill. And it’s a good idea to review how to use a fire extinguisher and make sure yours is accessible and unexpired.
Test the Alarm
Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work, and be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned before the season. Stockings and other combustible decorations, such as pine garlands, can present a serious fire hazard, so be sure to remove them before starting a fire in the fireplace.
Frying a Turkey?
Turkey fryers can easily tip over spilling hot oil across a large area. Use your turkey fryer only outdoors on a sturdy, level surface well away from things that can burn. Make sure to have a “3-foot kid- and pet-free zone” around your turkey fryer to protect against burn injuries. Make sure to follow all U.S. Fire Administration turkey fryer guidelines.
Seasonal Plants and Decorations
Keep potentially poisonous plants — mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis — away from children.
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to kids or pets.
Avoid Mistletoe & Holly. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.
If You’re Going Away
Notify a trusted neighbor and ask them to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. You’ll also want this neighbor or a house sitter to keep your walks cleared of snow and to pick up your mail. Make sure your house looks like somebody is home to deter a burglar. Motion sensors, smart lightbulbs and other home automation devices are great ways to do this.
The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, as long as you stay safe during them. Be sure to take the precautions you need in order to fully enjoy the season.
Here’s wishing you Happy Holidays!
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: We are under contract for a single family house near Tysons and we are trying to decide if we need to purchase a home warranty. How do home warranties work and what do they cover?
Answer: Getting a home warranty is always a great idea, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer with no experience in maintaining a home. The last thing you want after purchasing a home is an emergency repair that you did not budget for.
A home warranty is an annual service contract that provides repairs for your home, and pays for the replacement or repair of major appliances and home systems (like an HVAC system).
Don’t mistake a warranty for homeowners insurance, which covers your home’s structure and belongings in the event of a fire, flood, or other accidents.
How Does It Work and How Much Does It Cost?                                Â
Home warranty companies have agreements with licensed service providers. When something that is covered by a home warranty needs repair, the homeowner calls the home warranty company, which sends a service provider to check the problem. If the provider determines that the needed repair or replacement is covered by the warranty, they complete the work. The homeowner only pays a co-pay, which usually is a flat rate of $75-$125.
The exact price of a home warranty depends on the coverage level you choose. Many companies offer basic plans and add-ons depending on your needs. A typical annual cost might be $200 for major appliances and $600 for a policy covering HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems.
I had the opportunity to talk to Jonathan Asfour with Super Home Warranty, and he answered some of the most frequent questions people have when it comes to home warranties:
What’s Covered?
Always check with your home warranty provider to confirm what’s included in your plan. Coverage usually includes:
- Built-in Microwave
- Clothes Dryer
- Clothes Washer
- Dishwasher
- Range, oven and cooktop
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Range Exhaust Fan
- Trash Compactor
- Garbage Disposal
- Air Conditioning
- Heat System/Heat Pump
- Ductwork
- Water Heater
- Interior Electrical
- Interior Plumbing
- Sprinkler System
Super also offers a concierge program where we can get almost anything that you’d typically ask a superintendent to do for you (painting, pest control, yard work, handyman fixes, etc.). We also have included maintenance as well — this includes a pre-season HVAC tune up, carpet cleaning and re-key service, all for the price of our co-pay of $75.
The biggest issues that people typically are worried about are any HVAC or water heater claims, as these can be fairly pricey. Home warranties mitigate that risk and cover most (if not all) of costs of repairs to those items.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: What can you tell me about living in Oakton?
Answer: Oakton is a great place to live. According to a new set of rankings released by Niche, Oakton is the 8th best place to live in the state. The ranking looked at several factors, such as public schools, housing, diversity and family environment. Oakton received an A+ for its public schools, A for diversity, A+ for family environment and B for housing.
So What’s So Great About Oakton?
Location — The Vienna Metro is the last stop on the Orange Line. The station is located in Oakton, in the median of Interstate 66 at Nutley Street, which provides quick access to 495 and can take you to D.C. in 25 minutes. You can get to Dulles Airport in 20 minutes. It’s also less than 3 miles from the Town of Vienna and all its amenities. (Check my past column about Town of Vienna).
Shopping and Dining — The Oakton Farmer’s Market operates year round. Hunter Mill Plaza and Oakton Shopping Center have a great selection of eateries, including Chipotle, Luciano’s Italian, Old Peking, Yoko Japanese, Starbucks and other services include Giant, CVS, Wells Fargo Bank and a wide variety of medical offices.
It’s only a 5 minute drive to the thriving Mosaic District, offering many options for dining, shopping, fitness and entertainment.
Active Community —Â Oakton has plenty of parks for different activities: Oakton Community Park has a nice playground, Tattersall Park has quiet jogging and hiking trails, and Waples Mill Meadow Park is great for birding (who knew!).
The Oak Marr Golf Complex includes not only the challenging 1,456 yard, 9-hole par three golf course, with holes from 95-200 yards, but also a lighted 78 station driving range with target greens and covered, heated tees. And the Oak Marr Rec Center offers a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, group exercise classes, swimming pools, racquetball, spa, and many activities. Check the full calendar here.
If you have a dog, you can walk to Moorefield Park. The play area is shaded by mature trees and completely fenced in, providing a cool and safe retreat for dogs and their families. Water is available on site as well. All dogs must be licensed by the Town of Vienna or Fairfax County.
Housing
There are many different options for detached homes, townhomes and condos. There are 48 properties for sale, ranging from a one bedroom condo for $249,900, to a brand new 8,000 sq. ft., 7 bedroom single family home for $4,895,950. You can see the active listings here.
Twenty-nine properties are under contract, ranging from a 1 bedroom condo at $260,000, to an 8 bedroom single family house at $1,699,900.
In the past 6 months, 46 condos were sold for a median price of $290,900; 34 townhouses were sold for a median price of $523,450; and 88 single family homes sold for a median price of $900,000.
If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my bi-weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: We are planning to buy our first house in 2020 and we’re trying to set up a budget. What advice do you give clients to help them decide how much of a mortgage they can afford?
Answer: Spend too much and you’ll have a half-empty home for a few years. Don’t spend enough and you may be moving sooner than you hoped. This week we’ll break down some of the conversations I have early on with clients as they’re deciding how much mortgage they can afford.
How Much Can You Really Spend?
The first thing you’ll want to do is determine how much you’re allowed to spend by talking with a lender who will provide an honest, detailed review of your finances to let you know what your maximum loan and monthly payment amount is. A good lender will also serve as a valuable advisor as you plan your budget.
Length of Ownership
The amount of time you expect to own your home is extremely important in your home-buying strategy and often glossed over.
If you are buying a 3-5 year home (accurate for many first-time buyers) your focus should be on value and keeping your cost down so that you give yourself room to save for your next purchase, which is likely a longer-term home. Your income and inflation are less likely to increase significantly in that time, so an expensive monthly payment now will still feel expensive in 3-5 years.
If you are buying a 10-15+ year home, the greatest value you’ll generate is choosing a home that suits you and your family long-term. The cost of buying something too small or too far from work that leads to a sale halfway through your intended ownership period is often much higher (taxes, commissions, closing costs, moving costs, etc) than the cost of moving into a slightly uncomfortable range of your budget.
Your mortgage payment hopefully won’t feel expensive forever if you’re in the first half of your professional career because you’ll likely have significant increases in income and, over time, the effects of inflation will minimize the stress of your mortgage (if it’s a fixed rate mortgage).
Monthly vs Down Payment
I find that most people based their budget on their savings and thus, the amount they have to put down towards a max purchase price. Remember a home mortgage isn’t the only recurring expense. Don’t forget to consider how much you’re comfortable spending each month which includes your mortgage, taxes (assume annual increases), applicable condo or HOA fees and homeowner’s insurance. This doesn’t include a budget for maintenance and repairs, which should be estimated at an annual expense of 1-2% of your home’s value.
Savings is clearly an important factor in what you can afford. Your savings determines the amount you can put down; although with solid loan products available with as little as 3% down, many buyers qualify for a lot of house with little savings.
In addition to your down payment, you’ll pay 2-3% of the purchase price in closing costs like taxes, fees, insurance and escrows (closing costs can be paid by the seller). Finally, don’t forget about what you’ll need after you close — moving and furniture add up quickly and you should always have 3-6 months of fixed/living expenses in savings in case of emergency.
Don’t Tempt Yourself
Once you decide on your budget, don’t allow yourself to visit properties that are highly unlikely to drop within your budget. One of the easiest ways to derail your progress is visiting homes 10-20% over budget, leading you to desire features that only exist together in homes you can’t afford. Save the window shopping for another time if you’re serious about buying a home now.
Ultimately, the best way to decide how much mortgage you can afford is to plan ahead by establishing a relationship with a lender and taking enough time to explore your options with an agent who understands the market and your needs.
With enough planning and work, you’ll be able to decide for yourself if the mortgage you can afford gets you the home you want, or if paying rent for another year is better than paying a mortgage.
If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my bi-weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: Â What neighborhoods are between Tysons and City of Falls Church?
Answer: The neighborhood of Idylwood is located in Falls Church. It originally developed as a suburban community along the route of the W&OD Railroad, and later along Virginia State Route 7. It is bordered to the east by the city of Falls Church, to the north by Pimmit Hills and Tysons, to the west by Dunn Loring, and to the southwest by Merrifield.
Here are the top reasons that make Idylwood an awesome neighborhood:
Great Location
It’s located within 3 miles, of West Falls Church station on the Orange Line, and Greensboro station on the Silver Line. It’s easy access to I-66, 495, Dulles Access Toll Road, and just minutes from Tysons — only 12 miles from D.C.
For joggers and bikers, there’s easy access to the W&OD Trail, going all the way from Shirlington to Purcellville.
Things To Do
It’s located just a couple of miles from all the fun, shopping and entertainment in Tysons and City of Falls Church. Idylwood Park (7715 Virginia Lane) offers baseball fields, tennis courts, a playground and a large soccer field. What I enjoy most about this park is that it is literally walking distance to the W&OD trail.
Jefferson District Park offers a Mini-Golf course, lighted tennis and basketball courts, picnic facilities, a children’s playground and nine-hole executive golf course.
There’s also a range of ethnic restaurants. Taco Bamba is one of my all-time favorites. They have amazing tacos and the best Mexican street corn. Crisp & Juicy for Peruvian Chicken (expert here!); Victor Grill, super casual and delicious Argentinian steakhouse (they have the best deals on wine, especially Malbec); and 2941 Restaurant if you want to celebrate a special occasion or try fancy French-American food.
Idylwood Plaza has everything you need! From Whole Foods, to Starbucks, to My Eye Dr. Just give yourself time to find parking as the shopping center is very busy.
You’re also close to all the fun in Mosaic District!
Many Housing Options
There are different options from detached homes, townhomes and condos. In Idlywood, there are currently 26 properties for sale, ranging from a one bedroom condo for $199,999, to a $1.699M 5 bedroom home built in 2015, located by West Falls Church Metro. You can see all active listings here.
Seventeen properties are currently under contract, ranging from a 2 bedroom condo at $240,000 to a custom built 5 bedroom Craftsman house at $1.649 million.
In the past 6 months, 73 condos were sold for a median price of $265,000, 35 townhouses were sold for a median price of $592,5000, and 51 single family homes sold for a median price of $775,000.
Great Quality of Life.
Falls Church Ranked as No. 1 Healthiest Community in U.S. in 2018. Need to say more?
Changes on the Horizon
While the area has a timeless quality to it, things will change a bit in the next few years. Founder’s Row is a mixed use project located at the corner of W. Broad and N. West Streets and it will include a 6-8 screen dine-in movie theater with 850 seats, 5,000 square feet of office and 60,000 square feet of retail-restaurant space and 72 senior and 322 market rate apartments. Also, new developments in Tysons and Mosaic District are in progress. I’ll keep you posted!
If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.
If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my bi-weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: Which free real estate sites are accurate and reliable?
Answer: Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, you’re tracking home sales in your neighborhood, or you’re just curious about the value of homes these days, chances are that you’ve visited one of many real estate websites. Technology can help make your search a little easier allowing you to view listings, calculate mortgage costs, and find out which businesses and attractions are nearby.
According to a 2017 report from the National Association of Realtors, nearly all homebuyers start their home search online, up from just 44 percent in 2015.
How Do You Know Which Of The Countless Real Estate Sites Are Worth Your Time?
Most used by my clients: Homesnap
The biggest advantage of Homesnap is that it has a partnership with our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Bright, which is the system of record agents use to enter and manage properties that are coming soon, for sale, under contract and sold. The result is that the status of every property in Homesnap is 100% accurate and that changes are made in real-time vs the delay you see on many other property search sites.
Everything you see in Homesnap reflects exactly what the listing agent enters into MRIS. You can connect directly with your Realtor through Homesnap (click the link to connect with me!) allowing you to send homes you’re interested in directly to your agent.
The chat function allows you and your agent to communicate through the app and keeps a record of the properties you’ve shared back and forth. You can also add multiple people to the chat (like a spouse).
Snap a photo of any home across the nation to get instant property details, including home values, when it last sold, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, taxes, lot boundaries, local school ratings, similar listings and nearby sales.
Other Search Apps
Sites: Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Homes, Realtor.com, etc.
I grouped these sites together because they essentially do the same thing: search the local multiple listing service (MLS) for properties for sale. Homebuyers can search by city/state or zip code to see current listings, and filter by price, number of beds and baths, property type, square feet, features, age of home and listing activity (e.g., open houses, new listings, price reduced).
Just keep in mind that Zillow and Trulia are not always reliable in terms of what’s for sale and what’s not on the market. They often show properties as currently listed that are not on the market, and vice versa. They have what they call a “Zestimate” of the value of all homes, but they are not always accurate.
MLS Through Your Realtor
The most accurate, up-to-date information available on your real estate market will come through the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is information that licensed realtors and brokers have access to. Your real estate agent can set up email alerts for you based on specific search criteria.
Other Helpful Sites
Greatschools for school ratings.
Walkscore for commute report and options for getting around by car, bus, bike and foot.
Homepath for foreclosure properties owned by Fannie Mae.
What other property search tools do you like or have used in the past? I’d love to hear from you!
Note: Homesnap did not sponsor or review this post.
If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my bi-weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: We’ve owned our home for a couple of years and our partially finished basement is filled with every old and unwanted item in the house from old furniture to memorabilia. Do you have any tips for remodeling our basement and making the most out of that space?
Answer: We are lucky enough to live in an area where basements are a commonly built element of most homes. The basement is a perfect space that can be remodeled and finished so that it not only integrates with the rest of the home, but becomes a valuable asset to the property.
The best way to figure out how to put your finished basement to use is to determine what your home is missing and explore ideas that you often can’t apply to your main living space. A media room, living room, wine cellar, wet bar, gym, office, playroom, man’s cave and guest room are all popular choices for basement spaces.
I spoke with Caroline Goree, a Project Leader with BOWA, a local design build firm that specializes in luxury renovations from kitchens to whole-home remodels. Here are her answers to frequently asked questions about basement projects:
How do you make a basement feel more inviting and connected to the rest of the home?
Nowadays, many clients are trying to integrate their basements with the first floor of the house to create more of a “lower level” rather than dark, cold, “cellar” feeling.
In the past, the entrance and stairwell to the basement were narrow and dark. Today, we are seeing folks create stairways that are open and inviting, frequently featuring a nice railing or banister for an added touch. Generous lighting is also important in making the lower level feel warm and inviting, and most homeowners find they need significantly more lighting in this area than anywhere else in the home to achieve this objective.
If possible, take advantage of natural light by installing large windows or French doors. Don’t forget to also include ample lighting controls as well. By adding recessed lights throughout and highlighting different spaces with decorative wall sconces, it can completely transform the ambiance of this level.
How should you repurpose the basement to create a more functional space for your family?
Homeowners are much more interested in using the basement in other ways besides storage and laundry (many even requesting to move the laundry up to the main level).
Before diving into a construction project, we encourage our clients to start with an assessment of their needs. If you’ve had any life changing events, such as a new baby or caring for aging parents, you may want to consider a nanny or in-law suite. Just keep in mind there are egress requirements that will need to be met with rooms like these.
Or maybe you are looking to create a space for a hobby or passion? If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider adding anything from a wet bar with a wine refrigerator, to having your own temperature controlled, walk-in wine cellar and tasting room.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Val Sotillo, Northern Virginia-based Realtor and Falls Church resident. Please submit your questions to her via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: What can you tell me about living in the City of Fairfax?
Answer: The City of Fairfax is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, gets its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who had five million acres of land located in Northern Virginia. It is home to George Mason University but it’s more than just a college town. The city is rich in history and its attractive blend of commercial, office, retail and residential properties combines the charm of a small town with the opportunities of a thriving urban area.
What’s Great About The City of Fairfax:
Location — Fairfax is located minutes away from Tysons. It has its own Metro Station (Vienna-Fairfax) and it’s the last stop on the orange line. It is located off of Route 50 and I-66, which provides quick access to Dulles Toll Road, 495 and can take you to D.C. in 25 minutes. You can get to Dulles Airport in 20 minutes. Overall, it’s a great location.
Great sense of community — Fairfax has a great sense of community and they do an excellent job at keeping residents informed with all their news, events and activities with their monthly newsletter.
Things to do — Parades, festivals, fireworks, concerts, farmer’s market, bingo at the Fire Station… you name it! A few of my favorite events are Celebrate Fairfax, and the upcoming City of Fairfax Fall Festival, a festival with over 400 arts, crafts, food vendors, children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages.
You can visit Civil War sites such as Ox Hill Battelfield Park, enjoy one of the many parks and recreational areas including basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Or take Fido to the brand new Fairfax City Dog Park.
Scooters and bikes are now available for rent to stroll around the city, just keep in mind that the City of Fairfax does not allow e-scooters or e-bikes on sidewalks or walking trails, but they are permitted on the road and in bike lanes.
There are endless dining and entertainment options, but a few favorites are The Auld Shebeen for drinks, live music, or trivia, Sisters Thai and Artie’s for great food.
Here’s a map with the best Fairfax attractions.
Housing
There are many different options for detached homes, townhomes and condos. Within the City of Fairfax limits there are 62 properties for sale, ranging from a 1 bedroom condo in Mosby Woods for $175,000, to a new custom built 5 bedroom single family home for $1,295,000. You can see the active listings here.
Seventy properties are under contract, ranging from a 1 bedroom condo at $179,900, to a new custom built, 5 bedroom single family house at $1,295,000.
In the past 6 months, 41 condos were sold for a median price of $220,000; 36 townhouses were sold for a median price of $646,500; and 149 single family homes sold for a median price of $575,000.
What’s Next For Fairfax City?
Amongst current developments, Point 50 is under construction (10412 Fairfax Blvd) with 48,199 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store under 30,000 square feet and 18,000 square feet of additional retail/restaurant space. Scout on the Circle is another development close to completion.
The city is definitely keeping up with the ongoing growth and development and continues to evolve to accommodate changing needs of residents and businesses. The City of Fairfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council and it was developed around 14 content areas, categorized into the Land Use, Multimodal Transportation, Environment and Sustainability, Economic Development, and Community Services chapters.
Their goal for 2035, is to be a city with a close-knit community and a population that is diverse in its culture, demographics and lifestyles, that capitalizes on its location in the center of the growing region and with easy access to the nation’s capital.
I will keep you posted!
If you’d like more information, or would like a question answered in my bi-weekly column, please reach out to [email protected]. I hope to hear from you soon.
Val Sotillo is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite #10C Arlington, VA 22203, 703-390-9460.