What $500K Will Buy You….

This installment of “What you can buy in…” features 3 different properties priced around $500,000.   2 condos are featured in Arlington and Reston, while the same amount buys you a 2-car garage townhome in Ashburn.

Obviously, the further west you move, the more space (and longer commute) you can enjoy!  Everyone loves listening to the traffic reports in the morning; moving west gives you more opportunity to enjoy those. 🙂

If you know of anyone looking to buy (or sell) a home anywhere in Northern Virginia, I’d be happy to help!

Spring is around the corner! Cherish the memories!

By now, everyone is probably over winter, and anxious for the start of Spring! From countless school delays to the endless shoveling, I think we are all ready to chase Jack Frost out of town! However, in a few weeks the snow will melt, and the flowers will start to bloom; spring will finally be here! As we say goodbye to winter, it is important to remember the good times, and cherish the memories. Here are some of our team’s favorite winter memories and quotes from the season!

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The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful! And since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! ~ Dean Martin

Our team leader, Matt, enjoys a day of sledding with his kids! From left to right – Penny, Kaiti, and Isabelle

“Winter’s a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I’ll be a… happy snowman!” ~ Olaf in Frozen

The snow doesn’t stop our Marketing Manager, Erin, and her sweet baby Abbie from enjoying an afternoon on the swings!

 “Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together!” ~ Vista M. Kelly

Our office manager, Nora, is shocked to see how much snow arrived with March!

“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, then where will it be found?” ~J.B. Priestley

Jodi, a Realtor on our team, had a fun afternoon building a fort with her son Ethan!

“Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder–no matter how old you became and how much you’d seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.” ~Candace Bushnell

Even Matt’s dog Summer enjoyed the fresh winter air!

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck

Susan, a Realtor on our team, shovels her driveway with a smile!

“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best” ~ Tom Allen

NOW is the time to SELL!

If you were considering selling your home in Northern Virginia, now is a great time to sell!

Here’s why:

• Property values have climbed the past 4 years, but have recently leveled off
• While pricing has leveled off, it’s still a great seller’s market
• Avoid costly future maintenance repairs

For a FREE, no-obligation valuation of your home, visit www.MattElliottRealty.com 

You’ll see instantly how much homes are selling for in the neighborhood and what your home might be worth in this current market.

Out of state? No Problem!

As your agent, I will manage the process of preparing your home for sale! I have successfully managed the entire process of obtaining contractors, estimates, and then overseeing project completion to update current rental properties to “perfect sale” condition. This process is a part of my service and is designed to maximize your ultimate sale price.   You can even sign closing papers remotely!

Here’s a testimonial from a recent client:

To read even more about past client’s experiences visit our Zillow Reviews page.

Contact me via phone/text @ 703.627.2167 or email to MattE@kw.com, and let me provide a no-obligation market analysis of your home’s current value.   I’m also happy to explain how I can manage the entire process for you, making the process a stress-free one to get your home sold for the highest possible price.

Now is the one of the best times to sell a property since the last real estate peak in 2005/2006. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your home sold at what might be the current real estate peak.

Our Reviews Speak for Themselves!

We really appreciate our clients and LOVE reading that they had an exceptional experience with us!

Check out our newest Zillow Review…

We used Matt to handle the listing of list my Mom’s house. Since I live outside outside of the area, it was important that I utilized an agent who not only knew the market, but could also assist in finding reputable, fairly-priced, contractors to help do some required “fix-ups” before we put the house on the market. We also wanted to make sure that we had assistance in having the house professionally staged and photographed. I put together a request for proposal and sent it to 3 agents that had been recommended to me. I selected Matt and his team. Matt is extremely well-networked with many contractors in the area. We needed help with landscaping, electrical work, floor refinishing, driveway sealing, painting, etc. Matt always was able to put us in touch with, or called for us, several contractors that did quality work. Matt has a good feel for where to invest when making improvements. We followed all of his recommendations, including asking for a higher price on the home than the other agents had suggested. He held an open house that was well-attended by other agents and buyers. We had 2 offers the following day. Matt did some qualifying of the offers and came back with a recommended negotiation strategy which we accepted. He handled it from there and after some back and forth we accepted an offer. I liked working with Matt and would use him again. He’s responsive and easy to get a hold of. He knows the real estate business inside out and he applies his skills in a professional manner.

We’re happy to offer assistance with contractor referrals, recommendations on home improvements, and anything else home related. Just give us a call 703-627-2167, or shoot us an e-mail MattElliottRealty@gmail.com!

Raspberry Falls Community Review

From the website:

Raspberry Falls is one of the most unique developments in Loudoun County. Based on the hamlet design, Raspberry Falls features fine homes, abundant open space and wonderful views of the surrounding country and the Catoctin Mountains. Lots here range in size from just under an acre to more than 25 acres in the hills.

Rated one of the best in Virginia, the Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club provides a Country-Club-for-a-day experience to its guests. A Gary Player design course modeled after the links layouts found in Scotland.

And, Raspberry does have the occasional hunt for the elusive fox. You will see period dressed hunters mounted on elegant horses with a bevy of hounds eager to chase the prized red fox.

There is much wildlife to enjoy including deer (sometimes in large herds), red fox, groundhogs and snapping turtles emerging from their homes near the creeks. The bird population abounds with a wide variety of species including the brilliant red Cardinal, an occasional Oriole, Blue Jays and Yellow Finch. Geese make a habit of stopping off here during their migrations.

The history of the development includes the Civil War, the Raspberry Plain mansion, a landing strip and nearby Selma Plantation. The property includes many of the original buildings including the mansion, barns and silos. Several creeks meander through the property originating in the hills west of us, complete with natural pools and waterfalls.

Location

Raspberry Falls is located just north of the historic Town of Leesburg, right off route 15.  It’s just a short drive to Downtown Leesburg and easily accessible to Northern Virginia and DC from the Greenway.

If arriving by car is not exciting enough, Raspberry Falls is also located close to Whites Ferry, the only cable ferry service that carries cars, bicycles, and pedestrians across the Potomac River.

Raspberry Falls Amenities

• Golf & Hunt Club including:
  • Clubhouse
  • Carriage house – perfect for larger events & receptions
  • Golf practice facilities
• Pool
• Tennis Courts

Leesburg Statistics

Median household income in Leesburg zip code, 20176, is $112,309. For more information on schools, market inventory & price trends visit our Market Insider page!

10 Steps to Buying a Home

Have you ever wondered what the home buying process was all about?

At Matt Elliott Realty – we have the process broken down into 10 easy steps – most of which your Realtor will do for you! If you’re thinking about purchasing a home feel free to contact us with any questions you have – we can talk you through the process and provide you with valuable information about the areas you’re interested in!

Northern Virginia Wineries

Across the Northern Virginia area, you’ll discover a large number of wineries thanks to relative elevations that offer perfect sites for grape vines. The rolling landscape, with its rich soils from eons of granite and sandstone erosion, gives good air and drainage for wine grapes. Add the moderate winters and a generous growing season and the result is very productive ground for winemaking grapes. Northern Virginia wineries produce fine examples of every wine Virginia offers, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Mandolin, Merlot, Norton, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval, Vidal Blanc, Traminette and Zinfandel as well as many fruit wines.

I have personally visited a few & always have a wonderful time! My husband has even started drinking wine now that he’s been to a few tastings – and he was a strictly beer guy. Visiting the wineries is one of our favorite things to do on weekends. We especially enjoy bringing out-of-town guests to see the beautiful countryside while imbibing in some local wine. -Erin

Some of our favorites that we’ve been to so far are:

Hillsborough Vineyards

36716 Charles Town Pike
Purcellville, VA 20132

Breaux Vineyards

36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane
Purcellville, Virginia 20132

Stone Tower Winery

19925 Hogback Mountain Rd
Leesburg, 20175

868 Estate Vineyards

14001 Harpers Ferry Rd.
Purcellville, 20132

Casanel Vineyards

17956 Canby Road 17952 Canby Road 
Leesburg, Virginia 20175

For a complete list of Northern Virginia Wineries visit: VirginiaWine.org

River Creek Community Review

Established in 1998, the planned gated community of River Creek in Loudoun County, Virginia is located just east of Leesburg at the confluence of the Potomac River and Goose Creek, the source for its name, and an area of much historical significance. Just 30 miles west of Washington, D.C., the 600-acre planned community River Creek was the first gated, privately owned country club community in the metropolitan area. With a championship Ault-Clark 18-hole golf course bordering spectacular views of the Potomac River, River Creek residents of all ages enjoy both beauty and quality of life.

The 1,132 homes of River Creek are now built out, sold, and occupied.  The original developer, Marc Montgomery, lives in River Creek and is actively involved with the community.  River Creek was designed to have 20 neighborhoods, each with its distinctive flavor. A little less than half of River Creek residences are stand alone single-family units; the majority are slightly attached town houses and patio homes.

Amenities

• Championship golf course
• 30,000 square-foot clubhouse
  • Features private gourmet dining, meeting facilities, forums for family and social events, a golf shop, and a bar and grille for outdoor casual dining with breathtaking views of the Potomac River and Reflection Lake.
• Tennis courts
• Fitness and cardio center
• Three swimming poolsa large family pool
  • lap/exercise pool
  • toddler pool.
• Three tot-lot

Statistics

Below is a graph representing Income by Household for the Leesburg area. For even more information visit our website or contact us – our Realtors have extensive knowledge about the area!

Stone Ridge Community Review

Stone Ridge is a close-knit community with 2,300 homes nestled in the countryside of Loudoun County.  As the community continues to grow to 3,300 homes, Stone Ridge maintains the small-town feel with the big city just down the road! This picturesque community has won many national and regional landscaping awards for well-manicured streets and common areas on 1000 acres.  Stone Ridge is just minutes from Chantilly and Rt. 66, or the Dulles Corridor. The new Silver Line Metro is scheduled for construction along the Greenway, and a Commuter Lot is currently operating in Stone Ridge. So it’s conveniently located & close to everything.

Stone Ridge Layout

Amenities

• Over 5 miles of trails
• Three swimming pools
  • Clubhouse Pool – more social, where you can relax and read a book
  • Greenstone Pool – Olympic sized pool, aquatic playground, and toddler pool
  • Stone Carver Pool – salt water pool with tanning ledges
• another pool and tennis court to be opening in 2014
• Tot lots throughout the community
• Basketball court and hoops
• Byrne Ridge County Park in the center of the community!
• The amphitheater – a great stage for concerts, plays and events!
• The Farmer’s Market at the Gum Spring office Building every Saturday!
• A yearly community yard sale
• Aquatic Playground and outdoor movies
• Annual Steak & Crab Festival and Wine Tasting
• Event Lawn for Easter Egg Hunts and PetFest…and so much more!

Stone Ridge Statistics

Below are the general statistics for the Stone Ridge area. For further information on schools, shopping, weather, and crime statistics visit our website, or contact us. We love discussing the beautiful Stone Ridge area and whether it would be a great fit for you or not!

Ashburn Village Review

Ashburn Village, one of the largest communities in Northern Virginia, offers 5081 residential units comprised of single family homes, town homes, condominiums, age-restricted condominiums and town homes, and apartments. Opened in 1988, construction in Ashburn Village is almost complete with just one section of residential development currently under construction and two parcels for commercial / retail construction. When fully built the community will have approximately 2.5 million square feet of planned commercial and office space. Presently a 200,000 square foot retail space, known as the Ashburn Village Center, provides for shopping and services within minutes of all residents.

Located approximately 33 miles west of Washington, DC. and only minutes from Dulles International Airport, the community features many resident amenities.

• Community Centers
• Outdoor pools
  • Lakes Pool – Olympic sized pool, and baby pool
  • Mills Pool – affectionately nicknamed by the younger residents as the “bucket pool” for its many amenities that cater to our young water lovers`
• Tennis Courts
• Basketball Courts
• Multipurpose Courts
• Meeting Rooms
• 8 tot lots
• Miles of jogging and bike trails
• Baseball & soccer fields
• A fit trail
• 500 acres of open outdoor space
• 8 lakes and ponds for fishing & canoeing

View of Ashburn fireworks from the sky

The Association hosts many exciting community events such as a brilliant display of fireworks on Lake Ashburn in the month of July, VillageFest, H.E.L.P. Wellness Expo, Comedy Night, Fiesta 5K/10K & Fun Run, Kids Triathlon, Halloween Spooktacular, Santa Parade, Shred events, Community Yard Sales, Summer Movie Nights by the Lake and more.

The Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion is the hallmark of the Ashburn Village Community and the home of the Blue Wave Swim Team And AquaJets.  The facility offers a vast array of programming, services and amenities that include a Seasonal Outdoor Pool and Marina, Indoor Pool, Steam and Sauna rooms, Cycle and Group Fitness Studios, Free Weights and Selectorized Strength Training Equipment, TRX, Cardio Equipment, Racquetball Courts, Full Gymnasium, Multipurpose room as well as  year round Tennis Courts.  The Pavilion’s programs and events are geared to meet the needs of members and non-members of all ages that

Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion

include Swim and Tennis Lessons, a large selection of Group Fitness Classes, Specialty programming for Teens, Active Adults and Seniors, State licensed After-School Care, Summer Camp and much more.