Recently upgraded 2 bedroom corner unit with a spectacular views of the Nations Capitol, Washington and Jefferson monuments. Updated granite kitchen, with new expanded bar, 2 large bedrooms, over sized living room and dinning room, covered garage parking space. 11feet walls through out. elevator, pool, fitness center, 24 hour front desk security. coveredwalk to Chrystal City and Pentagon metro stops many restaurants, shopping, Pentagon and Reagan airport. Bella Vista is a 21-story high-rise condominium building on Eads Street in Arlington, Virginia, within walking distance of both Crystal City and Pentagon City. Completed in 1989, the Bella Vista is pet friendly and also includes monitored security, a 24-hour front desk, an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck as well as a fitness room, sauna and clubroom. The building includes 201 units and is also conveniently located to National Airport and all major routes, including 395, the Beltway, and Routes 1 and 66. The Bella Vista is served by the Pentagon City Metro Station. Units: 201 Stories: 21 Delivered: 1989 Location: Eads Street south of 12th Street Neighborhood: Pentagon City Metro: Pentagon City
Beyond Luxury 2 bedroom 2 bathroom High rise condo with breath taking views of Potomac River, Washington and Jefferson monuments from balcony. Easy commute to DC. Minutes to Crystal city, to Pentagon & Crystal Cities by metro. Bamboo hardwoods in kitchen. Updated Granite Kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances. Roomy master bedroom with walk in closets, white marbled master bath with jetted tub. Express elevator , garaged parking spots, storage, workout room, PRICED TO SELL at $539,900.00
Just Listed: 1211 S EADS ST #1102 ARLINGTON VA, 22202, BELLA VISTA CONDO
Spacious 2 bedroom corner unit with a spectacular views of the Nations Capitol, walk to Chrystal City and Pentagon metro stops, updated granite kitchen, with new expanded bar, 2 large bedrooms, over sized living room and dinning room, covered garage parking space, elevator, pool, fitness center, 24 hour front desk security. close proximity to many restaurants, shopping, Pentagon and Reagan airport.
Signature features of the Bella Vista are generously proportioned open floor plans, 11-foot ceilings, crown moldings, spacious marble baths and ample closet space. Building amenities include 24 hour front desk security, Red Top cab service, a dry cleaning service, on-site management, outdoor pool with sundeck, picnic area with grill, fitness room with sauna, resident club room, deeded underground assigned parking, bike racks and additional building storage. Pets are welcome here! Shopping is plentiful, including Pentagon City Mall, Pentagon Row, Costco, and a 24 hour Harris Teeter. Dining options nearby include Ruth's Chris Steak House, McCormick and Schmick's, and the Ritz Carlton -- in addition to a variety of outdoor cafes lining historic 23rd Street and trendy lower Crystal Drive. The unit itself features an updated kitchen, wall-to-wall carpeting, tons of storage, an enclosed sunroom, and PARKING! All of this, combined with the low condo fee -- which covers utilities -- makes for an extraordinary value!
Beyond Luxury 2 bedroom 2 bathroom High rise condo with breath taking views of Potomac River, Washington and Jefferson monuments from balcony. Easy commute to DC. Minutes to Crystal city, to Pentagon & Crystal Cities by metro. Bamboo hardwoods in kitchen. Updated Granite Kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances. Roomy master bedroom with walk in closets, white marbled master bath with jetted tub. Express elevator , garaged parking spots, storage, workout room, PRICED TO SELL at $539,900.00
Sunday, September 22, 2013, marks the beginning of autumn, when the sun crosses over the Earth's equator on its way south — an event in the Northern Hemisphere called the autumnal equinox.
The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words for “equal night” and refers to when day and night are most equal in length, which occurs twice a year with the arrival of spring and fall.
Fall Begins on this Start Date for the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere Fall - Autumn 2013
Summer is unofficially over, it's September and you are selling your home entering into the fall and winter months. With light dwindling and temperatures dropping, evaluating your home with regard to warmth is a smart idea. Homes that are warm in the winter (and cool in the summer) are highly desirable - and achievable, if the savvy homeowner knows where to look and what to do to control the interior environment.
When showing a home in the fall and winter months, pay attention to how warm you feel in the home, how the spaces are heated, how to control the heat and moisture, the presence of natural light, and how warm they are to the eye. When showing a home during these months, you will want to ensure that the warming aspects of the home stand out.
How is your home heated?
Understanding the heating system of a home is key information for many buyers. The type of heating used is often dictated by the fuel that is most readily available (or was, at the time of building) and can be the source of a significant expense in cold weather climates. Information to have available for potential buyers include:
vType of heating system(s) in all areas of the home.
vHow the heat works and best practices for using the system(s) including the presence of a programmable thermostat. For example, radiant floor heat takes a while to warm large spaces and continues to radiate heat once off; knowing this, scheduling heat to turn on hours before arriving home from work, and to turn off hours before retiring for the night makes total sense.
vSource of energy, and operational costs.
vAge of the system and maintenance history, if available.
Fireplaces, Stoves, and Inserts
There something about seeing a fire in a fireplace that warms the heart - even "false" flames of electric fireplaces add a warming visual effect. However, traditional fireplaces often draw in warm air from the home which is lost up the chimney, in fact, cooling the rest of the home.
Fireplaces are not highly efficient ways of heating a home, without some assistance. Enter the blower: fan systems that distribute heat from the fire back into the room rely on electricity to work, but enables homeowners to benefit from the heat generated by the fire itself. Better yet, an insert, or sealed stove that uses the chimney but takes in air efficiently and puts out considerably more heat is the preferred method for increasing warmth. Russian fireplaces or other variations can be a boon in very cold climates, but take a moment to understand how to efficiently use them to see if these sometimes expensive bonuses fit with your lifestyle. Like radiant heat, they are slower to warm and cool down, so fires should be monitored and made at specific times.
Stoves that generate heat can rely on a variety of fuels, typically including wood, propane, and pellets (which are made of wood by-products). Ensuring that the stove is installed properly, well-vented, and airtight is essential for health and safety. Chimney fires in stovepipes can be quite dangerous, so it is essential to regularly have the stove serviced by a professional.
Spot Heating with Stand-Alone Heaters
On some occasions, free-standing heating units such as electric "space heaters" or propane heaters are handy to own. However, these appliances can be tricky to use and require that you follow explicit safety instructions. Their cords or fumes could present safety issues. A better practice might be to solve the problems that require their use.
Insulate, seal and put in a more robust heating system - relying on dangerous or worry-inducing appliances does little to inspire confidence in a home. When showing a home, it is generally better to put these appliances in storage, unless an outdoor patio heater is seen as an advantage.
Keeping Heat In
Heating a space is only part of the warming equation. Keeping the space warm is achieved by capturing that heat and retaining it. Appropriate insulation and attention to places where heat may escape are key points to consider. Insulation in walls and attics should be clean and dry, free from signs of animal infestation. Windows in cooler climates might be double or triple-glazed, and doors and windows should close tightly and no drafts should be present around them. Caulk and seal around window frames, if needed, and pay attention to areas that seem particularly prone to cooling down quickly.
Architectural features of the home can also help with regard to a home's warmth. Entryways are more functional in colder climates if there is a way to avoid cold air and weather from sweeping into the home. Covered porches or enclosed "northern entryways" are essentially vestibules than afford a transition from the frigid outdoors to the warmth of your home. "Mudrooms" or other utility spaces such as garage entryways can help retain heat, though if they are to be highlighted features of a home, they should be attractive and well-kept.
Some rooms in the home will naturally be warmer than others. When showing a home, be present to this fact and decide if you will "close off spaces" by shutting doors to conserve heat in some living areas, or if you will seek to warm cooler spaces by keeping doors open.
Insulating hot-water heaters could be a plus if they are located in a cooler location such as a basement or garage and ensuring that water pipes are insulated is also useful to homeowners in frigid areas. Attention to these details shows that the home is well-cared for and ready for anything.
Warming "Accessories"
Some bonus features that jump out and say "warm" include hot-tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and sun rooms. Others are less noticeable, but also great, warming perks. The same ceiling fans that move air in the summer to create a breeze can move warm air from high spaces where it isn't being effective. Towel warming bars, heat lamps, or radiant floor heat in bathrooms can offer spot warmth in places that are most appreciated.
Heated workrooms, storage spaces and garages are a huge bonus to some families. Showcase these areas by keeping them neat and functional, including lighting and easy access.
If the home is in a locale where power outages are common, generators and homes wired to accommodate their use are especially appreciated. Understand the system in place, the age and repair of the generator and the electrical panel, and how to switch things back and forth between electrical systems. Be sure that there is fresh fuel available for the generator, and that it is stored safely.
In the fall months, decks can become more usable with outdoor heaters, generally run on propane, or small fire pits. These warming accessories can make the most of outdoor spaces, showing that they can be used year-round.
Light the dark corners with warm lights. Enabling people to see your space in a warm glow makes rooms appear lighter on shorter days that might be grey. Consider pulling out an afghan or lap blanket for the couch and swapping the warming colors of autumn in pillows and window treatments. Heavier drapery can retain heat and give your rooms a weightier, cozier feeling, while also retaining heat and adding privacy.
In general, adding texture and fabrics will warm a room. While bare tables can be cooling in the summer, adding a tablecloth or runner in the winter adds to the warmth of a scene. Similarly, place fall flowers and plants in rooms to bring the viewer into the season. Consider the closest holidays and seek to bring touches of cheer into the space. Don't fill or clutter spaces, but consider the details that warm the eye. Adding carpets or area rugs will warm the floors and add visual warmth, without adding bulk to a room. This goes for bedrooms as well as living spaces, so be sure to scan each room with a warming eye.
In cool months, cooking can add warmth to your home as well. A bubbling pot of soup, baking cookies or bread, or even a pot of tea will provide the smells that evoke a sense of heat and well-being. Candles also put out heat as well as light, though be certain not to leave them unattended. Scented candles can be difficult if a guest is sensitive to scents or chemicals, and may be perceived as covering up pet smells, so use these with care.
Life Style
MAPLE APPLE CAKE
Servings: 8 to 10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50 minutes
1½ cups white flour
1½ cups whole wheat flour
1¾ teaspoons baking powder
1¾ teaspoons baking soda
⅓ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted
1¼ cups maple syrup
3 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla
⅔ cup buttermilk
2½ cups Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
Topping:
1 cup flour
½ cup cold butter
¾ cup brown sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift dry ingredients together. In a separate large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the apples. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just enough to blend. Add the apples. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan.
Blend the topping mixture together and sprinkle it generously over the batter. Press the topping into the batter. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a tester stick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream, or serve cool the next day. Recipe by Laura Swayne. Photography by Heath Anyan.
END OF SUMMER SENSATION
Servings: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
1 cup low-fat cherry yogurt
¼ cup cranberry juice
1 cup frozen pitted cherries
¾ cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
Combine yogurt and juice in blender. Add cherries and berries; blend until smooth.
Chef’s Hint: Feel free to add different fruits, yogurts, or juices to create your own signature flavor combination. It’s fun and easy to get creative with smoothies. If you like a thicker smoothie, add an extra handful of frozen fruit, crushed ice, or a bit more yogurt. Recipe by Laura Swayne. Photography by Kathi Inglesby.
In addition to working with homeowners seeking to buy and sell their own homes, I often work with these same clients in assisting them with purchasing investment real estate.
Knowing the rental market and which properties produce the best investment opportunities are just a few of the valuable resources I can provide.
If you have an interest in learning more about investing into real estate, I would like the opportunity to share my experiences and those of my clients with you.
Please send me an email or give me a call at (703) 946-2526 if you are ready to explore the opportunities of investment real estate.
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