Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Growing Up in Loudoun County Means Going Places
After perusing through one week's worth of articles in the Loudoun County newspapers, it becomes very apparent that the young people of Loudoun are making a big impact in and out of the country. With the Loudoun County education system and vast array of opportunities available to its residents from a young age, success and drive come easy for many Loudoun County children.Here are just a few stories that prove that growing up in Loudoun County means going places...
Sixteen Loudoun County students were named National Merit Scholarship finalists, a national award only granted to outstanding students.
Students are learning the value of charity at an elementary level, raising more than $2,000 for Haiti's recent earthquake victims.
A Loudoun County High School graduate is currently in Lithuania's capital city working for the U.S State Department. His responsibilities include meeting local officials and serving as a liaison between Washington DC and Lithuania.
A young Ashbur
n resident became an entrepreneur early in life when he created a social networking site based on location - a novel idea and the first social networking site of its kind.Plato once said, "The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life." Growing up, most children don't realize what an impact their education will make on their future. However, most parents are well aware of this fact. They know that choosing a good community with a solid education system is the starting point that determines the direction of their child's future.
If you have have considered making the move to Loudoun County, a look at their top notch education system may very well be the factor that confirms Loudoun as the best choice for you and your family.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Market Activity Report: Putting it into Perspective
As far as inventory for the last three months, we aren't seeing any new trends, patterns, or jumps in comparison to last year's numbers. Just... less! While the patterns virtually mirror each other, this year's inventory is down from last year by 23 percent. Buyers don't fret, we have seen an increase in new listings over the past two weeks and this season looks promising.
The homes that were on the market in February, however, did not stay there for long! The average days on market dropped from 123 for 2009, to 88 this year. To put that into better perspective, from 2008-2009 the days on market only went down a mere 2.2 percent. From 2009-2010 the average DOM decreased by a whopping 28 percent! The argument can be made that bank sales and short sales have become quite expedient over the year. Pending sales have taken a dramatic jump, over 20 percent from last year’s steady tapering that only reached 2,096 in its best week from mid-December to mid-March.
Housing affordability may be "down" from 2009 by 4.4 percent, but this is just a small dent in the 56.2 percent leap it took from 2008. While some numbers are up and other numbers are down, we are certainly in a better place for 2009-2010 than we were for 2008-2009, and things are looking up in Loudoun County!
Check out the full MRIS Weekly Market Activity Report.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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Friday, March 19, 2010
Town Spotlight: Waterford, Virginia - A Step Back in Time
There is something very special about living in a town that was founded more than two centuries ago. Steeped in history, Waterford Virginia was founded in 1733 by a Quaker from Bucks County Pennsylvania. Many of the buildings still standing were built before 1840. Today, Waterford has still preserved a lot of its history. In fact, its history is a large part of the town's character and suits its community members perfectly.
From a one room schoolhouse built right after the Civil War, to the oldest Virginia post office still standing, so many structures and events have been kept in tact in Waterford. Here are just a few events that have come to define Waterford's character...
The Waterford Concert Series brings premier classical musicians to Loudoun County. Here you can find breathtaking performances from world famous artists such as the Cavatina Duo - A guitar and flute duo, winner of 11 international competitions and accolades and featured in multiple major music publications. The performances appeal to a variety of audiences - from seasoned classical music lovers to children just beginning to find their love for music.
The event that has put Waterford on the map has to be the famous Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit. With the proceeds of the fair going towards further preserving Waterford's history, its events often center around the past. Learn how early furniture, tools and housewares were made, visit historic homes from the 1800s and enjoy music, entertainment and delicious local food. The event is held every year from October 1st to 3rd, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The perfect way to embrace Spring with open arms, the Waterford Country and Garden Tours are a truly unique experience. The tour takes you through a garden reminiscent of the early 19th century, a secret garden that can only be reached through an old archway, and sights and smells of perennial flower beds, shade and herb gardens and parterre boxwood gardens. Writing about it does not do it justice - the experience really does feel like you have stepped back in time and stumbled upon a secret Eden. Also enjoy free refreshments, a lecture about the gardens and plants and garden accessories available for sale.
If you've ever felt the desire to move back to a simpler place in time, but didn't think that it was possible in today's hectic society, Waterford, VA might be just what you have been looking for. If you would like to look at some Waterford Real Estate or simply want a tour of the town, I would be happy to help.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
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From a one room schoolhouse built right after the Civil War, to the oldest Virginia post office still standing, so many structures and events have been kept in tact in Waterford. Here are just a few events that have come to define Waterford's character...
The Waterford Concert Series brings premier classical musicians to Loudoun County. Here you can find breathtaking performances from world famous artists such as the Cavatina Duo - A guitar and flute duo, winner of 11 international competitions and accolades and featured in multiple major music publications. The performances appeal to a variety of audiences - from seasoned classical music lovers to children just beginning to find their love for music.
The event that has put Waterford on the map has to be the famous Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit. With the proceeds of the fair going towards further preserving Waterford's history, its events often center around the past. Learn how early furniture, tools and housewares were made, visit historic homes from the 1800s and enjoy music, entertainment and delicious local food. The event is held every year from October 1st to 3rd, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The perfect way to embrace Spring with open arms, the Waterford Country and Garden Tours are a truly unique experience. The tour takes you through a garden reminiscent of the early 19th century, a secret garden that can only be reached through an old archway, and sights and smells of perennial flower beds, shade and herb gardens and parterre boxwood gardens. Writing about it does not do it justice - the experience really does feel like you have stepped back in time and stumbled upon a secret Eden. Also enjoy free refreshments, a lecture about the gardens and plants and garden accessories available for sale.
If you've ever felt the desire to move back to a simpler place in time, but didn't think that it was possible in today's hectic society, Waterford, VA might be just what you have been looking for. If you would like to look at some Waterford Real Estate or simply want a tour of the town, I would be happy to help.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
Follow Me on Twitter
Friday, March 12, 2010
Everything Irish in Loudoun County
It's St. Patrick's Day in Loudoun County, and when you live in a community that has everything to offer, there is no shortage of events and happenings on any holiday. Whether you are looking for a musical performance, delectable cuisine, or want to become the next River Dancer - Loudoun County has everything Irish...
A Taste of Ireland
Date: Saturday, March 13
Time: 6
-9 pm
There is nothing more fitting of Loudoun County than celebrating St. Patty's Day with a little a wine and cheese pairing at Notaviva Vineyards. The wine's offered are not just from Notaviva, but also Fabbioli Cellars, North Gate Vineyards, and 8 Chains North. Enjoy the sounds of Irish music to brighten your spirits and the samples of Shepards Pie, fruit, bread and incredible Kerrygold cheese to delight your taste buds.
A Real Irish Meal
Irish cuisine doesn't get any more real than this unless you want to make a trip to Ireland itself. If you are craving Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, or Fish and Chips, then O'Faolains Irish Pub is where you'll want to go. If the wine tasting wasn't your style, then you might enjoy O'Faolin's Irish Whiskey Tasting on March 15th.
Celtic Marc Performance
Date: Saturday, March 13
Time: 8:00 pm
If you have never been to one of the Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series performances, now is the time to pay it a visit. Held at the beautiful and historic Unitarian Universalist Church near Leesburg, the Series has been bringing the community together to enjoy music and stories for almost 16 years. Specially for St. Patrick's Day, you can enjoy a live acoustic performance by the Celtic Marc. The group performs traditional Irish, Scottish and Welsh music - with a few modern twists thrown in for good measure.
An Irish Jig
Has your child always shown interest in Irish dancing? Or maybe they just love the idea of getting dolled up with a face of makeup and a head of ringlet curls. The Celtic Rhythm School of Dance offers something that appeal to kids more than the average Irish dance school - they teach both traditional Irish dances as well as more contemporary Irish dances. They perform at schools, hospitals and local events. This may be that unique activity that you've been looking to get your child involved in.
To end with a beautiful Irish saying, in your Loudoun home...
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
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A Taste of Ireland
Date: Saturday, March 13
Time: 6
-9 pmThere is nothing more fitting of Loudoun County than celebrating St. Patty's Day with a little a wine and cheese pairing at Notaviva Vineyards. The wine's offered are not just from Notaviva, but also Fabbioli Cellars, North Gate Vineyards, and 8 Chains North. Enjoy the sounds of Irish music to brighten your spirits and the samples of Shepards Pie, fruit, bread and incredible Kerrygold cheese to delight your taste buds.
A Real Irish Meal
Irish cuisine doesn't get any more real than this unless you want to make a trip to Ireland itself. If you are craving Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, or Fish and Chips, then O'Faolains Irish Pub is where you'll want to go. If the wine tasting wasn't your style, then you might enjoy O'Faolin's Irish Whiskey Tasting on March 15th.
Celtic Marc Performance
Date: Saturday, March 13
Time: 8:00 pm
If you have never been to one of the Shenandoah Coffeehouse Series performances, now is the time to pay it a visit. Held at the beautiful and historic Unitarian Universalist Church near Leesburg, the Series has been bringing the community together to enjoy music and stories for almost 16 years. Specially for St. Patrick's Day, you can enjoy a live acoustic performance by the Celtic Marc. The group performs traditional Irish, Scottish and Welsh music - with a few modern twists thrown in for good measure.
An Irish Jig
Has your child always shown interest in Irish dancing? Or maybe they just love the idea of getting dolled up with a face of makeup and a head of ringlet curls. The Celtic Rhythm School of Dance offers something that appeal to kids more than the average Irish dance school - they teach both traditional Irish dances as well as more contemporary Irish dances. They perform at schools, hospitals and local events. This may be that unique activity that you've been looking to get your child involved in.
To end with a beautiful Irish saying, in your Loudoun home...
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
Follow Me on Twitter
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Weekly Market Activity Report: Loudoun's Market Continues to Spring Up
The MRIS region seems to be bouncing back up as Spring sets in. For the week ending February 27, there was a 33.3 percent jump of signed purchase agreements from a year ago.
New listings have also jumped this week compared to last, but still hang 1.2 percent lower than the same week last year.
Sales up + listings down = A drop in home inventory. The number of homes currently on the market is the lowest since 2006!
Here a few other interesting trends:
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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New listings have also jumped this week compared to last, but still hang 1.2 percent lower than the same week last year.
Sales up + listings down = A drop in home inventory. The number of homes currently on the market is the lowest since 2006!
Here a few other interesting trends:
- The number of active listings for sale are up compared to 2003.
- Market time has severely decreased from last year - down 30.2%.
- The percent of original list price received at sale is up a whopping 3.9% from last year.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Town Spotlight: Leesburg, VA
Loudoun County encompasses a variety of towns, all of which have something unique to offer - Aldie to Ashburn, Hamilton, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purceville, Round Hill, South Riding, Sterling, and Waterford. To give you a better taste of what is special about each town, I would like to offer a new Town Spotlight series to my blog, starting with one of my favorites...
Time seems to move slower here, and I mean that in the best way possible. Walking the beautifully crafted brick sidewalks lined with historic architecture in Downtown Leesburg takes you back to a simpler time with every step. Unique shops like Creme de la Creme and mom and pop businesses are something you come to expect rather than an unusual occurrence.
If you love dining out, you are sure to love trying every restaurant in Leesburg. Its easy for any resident to turn into a food connoseur. In Leesburg, it's not just about the food, it's about the experience. From the most exquisite food at 5 star rated restaurants to well-priced food with incredibly fresh ingredients that keep the locals coming back.
The community looks forward to big events that bring the entire town together. There are multiple events each season, even in the Winter when cabin fever is at its worst, events like The Christmas Parade or First Night gives everybody an excuse to leave the house. Of course it's the spring events like Flower and Garden Festival that have put Leesburg on the map. Lush landscapes, gorgeous gardens, fresh herbs, street vendors, and the exciting promise of spring - there's nothing else like it.
On top of it all, the education can't be beat. Their schools are ranked among the finest schools in the nation. In fact, all of Loudoun County's high schools are among the best 1,000 high schools in America according to Newsweek's Challenge Index.
It is difficult to sum such a rich community in only a few paragraphs. In fact, there might have to be a Town Spotlight: Part 2 on Leesburg. But for now, it is enough to say that Leesburg is one town that you can't forget about once you visit. Its old fashioned feel, unique amenities, beautiful setting, and tight-knit community are the things that keep visitors coming back, and often times, never leaving.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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Town Spotlight: Leesburg, VA
Not far from our nation's capital and mere minutes from the Washington Dulles International Airport, this beautiful community is, surprisingly, a genuine small town, with all the benefits of a big city - if you choose to use them. Here, you can literally go to the grocery store or local coffee shop (I highly recommend Shoe's Cup and Cork Club) and run into your neighbors.
Time seems to move slower here, and I mean that in the best way possible. Walking the beautifully crafted brick sidewalks lined with historic architecture in Downtown Leesburg takes you back to a simpler time with every step. Unique shops like Creme de la Creme and mom and pop businesses are something you come to expect rather than an unusual occurrence.
If you love dining out, you are sure to love trying every restaurant in Leesburg. Its easy for any resident to turn into a food connoseur. In Leesburg, it's not just about the food, it's about the experience. From the most exquisite food at 5 star rated restaurants to well-priced food with incredibly fresh ingredients that keep the locals coming back.
The community looks forward to big events that bring the entire town together. There are multiple events each season, even in the Winter when cabin fever is at its worst, events like The Christmas Parade or First Night gives everybody an excuse to leave the house. Of course it's the spring events like Flower and Garden Festival that have put Leesburg on the map. Lush landscapes, gorgeous gardens, fresh herbs, street vendors, and the exciting promise of spring - there's nothing else like it.
On top of it all, the education can't be beat. Their schools are ranked among the finest schools in the nation. In fact, all of Loudoun County's high schools are among the best 1,000 high schools in America according to Newsweek's Challenge Index.
It is difficult to sum such a rich community in only a few paragraphs. In fact, there might have to be a Town Spotlight: Part 2 on Leesburg. But for now, it is enough to say that Leesburg is one town that you can't forget about once you visit. Its old fashioned feel, unique amenities, beautiful setting, and tight-knit community are the things that keep visitors coming back, and often times, never leaving.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Weekly Market Activity Report: Snow Can't Keep Loudoun Down
The MRIS housing market is too tough to let a little thing like a snow storm hold it down. In fact, it rebounded strongly for the week ending February 20th.
There were 2,288 signed purchase agreements that week alone, which is an 800 unit jump from the prior week. New listings also bounced back, with 3,259 newly listed properties - a jump of 1200 units from the previous week!
A few other interesting trends. The MRIS Region is...
Up 3.9% from last year on the percent of original list price received at sale.
Even in our housing affordability index compared to last year, but up compared to 2003.
Down 36% on the month's supply of inventory.
Check out the full MRIS Weekly Market Activity Report.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
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There were 2,288 signed purchase agreements that week alone, which is an 800 unit jump from the prior week. New listings also bounced back, with 3,259 newly listed properties - a jump of 1200 units from the previous week!
A few other interesting trends. The MRIS Region is...
Up 3.9% from last year on the percent of original list price received at sale.
Even in our housing affordability index compared to last year, but up compared to 2003.
Down 36% on the month's supply of inventory.
Check out the full MRIS Weekly Market Activity Report.
Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
Follow Me on Twitter
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