Arlington, VA Named One of the Seven Most Intelligent Communities!

Wow - in the world. Arlington was selected for its independent identity, high quality of life and key role that it plays in the Washington, DC economy. Another organization lauding Arlington's efforts and underscoring the fact that Arlington is a wonderful place to live!

Check out the link from The Intelligent Community Forum:
http://www.intelligentcommunity.org/index.php?src=news&refno=433&category=Partner%20News

RE/MAX Allegiance Donates Record Amount to Children's Miracle Network

We are proud participants in this program and are delighted that Children's Miracle Network received $173,572 from RE/MAX's efforts in 2009. A donation is made in our clients' names every time we sell a home.

We are honored to a part of this success as this money is used locally at Children's Hospital in Washington DC. Thank you to our friends and clients that have supported us in 2009 to allow us to be a part of such a large donation!

Chrissy & Lisa Moved by Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

Chrissy and Lisa are moving quickly to organize a fundraiser to benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The deplorable conditions and lack of basic human needs - including shelter - that the people of Haiti are currently living in has moved us to action. Stay tuned for additional information on this event.

In addition, Lisa DuBois has committed to donating 5% of her real estate commissions to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund for help the victims of last week's massive earthquake (www.ClintonBushHaitiFund.com). You can follow this project on Twitter - www.twitter.com/cbhaitifund. You can help now too - text "QUAKE..." to 20222 to donate $10 to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund, charged to your cell phone bill.

9.4% - Wow that is good news!

Good news for the housing market - we've definitely seen a huge uptick in the Metro DC market - especially close-in and sought-after neighborhoods. Arlington, Falls Church and many areas in Alexandria and Washington DC are strong!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/23/AR2009102302152.html?referrer=facebook

Walkability = Marketability According to Article

This is good news for Washington, DC's real estate -- and many close in neighborhoods including Arlington! Washington, DC ranks as the 7th most walkable city according to this poll. In 2005, Arlington was ranked #1 by America's Podiatrists -- and how can thousands of foot doctors be wrong?

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=21243431

Enjoy this gorgeous day and get out and walk your neighborhood!

Back After a Summer Hiatus... Arlington Tops on Jobs

Summer 2009 turned out to be a busy real estate market - great for local markets and buyers AND sellers! The first time buyers continue to fuel the market, largely due to the $8,000 federal tax credit.

US News and World Report recently ranked Arlington, VA as the #2 city in the US for job seekers...

No wonder our real estate market continues to be strong and buck national trends.

While no U.S. city has been untouched by the economic downturn, some job markets have been better able to weather the storm. U.S. News & World Report examined a variety of data to identify cities where it’s easier to find a job than in many other places. The underlying strengths of the top cities vary considerably. Some of the stronger cities are state capitals and have lots of government jobs. Others have abundant natural resources, stable housing markets, growing health care sectors, or are in close proximity to military bases.

But overall, what separates these communities from those that have been hit harder is a steady economy that protected them from steep unemployment.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the 10 cities that offer the most opportunities for job seekers:
1. Anchorage
2. Arlington, Va.
3. Columbus, Ohio
4. Honolulu
5. Houston
6. Oklahoma City
7. Salt Lake City
8. Shreveport, La.
9. Tallahassee, Fla.
10. Wichita, Kan.

"State of the County" - Arlington, VA

So glad we attended Arlington's State of the County presentation this morning! Lots of great information on how well Arlington - and surrounding jurisdictions are weathering the recession. We certainly are glad we live and work in this area!

Some tidbits from today's presentation:

• Arlington's unemployment continues to be incredibly low (hovering around 4%)
• Residential real estate is strong and has plateaued but not seen large value decreases as some areas of the outer suburbs have
• Received a AAA bond rating -- and is 1 of only 20 counties in the nation to do so

Arlington will continue to invest in affordable housing, green initiatives and human services -- while maintaining a committment to transit issues (a must in this congested area!).

Arlington, and neighboring jurisdictions, seem to be weathering the recession much better than most of the country. Everyone is hoping for brighter days ahead -- but it is nice to know that when the skies are grey that we weather the bumps well.