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How to Keep Your Pets Safe All Winter

I just finished watching a wonderful video of dogs reuniting with their military owners after a deployment...as pet owners we all should be aware of how to protect our best friends, canine or feline, during these cold winter months.

1. Keep the antifreeze away -- even in small amounts it's deadly to pets.

2. Don't leave your pets alone in the car in cold weather. The car can act like a refrigerator, keeping in the cold, and causing your animal to freeze to death.

3. Keep your cat inside. Since cats have been known to sleep under the hood of a car to keep warm, bang on your car hood before you start the engine. Give those strays a chance to escape.

4. Never let your dog off the leash during a snowstorm. They can lose their scent in the snow and easily become lost.

5. Wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet or snow -- chemicals that are used to treat streets and sidewalks can be poisonous.

6. Short haired dogs should wear a coat or a sweater outside, and they have little boots for their paws, too. If your pup gets ice balls between his pads they can be very painful. Trim the hair around their feet and then apply a little vaseline or cooking oil, or even Pam spray to their feet before you go outside. It keeps the snow from sticking!

What a Terrific Year this has Been!

We'd like to take a moment to thank all of our clients -- We are wrapping up the most successful year Fall Properties has had since we opened the doors in 2003. We sold over 80 homes this year, with gross sales over 50 Million dollars.

Our 'Days on Market' remained pretty consistent -- 21 days in 2010, 22 in 2011. But the average price of the homes we listed and sold was $658,380 compared to $491,573 last year. That's another strong stat for us.

We focus on the close in suburbs of Northern Virginia: Our clients bought or sold in Falls Church, Arlington, McLean, Alexandria, Annandale, Fairfax, Vienna -- we even had a few far flung sales in Gainesville, Manassas and Fredericksburg! And the business was evenly distributed among our six full time Realtors.

Our new location in the City of Falls Church increased our exposure, and the agents who joined us in 2010 really spread their wings in 2011. Our distinctive signs were everywhere!

Fall Properties represents everything that an independent brokerage should be: we offer personalized customer service, strong internet marketing, and substantial knowledge of our local market. Our agents are well trained and fully supported by a strong administrative staff. And because we are "locally owned, locally operated," we have a flexibility you won't find at a national agency, and a determination to see your contract through to closing.

Even in a challenging economy, we have managed to survive and thrive. We owe it all to you. Thanks again, enjoy the holidays, and we'll see you in the Happy New Year!

4 Reasons to See Open Houses this Weekend - Maybe One of Ours!

Yes, I know it's a very busy holiday weekend, regardless of your religious affiliation. But this is the height of the Spring market -- homes that are in good condition and priced right are selling in a matter of days, with multiple offers.

Low interest rates, lack of inventory, and an improving economy have all helped turn the market around, but four big financial reasons should be pushing you out the door to see what's available:

    1) Interest rates are increasing. That means housing will cost more, even if prices stay low. Waiting for the market to "bottom out" isn't making as much sense as it did just a few months ago.

    2) The 30 year mortgage may be on its last legs. The government's role in supporting home ownership is changing, with the possible elimination of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and a guaranteed 30 year rate may soon be a thing of the past.

    3) Qualifying for a mortgage is going to get tougher. Minimum credit scores of 690, 20% down payments, increasingly conservative debt ratios -- these are all proposed changes to requirements for a qualified residential mortgage.

    4) Rents are going up. As the supply of available rentals decreases, and demand for them increases, rental costs are expected to go up accordingly.

So pack your gang into the car and take a look at some of the fine homes open this weekend. We have two Open Houses on Saturday - 211 S. Lee Street in Falls Church City and 306 Commerce Street in Old Town Alexandria.

And on Sunday, you could stop in at 2748 S. Buchanan Street or 4839 Little Falls Road, both in Arlington, or 1824 Westmoreland Street in McLean. We even have a listing at 427 Lincoln Avenue in Falls Church City that's open Sunday. Follow the links for more photos and information.

Enjoy your holiday, and then get out there and see what the Spring real estate market has to offer you. It's a great time to buy!

Celebrate Earth Day - Add Rain Barrels to your Home!

It's a simple idea - catch rainwater and store it to use later. You'll save money on your water bill, make your plants and lawn happy, and help to save the Chesapeake Bay. And Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria and Falls Church have teamed up to run a regional rain barrel program that makes it easy to participate!  

Over the past 4 years, 2300 rain barrels have been installed as part of the program. There are workshops where you can build your own, or you can purchase a pre-made barrel -- register here, but don't delay. The workshops fill up quickly.

The black plastic barrels hold about 50 gallons, are 23 inches wide and 41-44 inches tall. They used to hold pickles, olives, peppers or onions, but have been recycled for this program. When you place a rain barrel under your downspout, it collects water from the roof. There is a fiberglass screen built in that keeps mosquitoes out. And once your barrel is in place, you'll be reaping the benefits right away.

Your lawn and your plants will love the rainwater...it's naturally soft and better for them than municipal water. Better for washing your car, too. Since you'll be using the saved rainwater instead of water from the tap or faucet, your water/sewer bill should be less for the summer.

And rain barrels decrease stormwater runoff, so there's less stream erosion and pollution heading into the Chesapeake Bay. Everybody wins!

Thanks to a grant from Dominion Power, you're going to see artistic rain barrels sprouting up all over Northern Virginia this Spring. After a couple of months on display, they'll be auctioned off in June with proceeds going to support the continuing rain barrel program. Happy Earth Day, everyone.

FIRSTfriday on April Fools Day!

So basically, anything goes. We're hosting a reception for this month's featured artist, Ged McManus, at our offices on Friday evening, from 5:30-7:30. Ged's art, as you can see here, is powerful and lovely. Drop in for a drink and a nosh, to meet the artist and shoot the breeze with the rest of us.

As prep for the exhibit, I asked Ged to give me a bio, and this is what he sent me, unedited and delightful:

Ged McManus is a laconic, brutish sort whose native insensitivity is balanced only by the long hours he spends at work. A slave to his own proclivities, Ged passes his time commiserating with his Boston Terrier (Rudy) and "towel-gliding" off the roof of the shed that stores his beloved hockey equipment. Upon their reading of this, Ged will be survived by his wife of 26 years (AnnaLise) and two daughters (Hendrika and Josephine). In the off-hours, you can find Ged at Ireland's Four Provinces, where he indulges his omnipresent struggle to find meaning in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

Join us, won't you?

Enjoy Spring Flowers at these (FREE) Area Gardens

"I love Spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden"

This quote comes from Ruth Stout, an American gardening author, and I agree with the sentiment. Here in the DC metropolitan area, we have a lovely Spring, although sometimes you might miss it if you blink! After a gray dreary winter, I'm ready for sunshine and warmer temps to coax color back into the landscape.

If you don't have a garden of your own, or if you just want to witness Spring's bounty, here's a list of local gardens that are free and open to the public. Enjoy!

U.S. Botanical Gardens, DC: This living plant museum includes a newly renovated indoor conservatory, rose garden, an exotic jungle and 4000 different plants.

National Arboretum, DC: Famous for its bonsai collection, the Arboretum is 446 acres of beauty, with 70+ varieties of cherry trees and the largest display of azaleas in the area.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC:Along the East bank of the Anacostia River, this 12-acre park features waterlilies, native plants and small animals - frogs, toads turtles, fish.

Green Spring Gardens Park, Alex., VA: 20 different themed gardens, and a native plant trail leads through the woods to two ponds.

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD: 50 acres of gardens, indoors and out, and a spectacular butterfly show in the summer.

Smithsonian Gardens, DC:8 different 'outdoor museums' are part of the SI complex. Our favorites are the Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden, the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, and the Enid A. Haupt Garden.

If you click on the names of the gardens, you will be directed to their sites with more details, directions, hours, and photos. Happy Spring, everyone! 

Who Knew Art Could Make Such a Difference?

Since the first of 2011, we have been participating in FIRSTfriday of Falls Church. Each month a different artist is featured on the walls of our office. I had no idea the impact this revolving display would have on us.

Our first month featured Christine Miller: her landscapes and still lifes were calming, subdued, classic. It was a treat to be surrounded by "real art" -- oils and pastels on canvases, framed beautifully. Christine's work made me feel grown up.

In February, Wendy Wang's paintings went up. Her style is quite different from Christine's. Her background in portraiture showed in her ballet pieces, but much of her art was very free form and alluring. More abstract, and quite stimulating here in the office. The nude that went up over the sofa was spectacular. Wendy's work made me feel sophisticated.

Now, for March, Atti Vakili Wheeler has taken over our space with vibrant colors and dancers that pop right off their canvases. The life and energy they bring are especially obvious coming as they do at the end of winter. Her work has put a spring in all of our steps. Atti's work makes me feel ALIVE.

The point of all this -- art can have a profound impact on both mood and ambiance. I can't tell you how exciting it is to watch the change as new art is rotated in...everyone is affected. Art draws you out of yourself. It can be as mind-altering as music, as uplifting as sunshine.

We celebrate these artists at a reception on the first Friday evening of each month. But if you're in the area any time, stop in and see what's hanging on our walls. This is like owning a private gallery. I can't wait to see what's next! 

Are You Looking for Fine Dining in Falls Church?

I have the solution for you...Idylwood Grill! This charming restaurant - and wine bar - is located in the strip mall that's behind the Idylwood Plaza shopping center (where Whole Foods is located on Route 7). You would NEVER guess that this gem is hiding here.

First, let me tell you about the ambiance. It's cozy and personal, warm and welcoming. On Yelp, one reviewer described it as "smaller bistro feel with bustling New York-esque environment," and I have to agree. The lighting is soft, and the sound level is controlled well enough that even when it's crowded you can still have a comfortable conversation.

Second, the service is great - attentive without interfering. Wait staff is both accommodating and ready with helpful suggestions, and the owner is usually on site, so you will probably meet him. He's delightful, and very knowledgeable about the wine pairings. Trust his judgement, Hedi knows his stuff. Your food will arrive hot (!), and you'll never be rushed.

And now to the food...exquisite! Idylwood Grill serves a broad range of dishes, with a list of specials that are always reliable. Wine suggestions are included on the Specials menu. Steaks are cooked to perfection, seafood is fresh and delicious, pastas are dreamy creations. And the sides are modern takes on traditional ingredients.

Take a chance on this neighborhood find. You'll be delighted with this Georgetown-like dining experience in such a convenient location. It's the perfect date night restaurant minus the hassle of driving into the city.

Idylwood Grill, 2190 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church, VA 22043 Reservations: 703-992-0915

Congratulations to Sagatov Associates!

On January 29th, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC chapter awarded their 2010 Capital COTY Grand award for Whole House Renovations: $250K - $500K to Sagatov Associates, Inc. We feel particularly proud since our Michelle Sagatov is married to Yuri, owner of SAI.

The renovation that earned SAI the award converted a single story ranch home into a modern 2-story Craftsman masterpiece, creating an exciting open design for modern living while maintaining a traditional feel. The Capital COTY awards are the highest honor in the remodeling industry, and NARI's DC chapter members include 500 remodeling companies that adhere to a strict code of ethics and professionalism.

Sagatov Associates is one of Northern Virginia's premier Design-Build firms, with over 25 years of high end experience in sophisticated renovations, new homes, designer decks and screened porches, kitchens and baths.

Michelle and Yuri often work as a team to help their clients choose whether to move or renovate. They analyze your goals and budget, explaining the design/build process, so you can make an informed decision about your next step. They will be holding a seminar on the topic "Move, Renovate or Build?" on Tuesday,February 15, from 7-8pm at the Fall Properties offices in Falls Church.

7 Things I Hate about February

(and believe me, I could just as easily make it 17 or 70 - I really hate this month!)

1. The holidays are lousy. Groundhog Day, which is just plain stupid since we're doomed to face 6 more weeks of winter regardless of whether there's a shadow or not. Valentine's Day, which is right up there with New Year's Eve for potentially the most disappointing holiday of the year.

2. Football season is over. I like the routine of my weekends during football season. And just as Mother Nature really puts the hammer down, and I'm housebound, there's nothing worth watching. (Not an NBA fan, hockey lasts too long, college hoops don't pop till March)

3. Which leads me to the weather. It's the dregs of Winter without the promise of Spring -- cold, dark and grey. By February, snow stops being fun, and I'm sick of ice. Everything seems to be covered in a dull glaze of road salt and sand. I miss color in the landscape.

4. I am tired of all my winter clothes. 

5. Cabin fever is at an all time high. Kids, adults, pets...we all need to be able to run around outside in lightweight clothes breathing fresh air and feeling the sun on our skin. In February, trapped inside our stuffy homes, lumbering around in layers of heavy clothing when we go outside, the freedom of Spring seems so far away...

6. February is to Winter much as August is to Summer. It's the "too" month - too cold, too snowy, too dark, too isolating, too boring, too depressing.

7. (although this could be 7-9) As one of the women in the office put it so succinctly: "I hate February  because I am fat, white and hairy." Nobody feels very attractive in February. First there are those pounds left over from the holidays. Second, everybody looks a little too pasty this time of year. And third, well, hairy is pretty self-explanatory.

So let's recap. I hate February, but we're already 8 days into it, so I guess I'll survive. Just 20 more bone-chilling days to go and it'll be March. It might come in like a lion, but it goes out like a lamb...