New Homes Trekker

Waterview Above Rosslyn Cloud

The Waterview Residence, is the new luxury (boutique) condominium in Rosslyn. This might be the second condominium above a hotel and with access to hotel services in Northern Virginia. Its condo actually is above Hotel Palomar, a boutique hotel member of Kimpton hotels chain. This hotel Palomar was designed by the famous Pei (from I.M Pei who designed 16th Street Mall in Denver, Louvre Museum in Paris, Baltimore World Trade Center, etc.), Cobb, Freed and Partners.

The crescent shaped buildings of hotel Palomar and Waterview Residence overlook the Potomac River. So you can imagine the kind of view you could see from the rooftop on the 31st floor of the building! The grand opening of Waterview was held sometime in the Summer in one of the hot, hazy and humid days.

When you get to the rooftop, you could see panoramic view overlooking the Potomac river and Washington DC. There's no building in front of this building. Pretty much without destruction. The one thing I noticed while enjoying the view from high above is we could actually have good use of building rooftops for solar panels. Mayor Bloomberg wants NYC to have solar panels on their city buildings. We can do the same here, too, right?

The thick wood in the middle is a sliding door. Behind the wall is where the bedroom which fits only a bed and nothing else. This is the studio unit.

view of Rosslyn commercial & office buildings

Condominium at Waterview Residence occupies from floor 13 all the way up to 29, where the 3 Penthouse condo units are located. According to the sales rep, the hot condos are - those that function as pied-a-terre for some owners! - was 'almost' sold out. There were only a handful of units available for sale at the time. Those are studio condo (really tiny like 500 s.f.) that is popular among businesses for among other things become the big wigs temporary digs when they're in town for business.

The amenities you get when you own one of the units here:  24/7 concierge, residents only lounge, the highest rooftop in the area - on the 31st floor, fourth-floor outdoor terrace  that is 100 ft. above the Potomac river, spa and fitness center, direct access to hotel and function space, and upscale restaurant in the sister tower building.

Each unit comes with hardwood flooring in living area, imported granite countertops, Sub-Zero stainless steel refrigerator, imported natural stone flooring, countertops of your choice (granite or IceStone, frameless glass shower.

Prices start from the low-$400's to $2 million and up.

Technorati Tags: luxury homes,condominium,boutique condominium,hotel palomar,kimpton,I.M Pei,potomac river,urban living,waterview residence,IceStone,green living,rosslyn,arlington,washington dc,northern virginia,alexandria

Dunn Loring Chase Changes Developer

I drove by Dunn Loring area yesterday when I saw the new developer sign for Dunn Loring Chase community (new homes) changed to NVR (NV Homes) from Brookfield Homes. Sales must have been really slow there because they let the grass grow..all over.

Spectrum Condo

Spectrum condominium is a new mixed-use with green features over at City of Falls Church right off Route 7 or Broad Street as the locals call it. There are 189 condo units in the 7-story building along with retails and offices. It is build by the same developer, Waterford, which builds the Broadway condominium a few years back, which is up the street. Easy access to George (Falls Church CIty feeder buses) and to major roads I-66, Rt. 29, Rt. 7. A short hop to Tysons Corner, Arlington, and two metro stations East or West Falls Church.

flooring: bamboo

flooring: cork

This building is not LEED certified, however it does offer some of - the 'green (eco-friendly)' elements that to a certain extent commonly found in buildings that are certified - in addition to the features you seen in other development (non-green condos), like granite counters, tile floors and tub surround, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets, and berber carpet.

Here is some the green and sustainable features this condominium offer:

• Green roof
  
• Energy-efficient appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer) including low-flow toilets.
• Bike rack (was a pre-requisite in counting LEED points)
• Energy-efficient central hot water, natural gas heating and electric air
• Bamboo or cork flooring
• Building was built with bricks which come from local supplier

A little bit about benefits of green roof for a building: 1) Protection for the roof membrane - extend the life of the roof, 2) Savings on energy and cooling costs, 3) Insulate sound, 4) Reduce the size of HVAC equipment, 5) Meet regulatory requirement for storm management, and 6) Potential to eliminate roof drains. So for the owners you get the benefit of low utility bills which is nice.

Each home gets one underground car garage and if you need additional parking space, it comes with a price tag of $18,000, which is on the low end - in comparison to other places like Arlington and Washington DC.  Choices available from 1BR, +den to 2BR, +den and penthouse. Living space ranged from the smallest 1 BR 814 s.f. to 1,663 s.f. for the 2BR penthouse.

Amenities include fitness center, courtyard garden, lounge, theater room, bike storage room and internet business suite. Condo fees interestingly includes - almost everything from the basic (water, sewer, trash, snow removal, master insurance policy and CAM) to cable and internet access plus- heating and air-conditioning.

The question that always come up every single time is - what's the condo fee? At least over here because of the energy-efficient features (and green roof) it offer, you can be assure that you won't see big jump on your condo fee at least for a couple of years. The one thing lacks, is installation of solar panels on the roof. With PV installation, it could really make this condo the 'plus-plus advantage' versus other condos in the area. Condo fee starts from $331 to $562 per month (includes everything). Not bad. (I have seen older condos with $400 to high $700 condo fee a month that includes utilities.) Throw in a bonus perk there for secured access and  on-site management (weekday).

Condos are priced from  upper $300's to high $700's. They're running current incentives for a $5,000 + 1/2% closing assistance if you use 'their' designated lender and title company.

Condo(ho)tel: The Jamieson

I attended the grand opening of this condominium hotel or condotel, the Jamieson, sometime last week. For now, Jamieson has no competition because it is the only condotel in Alexandria City. It's conveniently located near the US Patent office (USPTO), two metro stations (Eisenhower and King St.), Wholefoods, Starbucks and all the shops in Carlyle district.

This is what condotel is. It is condo living with hotel privileges. A simple concept for those who want the convenience of living in a condo and the luxury that a hotel offered. It's a perfect sanctuary for people working out of a patent office or even for lawyers working out odd hours to camp out here. I mean, the Alexandria courthouse is a throw's stone from here! No kidding. Sort of having a bachelor's pad close to your work.

Jamieson condominium and Westin hotel is located in the same building. The residential part is above the hotel from the 10th floor to the 15th. Only 79 condo homes slated for this building. Sample of privileges that comes with owning a condo here:

• Condo owners have access to services offered by the hotel, i.e. room service (nice), housekeeping, catering. These are separate services from your condo fees. That means, you do have to pay separately for using them.
• As a condo owner you have the access of using the rooftop terrace and swimming pool.

There are different condo layouts from studio, one bedroom, two bedrooms to three bedrooms. Each unit features hardwood floors in the kitchen, granite countertops, tile baths, stainless steel appliances and almost floor-to-ceiling windows.

Condominiums are priced from the $300k (think this is for studio), to $700's and up for the three bedroom homes. From watching how condo owners in the Old Town proximity area priced their condos, their prices are definitely 'very competitive' for the area.  There is at least 2 to 3 new condominiums in and around the City of Alexandria competing for the same pool of buyers. Competing on location, this one is located right on the outskirt of Old Town before it changes to Alexandria, Fairfax county. I remembered way back then when they first just getting started with the development, these same condos were priced a little bit out-of-range for that market (2005) but not for this market.

Westin did the right thing by adjusting the price to reflect current market conditions. Their 'now' price and luxury - are their 'competitive advantages.' I won't be surprised if they 'outsell' their competitions.

::::

 

Dunn Loring New Homes

A while back, when I just get started tracking new homes for this blog, the first post was this.

It looks like new homes will be built on this site sometime soon. I don't know exactly how many acres of lot. There are a couple of houses next to this one that's been bought out in addition to this house.

The site is about a block away from Merrifield Metro. Wonder what type of homes will be constructed on this site. Condos? Townhomes? Single Family Homes? There's no information available yet as of now.

Merrifield is part of Fairfax County Revitalization project and one of the fastest growing condo communities in Fairfax. Easy access to Metro, the Beltway, I-66 and Tyson's Corner helps fuel the going condo trends over here.

Fast forward a few years, there are two communities across the street from each other, Dunn Loring Chase and Dunn Loring Glen. Both of these communities are within walking distance from Dunn Loring metro station. That's why they name it Dunn Loring - and - something. Two different developers, Brookfield Homes and Dittmar Company, working the area across from each other's site. The constructions for single homes is an unusual move by Dittmar, because their core of business is rentals. The last condo they built in Arlington was converted to rentals.

Brookfield had done clearing the bigger land and ready to build 18 new single homes on the site. Not sure how many homes sit on the land before it was bulldozed to build the community. Across the street from here, Dittmar has already subdivided their (smaller) land for 7 homes.

DUNN LORING CHASE (by Brookfield Homes)

image: Brookfield Homes

Over here, Brookfield plans to build 18 Craftsman-inspired homes that offers 3,400-7,900 s.f. of living space and up to 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths. The standard is 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 2 car garage. Nothing has been built there yet. According to the sales rep, it'll take anywhere from start to finish 6-8 months after contract data. There are five different models (with different elevations): Chadwick, Dudley, Edgemont, Halley, and Meridia. It seems that the Dudley model offers the largest living area among these five models.

Each home comes with fully equipped kitchen, luxurious baths and energy-saving features. Few of the things you'll find in the kitchen: GE Profile Energy Star appliances, granite or silestone countertops, 42-inch oak cabinet, butler's pantry, kitchen island, morning room and hardwood flooring. Some of the features in the bathroom: ceramic tile floors and bathtub surround in bathroom, garden soaking tub (not sure I have seen this before) and separate shower in the master bathroom, private water closet.

There's only a few communities in our area that have build 'truly green homes.' At the most, you'll find Energy-Savings features. Here is some of the 'good energy savings' features.

• Energy Star appliances
• Clean and green recycling center
• Dual-zone gas heating for maximum efficiency
• 75-gallon, high-efficiency gas hot water heater
• Maintenance-free low-e, double glazed, insulated, double-hung windows with tilt-in sashes
• Insulated entry door
• Insulation in roof ceiling, overhangs, vaulted ceilings, exterior walls and basement walls
• Air infiltration prevention system
• Attic ridge vent system
• OSB with house wrap

The insulation in roof, overhangs, ceilings, exterior walls and basement walls plus the low-e double glazed windows and vent system - would help you maintain a lower energy bills, keep the house warm in the winter and cool (comfortable) in the summer.

Homes are priced from the low-$1 million.

DUNN LORING GLEN (by Dittmar Company)

model home

There are only 7 homes planned to be built in this community. One of them is already been completed, that's the house they use as a model home. Size of lots approximately 0.25 acre per home with finished homes from 3,600 to 6,500 s.f.

Each home features designer kitchen, luxurious bath finishes, and energy efficiency. Designer kitche features granite countertops, stainless steel GE appliances package, walk-in pantry, butler pantry with sink and wet bar. The energy-efficiency shares some similar features as Dunn Loring Chase even though not as comprehensive as what they have to offer here:

• Andersen thermal pane windows and sliding doors
• Efficient forced air gas heating
• Dual zone central heating and cooling
• 75-gallon 'quick recovery' gas hot water heater
• Tyvek insulated house wrap
• R-15 exterior insulation, R-38 attic insulation

There are two models available: Albermarle and Brentwood.

Homes are priced from low-$1.3 million

Schools: Stenwood ES, Thoreau MS, George Marshall HS. Community info, here.
 

 

First 100% Energy-Star Certified Homes in N.Va

A few weeks ago, I drove by Stockwell Manor, a new homes community in the border of McLean and Falls Church and saw the big sign that reads, "100% Energy-Star Certified Homes."  The 100% Energy Star homes, peaked my interest to go back and revisit. Because sometime in 2006, I visited the community when they just opened up the office. Don't remember if at the time, they'd started marketing the Energy Star certified homes yet. Maybe they did, or didn't.

With no end sight on how high oil prices can climb, Camberley Homes, the developer really took the plunge and committed to build Energy Star certified homes. Even in today's standard, it's not 'main stream' yet. Wait a few years from now, this type of homes will be trendy by that time, especially as more and more home owners feeling the pinch.

This is probably the first Energy-Star certified community of new homes on the market in Northern Virginia that I know of. There is a few eco-friendly and LEED condos on the market. But, eco-friendly and energy efficient does not necessarily offers the same features. [We'll talk more about some other time about the differences between the two in another post]

What is an Energy-Star Certified New Homes?

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency information, Energy-Star certified new homes must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the Agency. These homes must have 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code [IRC], and include energy-efficient features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. The energy-efficiency that separates them from the regular (standard) homes.

Energy-Star Certified homes uses energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality, comfort, lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.

image: front-loading washer & dryer

There are six 'Must-Have' components to qualify (or certified) for 'Energy-Star' homes:

1. Effective insulation 
2. High-performance windows 
3. Tight construction and ducts 
4. Efficient heating and cooling 
5. Efficient products 
6. Third-party verification

Yes, they do have to be certified by an independent third-party rater.

The components are what separated a home from being energy-efficient versus today's not-so-energy efficient homes. Think about this, a well-sealed and properly insulated home is not only quiet, but it offers other features that aren't so much can be found in today's (or yesterday) standard homes. Things like better indoor air quality, lower utility bills and because it's designed to use less energy, it helps reduce the greenhouse gas emission. Less energy consumption equal to less strain on the grid. 

From the outside, you probably can't see the differences between a standard homes versus energy-efficient homes. But, when you get to the inside, that's when you find most of the differences.

Here are some of the specs of Energy Efficiencies that you can find in their new homes:

• Third party energy inspections to meet ENERGY STAR certification 
• Dual-zone gas heating and central AC 
• Carrier Performance Series 93% high-efficiency gas furnaces 
• 13 SEER Puron refrigerant AC 
• Carrier 5 day programmable thermostat 
• Carrier humidifier 
• 75 gallon high-efficiency water heater 
• Tankless hot water system 
• Attic spaces insulated to R38

image: Camberley Homes

There are two types of homes available at Stockwell Manor: Townhouses and single family houses. Twenty-nine single homes are planned and seventy-one townhouses. A number of homes already been built and occupied. Single homes offered approximately 3600 s.f. to 4200 s.f. of finished square feet, comes with top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, i.e. Viking Professional and Designer series appliances. Homes are priced from low $1.5 million to high $1.7 million.

Townhouses have approximately 2600 s.f. to 3600 s.f. of living spaces comes with 10' ceilings on the main level with 9' ceilings on lower and third level. All homes come with 2-car garage. These townhouses are priced from the low $900's to high $1.1 million.

 

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Cromley Lofts LEEDing Condominium in Virginia

Cromley Lofts, is the first-and-only LEED certified condominium in Virginia. They received Gold Standard certification from U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit composed of leaders from every sector working to promote buildings that .."environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.  USGBC awarded the certification using rating system for each project. It is a voluntary program for green building. They received the LEED Gold Standard.

At least for now, Cromley Lofts, can enjoy their Gold Standard status -- until the next LEED certified condominium -- come into the pipeline sometime in the future.

What it Means to Be a Green Condominium?

Though, when you look at the amenities, this building is a basic condominium, Cromley is not a typical condo you can find anywhere around our area. It is very 'different.' It carves out a niche. What makes it different is this: The green features. The building was originally a warehouse that was converted into NY Style lofts. What is lacking here is the high ceilings higher than 9' to 10' that commonly seen in NY lofts.

Bill Cromley, the builder of this lofts says that his goal in building Cromley as Virginia's first green condominium is "because he wants to bring good urban design and green to reality." The three important criterias that makes this building 'different' than the rest of new condominiums you commonly see.

1. It was designed to provide sustainability
2. To promote healthy living and,
3. Safety

When I asked him, how he thinks about the Gold certification, he says that "..the LEED System is holistic. It is not just one thing but a lot of things combined. And for this building we have 42 different things combined." The information on USGBC website, mentioned that LEED certification for existing buildings comes with four levels depending on how many points a project met its criteria: 1) Certified - counts for passing 32-39 points in the rating system, 2) Silver 40-47 points, 3) Gold 48-63 points, 4) Platinum, which is the highest level only awarded when a building get 64-85 points.

Most builders use only a little bit here and there to green their buildings or new homes, featuring mostly energy efficient appliances.. like, front-loading washer and dryer, radiant floor, Energy Star appliances, but not completely green. Sometime, it is because not economically feasible [read: profitable] or they don't have the expertise to manage big development. Cromley himself said that "the hardest challenge in converting this building is the management of the project itself."

This is a 'basic' condominium featuring: green living. So- don't look for pool, elevator, roof top, etc.. things that commonly associated with new constructions, instead focus on simplicity, urban design, and healthy living. You won't find underground parking here. Instead of underground parking, you have bike storage for your bike, especially when you live in Old Town. Old Town has plenty of places you can bike to. Instead of poor lighting, you have plenty of natural day-lighting, which is good. Because most people associate daylight with positive feelings.

There are only 8 unit of lofts in the building. Six of those are above ground and two units are below ground (lower level). All of the units feature a combination of energy efficiency design and products use come from natural and renewable sources.

• Custom bamboo cabinets, soapstone counters
• R-25 wall insulation
• R-50 ceiling insulation
• 14 SEER rated A/C [the current minimum Energy Star models are 13 SEER or more]
• Freezer drawer refrigerators
• Micro/convention ovens
• Cork tiled laundries
• Energy Star appliances
• Water saving faucets, dual flush toilets
• Antique heart pine and Jerusalem limestone floors
• Low or no VOC paints

eco-products: 1- Soapstone counters, 2- broken tile, 3- custom bamboo cabinets

image: flooring is beautiful recycle lumber [antique heart pine]

The renovation of the building is carefully designed by Mr. Cromley and his team. All the things you see inside, like bamboo cabinets (there is no bamboo cabinets on the market!), shoji screen, they are made in their shop. Cork tile installed in the laundry room act as sound insulator. They use recycle wood for flooring for units above and limestone floors for units below ground. One of the best features of this building - is the green roof or vegetated green roof.

image: Green Roof

Green roof is not common yet in our area. Despite the fact that Washington DC is the US capital around here -- buildings in our area are not there yet -- especially in residential buildings.  There will be another condominium featuring green roof coming to the pipeline in 2008. However, when you look at Chicago. It is now the home to 200 green roofs covering 2.5 million square feet, more than any other U.S. city. Some of the benefits of green roofs include reduce heating and cooling loads, and reduce urban heat island effect. According to Bill Cromley, "..because the vegetation helps reduce the impact of direct sun, green roof actually helps extend the life span of the roof itself."

The lofts are listed from low-$535,000 to low-$600's for 2BR/ 2ba with 1200 s.f. of living space.

Technorati Tags:  cromley lofts ,  USGBC ,  cork tile ,  GE appliances ,  convection oven ,  Jenn Air ,  low VOC paint ,  SEER ,  wall insulation ,  ceiling insulation ,  energy star appliances ,  water saving faucets ,  heart pine ,  limestone floors ,  hardwood floors ,  recycle lumber ,  bamboo ,  renewable building material ,  soapstone counters ,  energy efficient ,  green roof ,  living green

New Condo Closeouts: 555 Mass Ave., Capitol Hill Tower, Matrix and the Eclipse

Three of these new condos, have only a few units still on the market: 555, Capital Hill Tower and Matrix - these condos are located in the District.

555 Mass Ave.

This is one of the latest addition to the already crowded field of new condos built around the triangle - in Mount Vernon off Mass. Avenue.

I was told that there's no builders incentives here, because they said that "..they're selling the remaining condos at rock bottom prices!" Okay. You can see the prices below and compare it to some other new condos in the hood.  The building has 246 condo units with 7 units still available, a combination of 1BR with 2B condos.

Features include, floor plans with high ceilings, granite countertops, hardwood floors, full size W&D, and oversized windows. All homes are already wired for high speed Internet.

The 1 BR condos priced from $349,000 - $355,000 for the smallest unit with 680 s.f. of living space to 711 s.f. While the 2 BR condos are priced from the low $469,900. The one 2 BR with a view of Monument is priced at $569,900. The 2 BR comes with *a* parking space.

 

Capitol Hill Tower

Capitol Hill Tower is a TOD (transit-oriented-development) and a co-op. It is not a condo! Across the street from Navy Metro. Don't let the sales representative talk you into believing -- that co-op form of ownership -- is better than condo!

We have only a number of co-op (short name for Co-Operatives) mostly in DC and a few in No.Va. There are some differences between the two form of ownerships: condo vs. co-op. The risk of owning a co-op come later one day down the road, when the times come that you want to sell it: The financing part of it. Yes, there are lenders ready and willing to financed the deal, but the numbers are limited. The explanation on their website, the so called "revealing the truth" ..should be taken with a grain of salt.

Though, the prices seemed low but, when you added the co-op fee (that includes tax, part of the mortgage payment) - the monthly payment won't be that low. The monthly co-op include your property tax payment plus- the your pro-rata share of the mortgage for the building. That's right.

Co-op features include, maple hardwood flooring, W&D, granite countertops in your kitchen, maple cabinets, There are 1BR and 2BR coops still available, priced from $310,000 for the 1BR to $450,000 for the 2BR units.

The Matrix

The theme of this condo probably comes from the movie the Matrix. When you preview each of the 4 available units in this building, you'll see the steel briefcase in the kitchen. Cool, huh? The building is located on14th Street corridor - blocks from the busy U Street corridor. This is a mix-use building condo-retail.

Condo features include, hardwood flooring, 9' to 11' concrete ceilings in living areas, large windows (floor-to-ceilings), track & recessed lighting, energy efficient heat and AC system, pre-wired for high speed Internet access and roof terrace overlooking DC neighborhoods. Though, the square footage of each unit is rather compact (read: small), because of high ceilings, you don't feel the smallness of the room. The plus here -- is the energy efficient appliances -- such as front-loading washer & dryer, heat and AC. By using these appliances will help you cut your monthly utility bills. 

The 1 BR loft with 1.5 BA is priced from $499,900 to $519,900. The units come with 2 year leased off-site parking. The only one unit of which price includes parking space, is the 2 BR condo priced at $669,900.

The Eclipse

You have a little bit more flexibility at this new condominium. The total number of condo units is 465 for the East and West buildings, and yet they still have to move about 145 more condo units. Some condos are in the East with more choices in the West building. The Eclipse is located just off Route 1 - right on the border of Arlington and Alexandria. The address is on South Glebe Road when you check the listings.

Building amenities include pool, fitness room, rooftop terrace, billiards room, plus-- you have a convenience of the newly opened Harris Teeter, restaurants, and adjacent to Potomac Yard shopping center. Every condo comes with a 42" plasma TV and is wired for high-speed Internet. Additional features include gourmet kitchen with maple cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Prices varied for the condo units. They have so many different plans, even the sales reps sometime have to refer back and forth to the master plan.

Here is an example of what type of condominiums are available:

• 1 BRs priced from the low $366,900 to $414,087 for a penthouse level unit with Center Park view (669 s.f.).
• 1BR/den priced from $419,900
• 2 BRs, are priced from low $527,900 to high $791,900 with great views of the Potomac River (1287 s.f). This one includes 2 parking spaces.
• 2BR/den starts from the upper-$600's to low-$700's
• 3 BRs, priced from $999,900 to over $1.2 million (1700 s.f.)

By the way, some of the units on the lower level (ground floor) even though the living space might be small, but because it has high ceilings 11+ ft. ceilings.. it gives you the impression that the inside space is roomy.

All of the condos above are available for immediate delivery (read: NOW).

Technorati Tags: matrix , 555 mass avenue , capitol hill tower , the eclipse at center park , route 1 , potomac yard shopping center , navy yard metro station , 14th street DC , new condominiums , builders close-outs , energy efficient appliances , energy star appliances

New Condominiums: Whitman, 1800 Wilson, Cameron Station and Byron

[This is a long due post, because I visited these condominiums a couple of weeks ago.]

Having gone through so many different new condominiums the last few years, there is only few things that separates one condo to another, i.e. location, structural, exterior, interior including features offered and prices. You might not care what a building is built from. But, from noise level perspective, a better quality condominium building is usually built on concrete using class A material. Once inside, you can tell the difference. Building built on wood, have high noise level!

The WHITMAN

The WHITMAN

This new condominium is located directly across the street from the new Washington Convention Center in Mount Vernon neighborhood. What is different about Whitman, is they have two-level homes with private courts [read: facing the street] on lower level. The living quarter is on the first level and sleeping quarters is on the second level. Feels like a townhome living but ownership is still condo.

Standard features include hardwood floors in living areas, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, walk-in closets, ceramic tile baths and full-size stacked W&D.

Amenities: party room with billiards, fitness center, rooftop pool, and 24/7 front desk.

These are some of the units they still have (as per visit).

• 1 BR den/ 1.5 baths include 1 parking space in the price are priced from $529,900 to $569,900. Condo fee $421/mo.
• 1 BR with den/ 2 baths also come with 1 parking space

are priced from the lowest $499,900 to $689,900 with 1414 s.f. of living quarters. Condo fee $505/mo.

• 2 BR/ 2.5 baths (parking incl.) are priced from $589,900 to $719,900. Condo fee $589/mo.

The Whitman offers incentive. The catch- you gotta use their 'preferred' lender and/or title company.

1800 WILSON

1800 Wilson, is the new condominium located in Rosslyn-Courthouse corridor on Wilson Boulevard. It is conveniently located between two Metro stations, Rosslyn and Courthouse, and walking distance to everything - shops, restaurants, etc. This is one of the few new construction condominium that offers live/work condo, a condo hybrid.

With more and more people working at home at least part of the week, it's perhaps not surprising that condo developers around the country are beginning to promote live-work units as part of their mix of offerings.

via MSN

If I remember it correctly, Wilson is built on light construction (read: stick wood). So- noise level should be something to think about when buying a new condo in a building like this.

Standard features include 9' ceilings, hardwood floors in foyer, kitchen, living and dining room, gas cooking, and SS appliances. Amenities include fitness center, e-lounge and business center, lobby and landscape courtyard.

They're sold out on 1 BR or 1 BR/dens! All of units sold include one parking space, additional parking is available for a cool - $35K and only for those who buys 2 bedrooms. Some of the units still available are 2 BRs and 1 BR lofts.

• The 1 BR/ loft (876 s.f. to 902 s.f.) priced from the lowest $464,900 to $474,900.
• The 2 BRs (1050 s.f. to 1079 s.f.) are priced from $540,000 to $569,900.
• The biggest unit is the 2 BR and loft with 1243 s.f., 18' ceilings and National Cathedral views is available for $679,900.

CAMERON STATION CONDOS

This is the latest residential condominium inside Cameron Station subdivision. Cameron Station is a community of townhomes, single homes and condominiums. It's a very popular subdivision in the City of Alexandria. There's a lot of activities here - people move up from condo to townhouse, move out to another area or downsized from single to condo.

The big plus here: GREEN FEATURES - that is the use of energy efficiency appliances and windows. The green features include, energy conserving insulation, central AC, energy efficient gas heat, 30 to 50 gallon quick recovery electric water heaters, and aluminum insulated windows. I noticed also that they offer front-loading washing machine, which is part of energy-efficient appliances.

The big difference between the existing condominiums and its newest addition is - the condo fee. Condo fee pays at this new Cameron Station include a $90 fee on top of your Association fee, around $230 per month. So- you are looking at a difference of almost $100 for amenities that are already offered by the community anyway. I don't get it..

Standard features include, 42" kitchen cabinet, corian countertops, ceramic tile floors in all baths, walk-in closets, ceramic tile tub/shower surround in full bath, Duron two-toned interior paint.

You still have plenty of choices available at Cameron Station condos from 1 BR all the way to 3 BR.

• The 1 BRs condos are priced from the low $348,000 (783 s.f.) to high $427,000 (1039 s.f.).
• The 2 BRs starts at $432,490 (1128 s.f.) to high $462,980 (1177 s.f.).
• The 2 BRs with den starts at $462,690 (1258 s.f.) to $520,072 (1359 s.f.).
• 2 BR lofts starts at $550,982 (1443 s.f.) to $715,038 (1793 s.f.).
• 3 BRs starts at $537,490 (1545 s.f.) to $695,038 (1860 s.f.).

I don't know who the target market is for the condos priced from the $500's because it competes head-to-head with popular housing type at Cameron Station - the townhouses. A new townhouse by N.V. Homes start at $650K with 2000+ s.f. Why would you want a condo if resale is going to be a challenge later on?

The BYRON

This brand new condominium is located on Broad Street aka Route 7 in the City of Falls Church. It is near the proposed Falls Church City Center. I watched the development of this building on what used to be the site of Red Lobster restaurant. Developer converted the 2-acre lot into 90 condominium units!  See how smart growth works? Going up as opposed to side expansion.

The size of the condos here are huge. I think at one time, I heard that this condo was targeted for people who are thinking of downsizing. The one bedroom with den size starts at 1032 s.f., is a little bit bigger than a typical 1 BR/den. The price also reasonable -- Falls Church price -- without 'the premium' of walking to the Metro thing. Although, it is only less than a mile from East or West Falls Church Metro, and George bus (FC rapid transit) stops at site.

This is a building built on class A office construction -- meaning it's on concrete and steel -- which makes a big difference in terms of "noise level."

Standard features include, hardwood floors in foyer, living, dining, kitchen, den and powder rooms. fireplace, SS appliances, granite kitchen countertops, 9' ceilings, hot water dispenser, full size W&D, 6-ft soaking tub, ceramic tile and flooring in full baths.

Amenities: Club room, fitness room, underground parking space (included in the price), Falls Church metro bus stop at site, and lots of parking space for residents and guests.

• The only 1 BR/ den with 1.5 bath approximately 1032 s.f. is priced at $438,900. Condo fee $277 a mo.
• The 2 BR/ 2.5 baths with 1298 s.f., priced at $548,900. Condo fee $352 a mo.
• 2 BR/ den with 2.5 baths have 1537 s.f. of living space, is on the market between $612,900 to $652,900. Condo fee $416 a mo.
• 2BR/den with 2.5 baths with 1661 s.f. to 1825 s.f. priced from $698,900 to $776,900. Condo fee $448 to $493 per mo.
• 3 BR/ 3 baths with 1998 s.f. (this is huge unit!), price from $808,900 to $854,900. Condo fee $542 per mo.

Their condo fee is rather low, because there is no pool. Less amenities - less condo fee. Having a pool tends to increase the condo fee.

All of these condominiums offer incentives. The catch with incentives - you have to either use their preferred lender or title company.

One more thing, regardless who you are dealing with, make sure that you use the service of a Realtor. The sales rep works for the builder and not- you!

It's all about representation. A builder's rep does NOT represent you! They represent the builder and their interests! And a Realtor, represents YOU. Big difference.
 

New Community: Potomac Club

Potomac Club, is a new gated community sits on 200 acre of land in Woodbridge, Prince William county. Its location is walking distance from the future 'Potomac Town Center', a mixed-use community with the popular main street retail theme. (Soon to be breaking ground)

Potomac Club, is a KSI's planned community build by three developers, M/I Homes, Ryan and Pulte. The biggest attraction for this community besides its closeness to I-95, is probably rec/ community center: Club Mac (exclusive for residents), athletic club, the pools and the rock. Club Mac, is the exclusive residents-only lounge in the rec center with a custom bar, cocktail tables, pool tables and plasma TVs. The athletic club, is the gym. The pools have 25-meter indoor pool and outdoor social pool. And the rock, is a three-story rock-climbing wall.

Types of homes you can choose from: condominium or townhouse with many different layouts and variations. Depending on the builder, your options also include stacked condos or sometime called townhouse/ condo -- a 2-level condominium.

M/I Homes

Choices available >>  2 or 3br/ 2.5 ba townhome style garage condos (a two-level condo) from the low-$300's to mid-$340's. A 2 car garage townhome starts at $399,000.

Ryan Homes

Choices available >> 2 or 3 br/ 2.5 ba townhome style garage condos or,  two-level condos from the low-$300's to mid-$350's. Their 2 car garage townhome 3br/2.5ba starts from $370's.

Pulte Homes

Choices available >> 3br/2.5 ba townhome style garage condos from the low-$300's to $350's. The two car garage townhomes start at $380's to $460's.

Of the three builders, the best model homes I find: Pulte. What I like about Pulte -- the design and (open) floor plan. I think they 'hired' one of the best designers out there 'to stage' their model  homes.