New Homes Trekker: Fairfax Real Estate

Fairfax Real Estate

June 20, 2008

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.

Posted at 11:40 AM in $1M and Over, Fairfax Real Estate , Merrifield Urban Living, Metro Accessibility, New Constructions, Real Estate, Real Estate Trends | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: brookfield homes, dunn loring, falls church, housing market, new homes, northern virginia, nv homes, sales, TOD, urban living, vienna

March 24, 2008

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.

Posted at 08:33 AM in $1M and Over, Fairfax Real Estate , Merrifield Urban Living, Pre-constructions, Real Estate, Real Estate Trends, Urban Living | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Technorati Tags: arlington, brookfield homes, dittmar company, dunn loring, energy star, falls church, new constructions, new homes, northern virginia, real estate, single family home, TOD, washington dc

January 10, 2008

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:

Effective insulation
High-performance windows
Tight construction and ducts
Efficient heating and cooling
Efficient products
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.

Technorati Tags: energy efficient appliances,energy star products,certified energy star homes,carrier appliances,puron,mclean HS,garage townhome,viking appliances,u.s. epa,stockwell manor,falls church,west falls church metro,new homes,longfellow MS,haycock ES,fairfax public schools

Posted at 05:45 PM in $1M and Over, $1M's & Under , Fairfax Real Estate , Falls Church Real Estate, Falls Church Urban Living , Metro Accessibility, New Constructions, New Townhomes, Pre-constructions, Real Estate, Suburban Living, Urban Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 13, 2007

Condo Alert: Fairfax Ridge

SWEET HEART DEAL >> Last (Available) Unit.

Fairfax Ridge, is a condo conversion development conveniently located in Fairfax County. Easy access to major roads, I-66, Route 50, Fairfax County Parkway. A short drive to Fair Oaks Mall, George Mason University campus, Tysons Corner.

This 1BR/ ba condo has about 741 s.f. Model: Avonleigh. Features include 9' ceilings, full size washer and dryer, white on white GE appliances, a fire place, ceiling fan, soaking tub, secured access to building. Bonus -- 1 assigned surface parking (value = $20,000) in addition to your 1 space detached garage.

Price >> $249,692 + receive $7,500 closing assistance + NO condo fees for a year.

Terms/ conditions:

Investor welcome.
Buyer must be pre-approved with approval letter or have made an application with one of the preferred lenders.
Shown By Appointment Only.

PS: This unit back on the market -- financing fell apart. So, if you are interested -- come prepared [financially].

Posted at 02:44 PM in $600's & Under , Condominiums, Fairfax Real Estate , Real Estate, Real Estate Investment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 01, 2007

Beazer Dream Home Dollar Days

A dollar for any option for all of Beazer communities in Virginia and Maryland, including TOD developments, Avera Station and the Reserve at Tysons Corner. It's a smart marketing campaign to warm up the cold winter weather sales.

Here are some of their dollar deals:

Boat Slip
State-of-the-Art Home Theater with Leather Theater Seating
Gourmet Kitchen
Climate-Controlled Wine Room
Home Fitness Center
Custom Garage-Organizing Package
Whole House Closet Organizing Package
Outdoor Deck and Grill Package
Finished Rec Room
Light-Filled Sunroom

Not bad for a dollar. The catch: Not all options available at every community. Promo only good for February 9-11, 2007!

SINGLE HOMES ALERT!!

Also available homes of the week, which usually are what they called "inventory homes." These are homes either available immediately or sometime soon, comes with all the bells and whistles -- ready to go and priced to sell.

Some of the ommunities that have "Homes of the Week."

Coles Run Manor >> Homesite 82. Sunroom ext., walkout basement, stainless steel appliances, fully finished basement and gourmet kitchen for $539,990. Another one available for March/ April move-in for $589,990.
Innisbrooke >> Homesite 38. Brick and front incl. a study. Walkout homesite, sun room addition, extended breakfast/kitchen, finished rec.room and bath room in the basement.. and more features April/May move-in for $567,990.
Landsdowne >> 5+ acre conservancy homesite. You can either buy the homesite (and build your own custom home) for $799,990, or Beazer build their Lancaster model -- 3 car garage, finished basement, morning room, estate room, 4.5 bath, etc., for $1.6 million.

They do have more communities that offer the homes of the week program. Too many to list here. So, if you've been waiting for special deals or incentives to purchase, this is it .. just go-for-it.

Posted at 05:18 PM in $1M and Over, $1M's & Under , $600's & Under , Fairfax Real Estate , Loudoun County Real Estate, Real Estate, Suburban Living, Urban Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

January 29, 2007

SFH Alert: Tysons Crossing

The only home available for sale in this community. There are only 14 homes -- all built by NV Homes.

Posted at 08:18 PM in $1M and Over, Fairfax Real Estate , Merrifield Urban Living, New Constructions, Real Estate, Suburban Living, Urban Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

SFH Alert: Oakton Hollow

UPDATE: This home is currently "Under Contract."

. . . . . . . .

The only available single family home built by NV Homes for this community.

Posted at 07:18 PM in $1M and Over, Fairfax Real Estate , Metro Accessibility, New Constructions, Real Estate, Suburban Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

January 11, 2007

Urban Rowhomes: Centerpointe

Centerpointe is a new community of urban rowhomes in the heart of Fairfax. The project is under construction. It is one of new urban rowhomes or townhouses situated in the suburb of Washington DC. The location is close to -- shopping, dining, office parks and business centers. Easy access to major roads like I-66, Fairfax County Parkway, Route 50 and Route 29 (Lee Highway).

I think what's unique about this rowhomes is-- it has rooftop terrace and garage parking. Unlike many of the townhouses you see in town, most of them don't have rooftop terrace. Most likely it has a regular roof but not flat roof. A few development projects that I have seen lately, do offer rooftop terrace. All townhomes are three level with option to have a 4th level. All homes here will be modeled after Chicago rowhouse architectural style complete with alleys. Exterior features include concrete stoops with brick cheek walls and wrought-iron rails. On the interior, it's 9' ceilings throughout entry level, main level and upper level.

There are four model homes to choose from. Astor is on the low end of the price spectrum, while Colvin model is at the high end of the spectrum.

Astor (image: EYA)

Colvin (image: EYA)

Centerpointe is within minutes from Fairfax Corner (1 mi.), Fairfax Center (1.7 mi.), Fair Lakes Promenade (0.5 mi.), Fair Oaks Mall (0.5 mi.), East Market (1 mi.) and Fairfax Towne Center (0.2 mi.). The rowhomes are priced from mid-$500's to $1 million. First delivery is estimated in the Spring of 2007.

Posted at 07:18 PM in $1M's & Under , Fairfax Real Estate , Lifestyle, New Townhomes, Pre-constructions, Real Estate, Real Estate Trends, Urban Living | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

November 02, 2006

New Communities at Lorton Town Center

Crossposted with Urban Trekker.

Take a look at Lorton Town Center. The Center is positioned well along I-95 and about a mile from the former prison.

Image: Lorton Town Center [Clark Realty]

According to Southeast Real Estate Business, [t]he development is comprised of two components -- 130,000 SF grocery anchored Lorton Marketplace Shopping Center and 124,000 SF lifestyle/ service oriented Lorton Town Center at the VRE station.

The lead developer in this case is KSI. Other developers like Engle Homes, Hovnanian are also working to build their homes in this center. A few of the new construction projects slated for the Town Center.

The Residences of Lorton Station

A new planned community of townhomes by KSI. The idea is to have residents live in a two-level townhomes (1221 SF-1372 SF) above of retail shops in Lorton Town Center. Okay, something different here. Features include 18' ceilings in living area and 9' ceilings throughout. Each home comes with granite countertops, ceramic tile in kitchen and baths, extra storage, WIC, a concierge service and two assigned parking spaces. Townhomes are priced from $400's.

Park Place at Lorton Town Center

A community of 251 condominiums right in the center of the Town Center. Each home offers unique features such as 9' ceilings, hardwood flooring and granite countertops. Community amenities include clubhouse, pool, fitness center, billiard room, business center, concierge and on-site manager. The homes are priced from upper-$200's to mid-$400's.

Condominiums at Laurel Highlands

What's unique about Laurel Highlands condos is the spaciousness of its living space. A 2 bedrooms/ 2 baths ranged from 1168 SF to 1361 SF. And a 2 bedrooms/ 2 baths with den ranged from 1500+ SF to 1700+ SF. Amenities include clubhouse, outdoor pool, 2 fitness centers, tot lots, walking trails and tennis courts. Homes are priced from the low-$300's to $400's.

The three communities are new constructions, if you are looking to check what's available on existing resale side, click here.

Posted at 12:50 PM in $600's & Under , Condominiums, Fairfax Real Estate , New Townhomes, Pre-constructions, Real Estate, Real Estate Trends | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

October 19, 2006

The Four Winds at Oakton

The Four Winds at Oakton is a new condo conversion community in the neighborhood of Oakton. Oakton is the home to many of the million dollar homes. The location is ideal. Easy access to major roads and transportation. Minutes from Route 123, Tysons Corner, I-66 and two miles to the Vienna Metro. Just down the road is the Oak Marr recreation center, with racquetball, handball, and volleyball courts, a miniature golf couse and a heated indoor Olympic sized pool.

What stands out at the Four Winds is their oversized plans. For example, one-bedroom plans are offered in the range from 707 square foot to 1,109 square foot, which for the largest one bedroom that is 300 square foot above the typical one bedroom plan. The smallest two bedrooms are in the 986 SF range and goes all the way to the largest 2BR/2BA and den with 1470 square foot. That is a huge 2BR+den by any standard. There are 11 models to choose from with options: 1BR, 2BR/1BA, 2BR/2BA and 2BR/2BA and den.

Condominium standard features include wall-to-wall carpeting, new maple cabinetry, new appliances, washers and dryers with standard granite kitchen and bathroom countertops in every home. Most if not all homes here have balcony or patio. Sure, if you prefer -- you can have personalized your home with upgrades like bamboo flooring, stainless steel appliances and fireplace surround.

You can buy a home here with no down payment and no closing cost -- because the developer of this community, Orion, offers a 6% incentive of the base price (the max. allows). You can use the incentive to pay closing cost or rate buy down. A rate buy down can help lower your mortgage payment. The incentives only good when you use their preferred lenders and settlement company.

Condominiums are priced from $259,900 to $322,900 for one bedrooms, $317,900 to $342,900 for 2BR/1BA, and from $350,900 to $416,900 for the 2BR/2BA or plus den.

Posted at 08:18 AM in $600's & Under , Condominiums, Fairfax Real Estate , Metro Accessibility, Real Estate, Urban Living | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

New Homes Trekker

Tracking New Homes Constructions, Pre-constructions, Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Beyond DC