New Homes Trekker

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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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.

New Condominium: Abingdon Row

Abingdon Row is a new construction of luxurious high-end living condominium in Old Town. Located at the intersection of North Royal and First Street in North part of Old Town. Mount Vernon bike trail is only a few blocks from your front door.

What's unique about this new condominium is developer builds the new construction with historic architectural style that blends well with the rest of the neighborhood. So, this is not something of contemporary style. They wanted to keep the charm of the city while bringing you the convenience of urban living.

Some of the features include: Hardwood floors in the living room, dining room, foyer and kitchen. 9' ceilings in living areas, individual high efficiency electric heat and air conditioning systems, balconies, patios and rooftop decks in select homes.

Your options include one bedroom/+ den, 2 bedrooms/+den and three bedroom dens. These homes are priced from the mid-$300's for one bedrooms, low-$500's for 1br+den, mid-$500's for two bedrooms, and low-$700's for 2 bedrooms+den.

New Communities: Mount Vernon Place

Mount Vernon Place, a transit-oriented and vertical urban communities in the mixed-use Mount Vernon Triangle area in DC. Build by the team of Quadrangle Development and the Wilkes Company. There will be a total of eleven  buildings with a total of more than 2.1 million s.f. of office, residential and retail. The neighborhood is located off Massachusetts Avenue, where you see cranes everywhere.

THE BIG PICTURE

Via Mount Vernon Triangle.

Mount Vernon Triangle is the extraordinary mixed-use neighborhood now being developed in the heart of Washington, DC. It provides the rare opportunity to create a new 15-block neighborhood in the downtown area. New homes, offices and places to shop, eat and relax will arise from 30 acres of underutilized land. MVT is small enough for neighbors to get to know each other, yet large enough to have all of the shops and services which are essential to everyday living. It offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere in the center of one of the world's great cities.

THE SONATA

The Sonata, is the first luxurious condominium for the neighborhood completed recently.  Features include, 10'-6" ceilings, private roof decks, hardwood flooring. Granite countertops, stainless applliances in the kitchen.I haven't seen the actual units yet -- but, according to the sales rep, the view from here is amazing. It is overlooking the Capitol...

Condo Alert!! Only two (2) remaining residences for sale on the Penthouse level, 11th and 12th floors with stairs to roof deck. Priced from the-$800's.

MADRIGAL LOFTS

Madrigal Lofts, is the second residential building in Mount Vernon Place under construction. This is a 12-story loft style condominium at the corner of Fourth and I Street, N.W. According to the information on the brochure, "this loft project designed by Davis, Carter, Scott Ltd., it has historical roots in the second half of the nineteenth century, when a design revolution took place, giving New York City its Cast Iron District..." Interesting.

The lofts features: 10' ceilings, exposed ductwork and open floor plan. You'll find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Oversized closets, and bathroom feature ceramic tile, porcelain steel tubs and granite countertops.

There are different floor plans available. These homes priced from $365,900 to low-$400's for the one bedroom. The two bedroom homes starts from mid-$400's. Parking -- is available for purchase. In DC, you pay extra for a parking space. While in the burbs, parking is included. Delivery estimated around Nov/Dec of 2007.

* Mt. Vernon Triangle Edges Upward [Washington Post]
* Mount Vernon Triangle [website]

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.

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.

Prescott

Prescott is Alexandria's Old Town newest condominium. This is where you live in a premier location, within walking distance to Old Town's restaurants and shops, because the condominium is located right in the center of Old Town. A block off King Street and only 7 blocks from King Street metro station.

Old Town Alexandria is unique in a way. It is a revitalized waterfront town with cobblestone streets, colonial houses and churches, museums and shops. Neighborhood amenities include -- amazing choices from mom and pop coffee shops to chain coffee shops, like Starbucks, to neighborhood saloons like Hard Times Cafe and Murphy's Irish Pub, to fine dining and ethnic specialties like Mai Thai, Bistro Lafayette .. the list is too long to feature here. You can take your dog for a walk to tne nearest dog park and boardwalks.

Prescott has 96 residences in a four-level condominium building. About 45% of the residences are sold. All homes features include designer kitchen, 9' ceilings in all living areas, and luxury baths. Designer kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and 42" maple cabinets. Inside your home, you will features like hardwood flooring in the kitchen, foyer, living and dining, designer blinds in all windows, spacious walk-in closets in bedrooms, wood shelving in closets. Building features include rooftop terrace, underground parking, and controlled access to garage, elevators and lobby.

The choices for this community range from spacious one-bedroom (plus den), two bedroom to exquisite penthouses overloooking the crossroads of Cameron, Henry, and N. Fayette Streets. The residences are priced from upper-$400's for a 1BR/BA + den (894 SF) to low-$600's for the 2BR/2BA (1325 SF). This is a new construction project with delivery sometime in 2007.

Having been visited numerous new homes development, I think Prescott realizes the changing in the marketplace that they priced their residences well. For all it's worth, this is the place where it offers urban life style -- with all its shops, restaurants, convenience, and entertainment outside your door... and the price is right.

Scene City Homes

Scene City Homes is a new upscale condominiums slated for Ft. Myer Heights neighborhood in Rosslyn area. Ft. Myer Heights area of Rosslyn, is neighborhood with (older) four to three story apartments -- ripe for redevelopment. Arlington County conducts a study to develop recommendations for conservation, redevelopment or reinvestment for the neighborhood. It is also a neighborhood that connects the major roads, Route 50, Rt. 110, and I-395 -- and metro stops. If you look at the map below -- the neighborhood is to the south of Rosslyn, near Ft. Myer and Iwo Jima. (picture: map of Rosslyn)

The Scene is unique in certain ways. It offers spacious space, expansive windows, translucent walls,  location that is close to two metro stations, Rosslyn and Courthouse stops and private balconies ranged from one to three, depending on the unit/ plan.

The size of condo is spacious ranged from around 900 sq. ft to 2900 sq. ft. By comparison, most one bedrooms in the area, averages around 600-700 square foot. Choose from one bedroom, two bedroom, and two bedroom/ den. Interior features include translucent walls. I think this is unique concept because the transparency gives you the feeling of openness in what could be a small(er) space.

All homes (standard features) includes secured garage parking, gas fireplaces, gas heat, cooking and hot water, walk out balconies, full size W&D, over-sized kitchen islands, maple cabinetry and flooring, granite kitchen and bath tops, stainless steel appliances and designer's lighting fixtures. Here is your option for the gourmet kitchen -- it's either an island or peninsula workspace, depending on the unit and plan.

In addition to the nice features for the interior, builder also offers a 2 year Fit-and-Finish warranty, individual energy efficient heating and cooling system. I think the energy efficient heating and cooling is a plus-- for this community.

Views available from select unit (read: you pay extra for the view) overlooking the National monument. At the time of writing, this development is pending permit. The estimate schedule of delivery will be in 2008.

The homes at the Scene priced from mid-$400's for 1BR/BA to low-$1M for the penthouse 2BR/2.5BA.

The Watergate

Bathroom with river views

We got a sneak peek of the Watergate last week. We're not talking about the existing Watergate co-op. Instead, it's the hotel that was bought by Monument Realty a while back and now is in the process to convert the hotel into co-ops.

 

 

The former hotel will be converted to co-ops. Developer would gutted the inside and retain only the structure (exterior frame) while redeveloping the interior and transform this into luxury homes. When the construction is all said and done by 2007, residences would have their homes completely brand-new.

On the outside, you can't tell the difference between condos and co-ops. Condominiums are more common type of ownership in this area, while co-ops is more common in NY. But occassionally you run into co-ops.  There are differences between co-ops and condominiums. Hat tip to Bankrate.com that explains about the differences.

David St. John, a Florida condominium attorney, says, "There   are significant differences between a condominium and a cooperative, but each   is considered a common interest development or CID. The terms 'co-op' and 'cooperative,'   are short for 'cooperative housing project.' Cooperatives were in existence   and common before the condominium scheme of ownership was fully developed in   the United States. They were especially common in New York City and the northeast."

In a cooperative says St. John, an attorney whose firm represents   more than 600 condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations, the building   containing the residential units or apartments is owned by a 'cooperative housing   corporation.'

"In a condominium, each unit owner owns an individual apartment   in fee simple. In addition, the buyer owns an undivided interest in the common   elements such as the exterior walls, roof, pool and other recreational areas."

Both condo and co-op owners have monthly maintenance fees to pay,   but they can vary, depending on what expenses the fee covers.

For the price you pay you get very... spacious living area. One bedroom has about 800+ sq living space. Link. The largest homes has 4000+ sq. ft and 4 bedrooms with 4.5 baths plus-- a library.. yes, a library there is! Link for the floor plan. A few exclusive penthouse residences offers private rooftop terraces with river views.

There will be only 96 homes build for Watergate. Residences at are priced from high-$800's to over-$9 million (Penthouses).

* Watergate Wrangling [Washington Post]

Pictures: at The Watergate by Dewita