U r b a n T r e k k e r

Ten Home Improvements Under $100

Home improvements tend to inspire thoughts of large, expensive projects. Yet, it is often the little things that add so much value. Do you want to improve your home for resale or personal pleasure but don't want to spend a lot of money? Here are 10 improvements for under $100 each from Motley Fool.

1) Mailbox

A tired old mailbox detracts from your home's appeal. Replace it with a new one made of quality materials. Depending on the style that best suits your home, you can choose brass, iron, or other materials. You can put one of those cute green mallards on it, or some other visual motif calculated to offend the neighbors.

2) Doormat

Anything at the front door will affect your enjoyment of your home as well as a prospective buyer's impression. Replace that worn, dirty doormat with a fresh new one.

3) Street numbers

Make your house easy to find with bold street numbers in brass, iron, ceramic, or other quality materials. Sure, those old falling-down aluminum ones work all right, but it would be better if the gap were filled where the "6" is supposed to be, don't you think?

From the field: High Pointe and Palazzo

High Pointe at Jefferson Park

A condo conversion in Merrifield, off Gallows and Rt. 50 in Falls Church. Actually the properties include adjacent townhomes. The location is about a mile from Dunn Loring Metro and close to Yorktown shopping center and restaurants. Unlike new development where you have to wait for the deliveries, with condo conversion, it is immediate delivery.

According to the information they provided, the properties were originally built as luxury apartments in 2001. Started selling as condos in 2004 and is about 60% occupied.

Condo Conversions & Constructions

The following is an update on condo conversion projects in Arlington. These four projects are at various stages of conversion.

• Spout Run Terrace, 2050 Calvert St. (28 units) with conversion began in 2003
• Jackson Manor, 4225 N. Henderson Road (24 units), conversion began in 2004
• Shirlington Overlook, 4155 S. Four Mile Run Drive (531 units) , began in 2004
• The Brittany, 4500 S. Four Mile Run Drive (408 units) began in 2004

More conversions are on the way. In December 2004, developers have announced the following projects will undergo conversion:

• Avalon at Ballston with 222 high-rise apartments at 1001N. Vermont St. and Quincy Towers with 232 high-rise apartments at 1001 N. Randolph St.
• The Broyhilton (60 garden apartments at 4637 N. 20th Road)