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

UT in Backfence

Backfence.com is a local community based website. It's very interactive. Sort like a combination of website and blog. This week's edition on "Local Blog,' features UT's post on Dulles Metrorail project.

E-Week: The Next 10 Tech Cities

HT to Planetizen for pointing to this story on E-Week. Washington DC is one of the "10 Blooming Tech Hubs Beyond the Valley," according to E-Week.

Cities that made it to the list:

1. Seattle
2. Atlanta
3. Boston
4. Washington DC
5. Dallas
6. Philadelphia
7. Chicago
8. Orlando
9. Los Angeles
10. Charlotte

* Beyond the Valley, 10 Blooming US Cities for Tech [E-Week]

Real Estate Links

Argentina is playing Germany today [FIFA]

Here are the links to selected stories around the Internet on real estate:

* Prices Pull Buyers to Maryland [WHG]
* Option ARM Not Best in All Markets [WHG]
* Development Development [DCist]
* Walk and Chew Gum: Lenders Continue to Relax Mortgage Underwriting Standards [Matrix]
* In Seattle, Detached Garages May Be Approved for Apartments [Planetizen]
* Clarksburg Developer Found in Violation [DC Examiner]
* Board Starts on Rural Policy [Loudoun Connection]
* Density Hits Home [Reston Connection]
* More Houses for Pohick? [Springfield Connection]
* The Nightmare Next Door [CNN/Money]

Future Plans for Anacostia Waterfront

The "Before" and "After" image of Anacostia River waterfront.

BEFORE  vs. AFTER

THE BIG PICTURE of AREA FOR REDEVELOPMENT

click to enlarge images (Anacostia Waterfront Initiative)

The Anacostia Waterfront revitalization project is a huge project for DC. The two big projects in the works for are --  Nats baseball stadium and redevelopment of Southwest waterfront. According to Washington Post, around the stadium, Anacostia Waterfront have plans to build 9M SF of commercial and residential for the next decade. The plans -- to create vibrant urban community beyond ballgame. Via Washington Post.

Washington showed renderings of people walking from the Navy Yard Metro station just north of the baseball stadium into a plaza near First and N streets SE. Shops and restaurants would line First and Half streets SE. Using an electronic pointer to highlight a slide, Washington said to imagine a retail district along the lines of Bethesda Row in downtown Bethesda, M Street in Georgetown or 7th Street NW near the Verizon Center.

Some drawings showed high-rise residential units that would be built above retail shops and back up to the stadium. Another image showed a river walk and parks along the Anacostia River to draw visitors to the area. Washington declined to release any sketches for publication, saying they were not final.

That's just on the stadium side. The plans for Southwest Waterfront plans that approved in 2003 includes a combination of parking, residential, 400-500 hotel rooms, museum and retails. The redevelopment plans for SW would compete directly with National Harbor project on Maryland side in terms of expected revenues. In my "wishful thinking," I hope there would be some sort of joint-ventures between Maryland-DC and maybe with Virginia, to keep the funds in DC metro. Who knows.

* Anacostia Group Looks Beyond Ball Park [Washington Post]

Fed Up Interest Rates Again!

As predicted, Fed increases interest rates again to 5.25%. The Fed Chief "issued a statement," following the move that this could be their last move (for the year?).

READ FULL STORY [USA Today]

Real Estate Links

Here are the links to selected stories from around the Internet on real estate:

* Suburbia Catches with Unger, W.VA [Washington Post]
* Home Sales Sink: Rates, Inventory Rise [BBOL]
* Housing's Hot, Builder Stocks Not [BBOL]
* If There Was Such a Thing Pedestrian Friendly Car [Cool Town Studios]
* Fish Market Forces [DCist]
* Suburbia Shows Its Muscle Even As Macro Trends Favor Urban [Matrix]
* Downtown Development Buzz [Metroblogging DC]
* Which Metro Area Have the Strongest Price Appreciation? [Planetizen]
* Why Community Gardens Matter [Planetizen]
* Where Houses are Selling and Where They are Not [Real Estate Journal]
* Charging Ahead with Furniture Designed for Gadget Lovers [Real Estate Journal]
* Rental Rates Increase Despite Protest [RealtyTimes]

Area Farmers Market Links

Arlington Courthouse market

It's that time of the year again to get supplies of fresh produce directly from the farmers. Farmers market is popular not only with urban dwellers, but also for suburbanites. In fact, farmers market has become "suburban oasis" in Maryland, according to Washington Post.

The customers come for all sorts of reasons. Some have adopted strictly organic diets. Others say the slight bump in price is worth the value of supporting local farms. Many, however, say there's just something about the open, festival atmosphere -- where buyer and seller are on a first-name basis, where there are no checkout lines or stamped expiration dates, where a local musician with an acoustic guitar sings a mellow tune while customers contemplate exotic Asian cabbages.

Here are links to farmers markets in the area (DC/MD/VA) to help you find market in your neighborhood.

* DC Farmers Market
* Organic Produce and Farmers Markets in the DC Area
* Arlington County Farmers Market
* Loudoun County Guide to Farms, Farmers Market
* The big list of Virginia Farmers Market by City
* Falls Church Farmers Market
* Fairfax County Farmers Market
* Maryland Farmers Market Directory by County
* Maryland's Farmers Market and Fruit Stands
* List of Pick-Your-Own Farms in N. VA

Lehigh Acres Florida a great place to build!

I wanted to share a link with you all, http://www.lehighacreschamber.org/.  This will inform you on all that Lehigh Acres Florida has to offer you.  This community is still developing and growing!  It's very exciting for me to drive into work seeing new building projects all around! Get a copy of the market watch report there.  http://www.dennygrimes.com/

I hope this helps...

Jason Pawloski
bergebuilding.com

West to East DC Price Migration

Prices trending higher in poorer areas according to a recent study. It's migration pattern is from affluent neighborhoods in the west part of DC to poorer neighborhoods east of the City. Via Washington Post.

Housing prices are leveling off in affluent neighborhoods in the District but are escalating significantly in poorer areas, a sign that the city's economic boom is moving from west to east, according to a study being released today.

More findings from the study:

• Housing prices increases in Ivy City, near Southeast around Navy Yard, neighborhoods east of Anacostia river and east of 16th NW.
• In the first 3 mos. of this year building permits issued by the City up 135%.
• The City attracts singles and young couples more than families because of type of housing.
• Last year, investors bought 20% of condos in DC.

This migration has something to do with affordability, type of housing, education system and land prices. Housing prices around trendy neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, etc. reach the un-affordability level. Read the study, here.

* Price Increases Migration to Poorer Neighborhoods [Washington Post]

On the Market: Westbriar Plaza

(bumped from previous post)

UPDATE: There are only two units available for this community. Builder's close-out is the best kept secret in the industry. It's usually the best deals around!

Cross-posted with New Home Trekker.

Want to live within walking distance from the Metro? Think how close and convenient it will be living close to the Metro.

The good news is - Westbriar Plaza started selling. Talking about closeness to Metro, Westbriar is located across the street from Dunn Loring Metro. They have a limited number of brand new townhomes style condos now selling. These are two-level townhome-style condos 2BR and 2.5 bath in  spacious 1500+ square feet of living area.

There are two models available for the final release. Property features (brochure) include gas fireplace, 9' ceilings in all living areas,  walk-in closets, crown molding in living and dining room, stainless steel appliances, designer kitchen with 42' cabinetry, and lavish master bath.

There are differences in features for the last two homes. The Hudson, with 1778 SF living space features hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with white on white cabinets/ appliances. It also has a large laundry room with extra storage. The other home, the Vanderbilt's living quarter is 1553 SF and it features gourmet kitchen with white cabinets and corian countertops, upgraded carpet and ceramic. The homes are ready for immediate delivery, so you can move in right now....

These homes are priced from mid-$500's come with 2 underground parking spaces and builder's incentives.

* Builder's Close-Out: Westbriar Plaza [New Home Trekker]