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

Green Matters

Going green is hip and trendy. Green is in every aspect of our daily life. You don't have to look far. Home Depot, is the latest addition to the long list of retailers that has decided go green. Levi's -- yes the jeans company launch of the "Eco" organic line sometime last year. Could it be that the movie "An Inconvenient Truth," changed the way people think more seriously about 'our' planet? Who knows.. One thing I know, it helped me raised my awareness to be more 'environmentally conscious' than ever before.

After my overseas trip recently, I noticed that going green is happening everywhere around the world. Asia. Europe. Latin America. Locally, Arlington leads Northern Virginia in becoming an eco-friendly place to live. Fairfax county, recently decided to go green as well. Outside the U.S., Brazil,  has become the #1 leader in the production of biodiesel fuel. Indonesia, a third-world country and one of the members of OPEC, the government pushes the use of biodiesel fuel. Pertamina, the state-owned oil company have designated selected gas stations into biosolar (or diesel) in selected cities. It's just a matter of time, before everything that we touch, see, and smell is made of renewable and recycle sources.

There are more things that we can do for our homes, to make our home energy efficient. The Germans have invented what they called 'passive homes.' Those are homes that hardly requires regular (active) heating anymore. What a novel  idea! Via Der Spiegel by way of Treehugger.

"So-called "passive" houses, for example, make do with less than an annual 1.5 liters of heating oil per square meter. The name "passive house" derives from the fact that the homes hardly require regular (active) heating anymore. The heat released by small appliances and the body heat of the inhabitants -- which amounts to no less than roughly two kilowatt hours per person and day -- is largely sufficient. Automatic ventilation -- with a built-in heat retention system, of course -- ensures that the rooms don't get too stuffy."

In addition to transforming a house to be more efficient, here are the few places, where you can get a lot of green solutions.

>> Energy efficient mortgages (EEM): Primarily is used to purchase or refinance a) a home that already has energy efficient features, or b) a home where energy efficient is being added or improved.
>> Tax Credit: The Federal tax credits are available for many types of home improvements, i.e. adding insulation, window replacement, heating and cooling. Tax credits also available for solar energy systems placed in service from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008.
>> Flooring made of renewable sources: Bamboo, cork, linoleum.
>> Energy efficient appliances: New window, cooling systems, water heating, food storage, cooking, lighting, dishwashing, laundry,

Right now, if you're looking for healthy homes --  around NVa., there is EcoVillage, a co-housing neighborhood in Loudoun county. And I think, in not too distant future, we'll see more builders going into building sustainable homes, which is good for the planet we live in.

Tags: green living, eco-living, real estate, real estate trends, renewable sources, renewable energy

Where the Opportunitie$ Are

On the market for a home, or investment properties? Try to go deep on pre-foreclosures and bank owned properties or REO, as they call it. These include HUD and Fannie Mae owned properties. These kinds of properties are not for the fainted heart and buyers with limited cash flow. Because you're buying a sold 'as-is' property.

However, if you are into it -- this is the arena where you can find really 'good bargains.' You might need some cash to fix-it-up. Not all homes are junkies, there are some of new homes and good ones, too.

Based on MRIS data, Prince William county is the one county that get hit hardest. The number of homes in PW counties for sale, either pre-foreclosures or bank owned is over 100.

Here are the rest of the data:

• Arlington >> 7 homes from the lo-$189,900 to hi-$659,900
• Alexandria City >> 1 home for $265,900
• Fairfax >> 85 homes from lo-$210,00 to hi-$1,15M
• Falls Church City >> None
• Loudoun >> 59 homes from lo-$231,900 to hi-$1.195M
• Manassas City >> 14 homes from lo-$175,655 to hi-$429,900
• Prince William >> 166 homes from lo-$195,000 to hi-$960,900
• Washington DC >> 9 homes from lo-$179,900 to hi-$799,900.

Oh by the way, I found out that not all of the homes are bargains! You really have to check the tax record to see how much they paid for... to see whether it's really a bargain.

Real Estate News Roundup

* Appraisal Inflation [Washington Post]
"Have inflated appraisals helped fuel the surge in foreclosures on credit-strapped borrowers? Are such appraisals at the core of many mortgage-fraud schemes?"

* Beware of Builders of Bearing Gifts and Pushing Lenders [Washington Post]
"So much of the fun in buying a newly built home comes from being able to choose the upgrades that tailor it to your tastes. Want steam vents in the shower? No problem. With a swipe of the pen, they're yours. And for now, at least, many builders are offering such goodies at no extra cost."

* How Homeowners, Consumers Can Battle Against Global Warming [Real Estate Journal]
" Going green is the new black in 2007. Advice abounds on how to cut your carbon dioxide output and do your part in the battle against global warming. But how much does a person have to spend to go green--and what kind of environmental impact would that spending actually have?"

* Minorities Hit Hard by Rising Costs of Subprime Loans [USA Today]
"Charles Davis bought his home on the South Side of Chicago in 2003 using adjustable-rate, high-interest loans and betting an improving economy would help him handle rising payments ahead. Things didn't go as planned."

* The Grocery Every Downtown Wants [CoolTown Studios]
"Why is there such a frenzy to score a Trader Joe's in one's neighborhood? To sum it up with a quote sourced amid the hysteria of NYC's first Trader Joe's ever last year (pictured above), "It's kind of like the Grateful Dead of supermarkets."

* New Home Sales vs. Starts [Calculated Risk]
"Some people are confused as to why starts are so high (around 1.5 million on a Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate SAAR) and New Home sales so low (0.85 million SAAR). They ask: why aren't reported inventories surging?"

* Condo Sales: Cooper Lewis [DC Home and Condo Prices]
"The Cooper Lewis, located at 1413 P St NW, began delivery in July 2006 [see project profile here]."

* Earthlink Approved to Build Arlington Wireless Network [DC Examiner]
" Arlington County has approved EarthLink to build out a 26-square-mile Wi-Fi network that will cover the entire county."

* Some Thoughts on the Condo Market [The Ground Floor]
"Here are some thoughts on condos today. There is good and bad news. The bad news, as has been widely reported, is that there is an overhang of supply in a lot of places."

* Residents Learn of Big Plans to Grow Merrifield [FCNP]
"For a long time, the Merrifield section of Fairfax County west on Rt. 29 from Falls Church was little more than a nice nursery, a busy Taco Bell, a big post office, a multiplex movie theatre and a 1950s-style diner. Lately, a lot of big buildings have been rising up out of the ground, and this is only the beginning."

* Home Equity Extraction: The Real Cost of 'Free Cash' [Seeking Alpha]
" The update to the Greenspan/Kennedy report (.pdf) on home equity extraction was a real page-turner. Seriously, it was pretty good."

* Foreclosures Surge on Mortgage Woes [CNN/Money]
"Foreclosure filings surged during the first quarter of 2007, as home price increases slowed or even reversed and borrowers fell behind on payments once their adjustable rates began resetting at much higher levels."

Image: Real Estate Journal. Click on Image for larger view.

By the Numbers: NVa and DC Home Sales

Here are the specifics for Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. We're comparing the same period last year, March '07 with last year. The first numbers show for '07 follows by '06 numbers.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME SALES TRENDS

Total homes sold >> 1752 vs. 1867 (-6.16%)
Days on market >> 101 vs. 58
Average sold price >> $532,517 vs. $535,633 (-0.58%)
Average sold single family >> $721,966 vs. $729,119 (-0.98%)
Average sold other types [condos, townhouses] >> $468,871 vs. $488,627 (-4.04%)
Average sold price as percentage of list price >> 94.79% vs. 97.04%

ARLINGTON

This is the only county in the Northern Virginia jurisdiction, that shows steady price appreciation. The rest is pretty much gradually decreasing.

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $384,128 vs. $377,588 (+2%)
Ave. sold price townhouses >> $673,296 vs. $639,273 (+5%)
Ave. sold price single homes >> $765,778 vs. $820,854 (-6%)
Days on the market >> 82 vs. 54
Ave. sale price as percentage of ave. list price >> 97.13% vs. 95.68%

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

The City of Alexandria is the one of the two cities in NVa jurisdiction that shows steady price appreciation. The other one is City of Falls Church. I think buyers discovered what the City has to offer -- affordable homes and yet close to everything and easy access to major roads. It's a "hidden" gem. Looks like townhouses selling like condos and single family homes were the most preferred type of homes in Alexandria. An interesting mix of type of homes, if we compare Arlington and Alexandria. In Arlington, condos and townhouses sold better than single homes.

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $369,339 vs. $341,155 (+8%)
Ave. sold price townhouses >> $628,569 vs. $648,533 (-3%)
Ave. single family homes >> $694,017 vs. $676,039 (+3%)
Days on market >> 109 vs. 58
Ave. sale price as percentage of ave. list price >> 97.25% vs. 94.66%

FALLS CHURCH

The average condo prices in Falls Church City, appreciated by 9% this month! Amazing...

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $383,000 vs. $351,875 (+9%)
Ave. sold price townhouses >> $574,300 vs. $600,000 (-4%)
Ave. single family homes >> $800,795 vs. $1,016,500 (-21%)
Days on market >> 92 vs. 55
Ave. sale price as percentage of ave. list price >> 98.71% vs. 95.85%

FAIRFAX

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $317,941 vs. $324,173 (-2%)
Ave. sold price townhouses >> $428,484 vs. $460,487 (-7%)
Ave. single family homes >> $714,047 vs. $731,539 (-2%)
Days on market >> 104 vs. 59
Ave. sale price as percentage of ave. list price >> 94.57% vs. 96.99%

OUTER SUBURBS

LOUDOUN

Not a good news for sellers. However -- it's good news for buyers!

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $287,478 vs. $311,420 (-8%)
Ave. sold price townhouses >> $412,486 vs. $439,284 (-6%)
Ave. single family homes >> $623,530 vs. $673,625 (-7%)
Days on market >> 129 vs. 76
Ave. sale price as percentage of ave. list price >> 97.13% vs. 94.05%

PRINCE WILLIAM

Home prices were down across the board for Prince William county. This is good news for wannabe buyers. Great time to buy!

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $267,221 vs. $281,676 (-5%)
Ave. sold price townhouses >> $326,842 vs. $351,970 (-7%)
Ave. single family homes >> $478,086 vs. $523,184 (-9%)
Days on market >> 134 vs. 66
Ave. sale price as percentage of ave. list price >> 94.21% vs. 97.76%

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

DC homes sales improved. The number of contracts ratified has been on an upswing mode since beginning of the year. For the same period, the number of pending sales for condominiums (or contracts) were up from 988 last year to 1128, or 14.2%. The average price for condos dropped from $406,501 to $390,036. That tells you - why condo sales up in DC.

For single family homes, inventory was also down by 4.5% for the year. That translates to 1151 active listings this year versus 1205 last year. Other indicators:

Ave. sold price condominiums >> $390,036 vs. $406,501 (-)
Ave. sold price single homes >> $675,736 vs. $644,115 (+)
Days on market >> 84 vs. 51
Ave. sales price as percentage of ave. list price 94.92% vs. 96.94%

March '07 DC Region Home Sales

[Note: I apologized that this analysis came a little bit late, due to personal circumstances.]

It's interesting to see what has been happening in the Washington D.C. region housing market since the beginning of the year. For the month of March, the number of homes sold for Northern Virginia declined by 6.16% with a total of 1,752 homes sold this year down from 1,867 homes the previous year. However, on a year-to-date basis, it shows that the number of homes sold actually increased by 2.31% to 4,563 homes. The average price of home in No. VA declined by less than a percent (0.93%), from $525,924 in '06 to $521,018 this year. Properties stay longer on the market, on average 101 days -- longer than previous year (58 days).

Sellers, probably want to know specifically this number -- average sale price as a percentage of average list price. Because it would help them set their expectations. The number have gone down from 97.04% the previous year to 94.79%. What that means is this: On average, buyers paid 5.21% less than the asking price.

Amongst Northern Virginia counties, Arlington county is the only county that shows a steady price appreciation for condos and townhouses this year. UPDATE: City of Falls Church and Alexandria are the two adjacent cities that have experience upswing trends.

The average price of a condo in Arlington increased by 2% from $377,588 (March '06) to $384,128. Furthermore, the average price of a townhouse is only slightly behind single home -- increased by a whopping five percent from $639,273 to $673,296. The only type of home, that shows reversal of the trend in Arlington -- single homes. It's average price declined by 6% from $823,796 to $770,503. Maybe this is a sign of home type choices among today's buyers, which shows that buyers tend to go for the convenience and "less maintenance living," offers by condos and townhouses? In a way, Arlington has that "premium price" attached to it, because of its proximity and easy access to transportation.. be it metro, buses, car sharing, walkable neighborhoods and its "urban living" style.

For the outer burbs, or Greater Northern Virginia -- that includes Prince William, Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties, the total number of homes sold declined by 16.69% from 3,392 to 2,826 homes. The total number sold for the year down by 9.38% form 8,181 to 7,414 homes. This month's average sales price dropped by a little bit over a percent at 1.1% from $503,200 to $497,666. And on year-to-date, the average sales price drop by 0.73% to $492,629.

The number of single homes sold in the District, declined by 3.8% from 832 to 800 homes. The number of homes "under contract", have not gone to closing yet -- declined by 11.2% from previous year at 1078 to 957 homes this year. The average price have gone up since last year from $644,115 to $675,736. That explain why the number of homes sold drop, because of price! From the condo market -- it shows a different trend. The number of active listings drop (good sign!), the number of contracts (pending sales) increased, and sales also up. What's going on here? The average price of a condo dropped from $406,501 last year to $390,036. This is why, it shows an upswing.

At least in some parts of DC region, prices -- plays a big role in the market. When prices down, people start buying again.

I'll continue later with the (specific) numbers.

Source: MRIS, GCAAR, NVAR.

Tags: dc march home sales, real estate, real estate trends, urban living, home buying and selling

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Goodies from the Trip

I just got back from a three-week travel to Jakarta, Indonesia. It's been ten years since the last time I was there. And so much has changed in some parts of Asia.

Changi airport in Singapore so far is my choice of the best airport with 24/7 services in Southeast Asia. Nice and very accommodating to travelers. It has designated places to rest, clean bathrooms, and great selection of food (in case you're hungry) in their food court. TV monitors are everywhere. You can watch all kinds of TV shows. It also provides free (yes, they are free!) internet services around the airport. Though, they put a 15-minute limit per usage, you can practically use one station after another.

I think, Asian economy is booming. I haven't looked at the stats, but, looking at the two flights going to Narita airport in Tokyo with connection to Beijing and Guangzhao, I can see that China's economy is booming. The flight I was in, connecting to Beijing. And the big jumbo was booked solid! Not one empty seat. I see Chinese travelers everywhere: in Singapore and Indonesia. There's even a book, titled "ChinIndia," a collection of stories about the emerging power of the two economies.

In Jakarta, the big change that I see is more high rises, mixed-use buildings -- more than I see it here in Washington. No zoning. Even if there's zoning regs, they're not enforced. What of the thing that I see more and more is real estate franchises, including from the U.S. that have opened up shops there. Century 21 and ERA.

The only problem I see with all the changes in Indonesia, is the gap between the rich and poor have widened over the years. You'll see spots of Le slums here and there blends in with McMansions and luxury high-rise apartments. These apartments are condos to Americans. And not rental apartments. The blends are welcome. However, in my humble opinion, if it's not careful, it could create social jealousy in the long run.

On the green zone. Despite pollution, traffic congestions that are common in Jakarta. The one good thing that Pertamina, the state-owned oil company, did -- is to push the use of biodiesel or biosolar as they call it there. Diesel fuel is cheap and very efficient. It helps the country's reduce its dependence on imports. And here -- we're talking about the use of biodiesel, renewable energy, but not exactly pushing it faster than we should be.

Picture: Bajaj (orig. from India) using BBG (bahan bakar gas) translation natural gas.

And when it comes to traveling, Japanese have a different attitude towards health insurance. They're taking it very seriously. Look at the ATM (like) machines in the airport, where a traveler can purchase traveler's insurance before leaving the country.

Next time whenever I have the chance, I'd to visit more cities in Asia.

Note: I will post more pictures from the trip later on flickr.

Real Estate News Roundup

No exclusive representation [Jakarta, Indonesia]

* March Home Foreclosures Rise 7%; Nevada is Worst [USA Today]
"Home foreclosures rose 7% in March from February to 149,150, reflecting the struggle of subprime borrowers to keep their homes, real estate data firm RealtyTrac said Wednesday."

* A Glut of New Houses and What that Means for You [Washington Post]
"Have you ever surveyed a neighbor's unkempt lawn or half-baked renovation and wondered if it might hurt your home's value? Glanced at houses near the halfway point on your commute and wondered if the time saved would be worth that neighborhood's premium price?"

* A To-Do List to Keep the Condo's Book [Washington Post]
"Q: I have just been elected treasurer of our condominium association. Recently, I read that a property manager in Virginia may have embezzled thousands of dollars from associations with which he was associated. I am scared because I am ill-equipped for this task. What can I do to safeguard our association's money?"

* What's Best Flooring? No Simple Answer [Remodeling Online]
"IT seems a lot of you are undertaking kitchen remodeling projects this year. Kitchen remodels are among the most popular projects of the multi- billion remodeling industry. I remodeled my kitchen two years ago and still love it."

* Will Remodel Help You or Cost You Upon Resale [Real Estate Journal]
"Recently, I was telling a friend about how we're remodeling the master bathroom in our house. Her reaction: "Wow. You don't see that in Baton Rouge. She meant that as a compliment (I think). But she also, unintentionally, raised a whole different issue."

* The Second Most Expensive Home in the U.S. [Planetizen]
"A Beverly Hills mansion called the "Fluer de Lys" goes on the market for $125 million, making it the second-most expensive private residence in the United States."

* Home Depot to Display Environmental Label [NYT]
"After squabbling over prices for decades, the nation’s big-box retail chains are ready to battle in a new arena: the environment."

* Does Solar Power for Your Home Makes Financial Sense? [Planetizen]
"At least for now, using solar panels to power your home may not help you save money."

* Zillow Banned in AZ by Regulators. Is the Novelty Wearing Off [Bigger Pockets]
"Internet juggernaut Zillow is facing some opposition from the state of Arizona."

* Top 10 U.S. Cities for Renewable Energy [Sustain Lane]
"Which of the largest 50 US cities provide citizens with the highest percentage of power produced from renewable energy?"

* Census and HUD Data Indicates that Builders Are Not Bouncing Back [MND]
"Builders appeared to have remained cautious about the housing market in March,   pulling permits and starting construction on new houses in numbers little changed   from February."

* Subprime Mess No Easy Fix [CNN/Money]
"Swapping risky mortgages for those with steady payments sounds like a reasonable plan to keep millions out of foreclosure. But the way mortgage products have been packaged and sold into financial markets presents a big hurdle."

* More Buyers Sold on a New Front Porch [WHG]
"Gina Gaspin refers to the front porch of her Takoma Park home as her window to the world -- and the world's window to her."

* Commission OK's Van Dorn Townhouses [Connection]
" The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved a plan to bring 17 new townhouses to South Van Dorn Street."

* Mount Vernon and Lee Districts: Past, Present and Future [Connection]
" Revitalization of the Route 1 corridor is alive and well. But, it still has a long way to go."

* Fitch: 'Intense' Downturn May Ebb Later in 2007 for U.S. Home Builders [BBOL]
"Although major U.S. housing metrics will decrease in 2007, the rate of decline will moderate later this year barring a stall in the economy or recession, according to Fitch Ratings in the latest edition of 'Chalk Line.'

* Class Action Lawsuit Against Toll Brothers [Calculated Risk]
"Lerach Coughlin today announced that a class action has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of purchasers of Toll Brothers, Inc. common stock during the period between December 9, 2004 and November 8, 2005."

* HOT Lane Plan Comes with Promises [Washington Post]
"Private companies looking to build and operate toll lanes along interstates 95 and 395 from the Pentagon south said yesterday that the lanes will maintain minimum speeds of 55 mph inside the Capital Beltway, even during rush hours."

* City, Developers, Retailers, Meet to Discuss Solution for Carlyle Neighborhood [DC Examiner]
"Stakeholders in the city’s troubled Carlyle neighborhood met this week to discuss concerns and possible solutions to the vast empty retail space in the developing neighborhood."

* Hartford County to Net Billions from BRAC [Baltimore Examiner]
"Harford County stands to gain nearly $2 billion a year from increased activity at Aberdeen Proving Ground, though questions remain about the county’s readiness after a town hall meeting Monday."

Bird's Eye View: A Populous City

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia is one of the most populous cities in the most populous island in the world, Java. The list of the top 10 largest cities of the world, via About.

1. Tokyo-Yokohama, Japan - 33,200,000
2. New York, United States - 17,800,000
3. Sao Paulo, Brazil - 17,700,000
4. Seoul-Incheon, South Korea - 17,500,000
5. Mexico City, Mexico - 17,400,000
6. Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto, Japan - 16,425,000
7. Manila, Philippines - 14,750,000
8.  Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay) - 14,350,000
9. Jakarta, Indonesia - 14,250,000
10. Lagos, Nigeria - 13,400,000

Pictures taken from above Jakarta, shows you how populated the city is.

The City of Jakarta spread around about 410 square miles. With the size of its population you can imagine how bad traffic is in the City. What I've been seeing is "there's no day without traffic jam!" Regardless of the time of the day, day of the week -- always jammed up. People here are fed up with the traffic congestion. Even though, it has a good mass transit system, but practically -- only low income folks take advantage of the system. The middle and upper class don't even bother. There's been talking about building monorail system crossing through some of the mostly congested neighborhoods in the city. Constructions for monorail system should start sometime late this year or next year. Monorail is one of the alternative transportation systems to solve its traffic problems.

You think traffic congestions in Washington is bad? Here in Jakarta, is worst.

Real Estate News Roundup

Note: This will be one of my sporadic postings from overseas.

* FTC Says It Can't Protect Mortgage-Seekers from 'Trigger-Lists' [Washington Post]
"When you apply for a mortgage and get a barrage of irritating and confusing phone calls from competing lenders before noon the next day, can you turn to the government for help?"

* 72 Years and About 50 Heirs Later, Home Sale is Labor of Love [Washington Post]
"Q: My great-grandmother died in 1935 and left her heirs a plot of land with a house. Since then, family members who needed a place to live have been allowed to stay in the house, on the condition that they paid the real estate taxes and made whatever repairs were needed."

* Rates on 30-Year Mortgage Unchanged Near '07 Low [USA Today]
"Average rates on 30-year mortgages were unchanged this week at 6.16%, staying near the lowest levels for the year, mortgage giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday. That rate compared to the low for the year of 6.14%, set during the first two weeks of March. That was the lowest point for 30-year mortgages since they averaged 6.13% the week of Dec. 21."

* Housing Bubble and Real Estate Market Tracker [Seeking Alpha]
"Here's our summary of articles and data points on the housing market. It's part of Seeking Alpha's coverage of the real estate market and homebuilder stocks."

* Archadeck Says Deck Railings Are the New Vogue [ROL]
"Homeowners want unique design and style when it comes to their deck railing; something that shows their personality, matches their home and sets them apart from others."

* Homebuyers, Sellers Feel Fallout from Housing Market [Realestate Journal]
" Despite the real-estate slowdown, homes in Florida are still too pricey for some, spurring large employers like the University of Miami and Baptist Health South Florida to get into the housing market, according to a Sun-Sentinel article."

* Buyers Seek Historic or Period Homes [NYT]
"Around the world, from Panama to Shanghai, buyers are seeking historic or period houses, and are willing to pay high prices for them, spurring owners to spend time and money on sensitive renovations that often include modern improvements, brokers say. But finding properties worthy of such effort can be a challenge."

* And Still More on Subprime Fiasco [MND]
"As a subplot to the entire mortgage drama, two feuds recently   emerged or more accurately re-emerged among some major mortgage players."

* After 3 Years, Hekemian Finally Wins OK for 'Northgate Project' [FCNP]
"It took three years and a couple of rude setbacks, but the dogged Hekemian Company finally won the favor of the Falls Church City Council, as well as a wide range of local advisory groups and the City’s professional staff, to build 105 rental residential units, combined with retail and office uses, on the long-idled Pearson Funeral Home site on N. Washington St. at the corner of E. Jefferson."

* Law Extends Va's Exemption for Hybrid Vehicles [DC Examiner]
"Virginia motorists driving environmentally friendly cars can continue driving in high-occupancy-vehicle lanes without carrying any passengers under legislation Gov. Tim Kaine has signed into law."

* Luxury Homes Fuel Area's Real Estate Growth [DC Examiner]
"Local real estate experts said a strong economy and a scarcity of space in the national capital region’s inner suburbs are fueling a luxury housing market in Maryland, Virginia and the District that is among the most robust in the country."

* Condo Sales: Q14 Residences [DC Condo Sales]
"The Q14 Residences, located at 1401 Q St NW, have the unique distinction of having perhaps the most expensive condo in the United States, if the District's data were to be trusted."

* Bamboo Isn't Just for Pandas [Behind the Curtains]
"That incredible shot is of a bamboo "shoot" --  a stalk that would have taken Jack halfway to the heavens -- or at least 80 feet. And even more impressive is the fact that bamboo can achieve this height in only one growing season, making it the fastest growing plant on the planet."

* Planning for BRAC Impact is Tricky [WHG]
"Home builders and government planners spend plenty of time attempting to predict the future, hoping that their best guesses will result in homes being built where people want to live, with roads and schools in place at the right time to meet demand."

* Big Incomes, Bigger Houses [CNN]
"These million dollar mansions are located in neighborhoods where the median income can top  $500,000."

* How the Richest Zip Codes Became So  [MSNBC]
"Search the Internet for luxury real estate across the U.S. and you might be surprised by the results. Just because a neighborhood has a rarefied ZIP code, it's no guarantee that all the houses listed within it will be equally opulent. Some may even be downright modest."

* Et Tu, Centex? Developer Lends a Roman Name to Crown Farm [WashBizJournal]
" "A frightening, violent place, with rival gangs fighting for power" is not the image Centex Homes was going for when it decided to rename Crown Farm in Gaithersburg after one of the seven hills of Rome."

* Brighten the Boulevard [Fairfax Connection]
" A short drive down Fairfax Boulevard today is not a particularly aesthetic experience. Strip malls line the austere roads, which are choked with cars. The road has little green space or architectural creativity to speak of."