The Economic Conference (Part 2)

The 23rd Annual Economic Conference with George Mason University and Cardinal Bank at the Tysons Corner Ritz Carlton was held today.  Stephen Fuller, Phd has been the main speaker for 22 conferences and did an excellent job of bringing the attendees up to speed on the DC Economy.  Dr. Fuller is the Dwight Schar Faculty Chair and University Professor, Director for Regional Analysis at George Mason University.

Dr. Fuller's presentation can be found here.

It is an excellent presentation on the Washington DC economy, what the components of the economy are and what direction we need to follow to stay in the game.

It is well worth the read.

The federal government will play a smaller role in the regional economy in the coming years.  It is imperative that we have strong local leadership that understands the importance of  innovation and the wise use of our precious resources so that the Washington DC area economy remains strong and viable and competitive.

The following words really stood out as a synopsis of the conference:



Becoming a Global Business Center does not happen without:

*a strong public and private sector leadership and 
* increased investment  in public infrastructure, workforce development and private sector productive capacity reflecting new technologies

This conference was one of the most inspirational conferences that I have attended.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today, I am here to help....

                                                  Thank you,

                                                 Carla Brooks
                                                 703-577-4960
                                               brkslong@aol.com

The Economic Conference

I attended the 23rd annual economic conference By George Mason University and Cardinal Bank at the Tysons Corner Ritz Carlton today.  Attendance was at an all time high and the presentation was excellent.

Lisa Sturtevant, PHD spoke in the early morning.  She is the Vice President of Research for the National Housing Conference.

Her presentation involved many information charts on the housing market.  Understanding the history of the DC Housing Market is crucial to understanding the long term direction of real estate.

The presentation can be found here.

It is well worth and reading.  The general trend for the DC housing market is for the construction of  less expensive housing preferably located closer to jobs and urban life.

Enjoy!

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I would love to sit down with you and develop a strategy for your home sale/purchase.

                                                               Thank you

                                                              Carla Brooks
                                                              703-577-4960
                                                           brkslong@aol.com

Interest Rate predictions for 2015

Wondering where interest rates are headed for the year?

Here is a round up of the mortgage interest rate projections for 2015 by Fannie Mae Freddie Mac, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors:

This table was provided by the KCM blog.

Time will tell where interest rates end up at the end of the year.  One interesting thing to note is that an increase in interest rates does not mean a decrease in home prices.  Pricing is determined by supply and demand.  

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.

Thank you

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

A Great Home Tour

Let's start the new year off right....with a great HOME TOUR from the owners of Tone on Tone in Bethesda MD.  

 Loi Thai posts regularly on his blog: Tone on Tone.  He and his partner (Thomas Troeschel) own Tone on Tone, a swedish antiques furnishings and accessory store in Bethesda, MD.

I'll never forget the day (3-4 years ago roughly) I saw this picture of their Swedish secretary (painted green) paired with white washed flooring and colorful antique birds in the Washington Post Weekly Thursday Insert.

This picture stole the hearts of anyone and everyone interested in home design and fashion.

  Their living room (former home) was equally enchanting with its subtle painted hues scattered throughout a room of seagrass and neutral fabrics.

So this is the perfect day to stay home and enjoy a cup of tea while scrolling through the home tour Part 1 at the Tone on Tone blog.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home, call me today.  I am here to help.

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

What features of a home do buyers love best?

Each buyer is unique and has their own set of preferences.  Some features stand out, however ,as highly sought after by the general public.  Holding an Open House and/or touring homes with buyers is an excellent way to receive feedback.

Finished basements with media rooms, gourmet kitchens, luxurious baths and outdoor spaces come to mind as the top features.

What features are important to you as a buyer?

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help.

Thank you

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

PS photos are a courtesy of free digital photos

What features are important to Millenials?

First of all, who are the "Millenials"?

Millenials are defined as those individuals born between 1980 and the mid-2000's.

The Millenials are the largest household formation group in the country at the present time.

The KCM blog has a post on the factors important to the Millenials when they consider a home for purchase.  You and read it here

Each generation has their own set of preferences when considering a home for purchase.  Demographics and preferences change over time.  Currently, there is a move to be closer to the city and jobs.







If you are looking to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help.

                                                           Thank you

                                                        Carla Brooks
                                                       703-577-4960
                                                     
                                                    brkslong@aol.com

PS photo is a courtesy of free digital photos

Open House Sunday in South Village Retreat

This lovely home is Open to the public tomorrow from 1-4.  There is approximately 5000 square feet on 3 levels, with a solarium addition and soaring two story family room.

This home sits on a corner lot with 1/3 acre of land.  Maturing trees and front porch give it great curb appeal.

Quality hardwoods on the main level with graceful staircase entryway.

Incredible views and lots of light in this family room.

Spacious kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, 5 burner gas range and eat in breakfast area.

Master bedroom with sitting room and 3 sided gas fireplace.

Huge master bathroom with bronze fixtures, built ins and double walk in closets.

Hope you can make the Open House.  (43335 Hollybank Place, Chantilly,Va 20152) 

Call me today if you would like to buy or sell a home, I am here to help!

Thank you

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com