Hill Slowinski • Real Estate: Blog

PRESS RELEASE: Slowinski Honored as Multi-Million Dollar Producer

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:17:23 -0700

Hill Slowinski Named #9, in Top 28 Washington Metro, and in Top 139 Montgomery County/DC Regions

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

4701 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20816
Tel: 301-229-4000 Fax: 301-229-4015
Direct: 301-320-8430 · Cell: 301-452-1409
Email: HSlowinski@LNF.com · Web Site: www.HillSlowinski.com
Weblog: http://HillSlowinskiRealEstate.com

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

Get Ready — This is Not Your Usual Spring Market!

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:30:29 -0700

It’s Going To Be More Active

Spring is officially here. Buyers and sellers are ready once again to participate in the most active home market period of the year. Sellers have painted everything inside and out and finished mulching their garden beds. Buyers have drafted their wish lists, review their favorite real estate websites daily (or more frequently) for new listings, and are armed with their lender pre-approval letters.

Here is a great window of opportunity. Know that this not your normal Spring Market. Things are different:

Buyers have been out for weeks in the warmer-than-usual weather.
Interest rates are still the lowest in history but just now rates and some fees are beginning to tick up a bit.
The promise of release of shadow inventory is putting pressure on sellers to set very realistic prices. The shadow inventory will siphon off eligible buyers from the regular stock.
Sellers are pricing more appropriately —and many even compellingly. The days of pricing high and negotiating down are over, because buyers see more attractively priced right nearby. The overpriced inventory doesn’t even rate the time for an attempted offer.
To top it off, only the most experienced real estate professionals weathered and remained active in the slow market. Those experts are available to provide so much good advice and more information than is available online.

Challenges Are Being Addressed and Resolved -- by Experienced Realtors®

The next 60-90 days are going to be active and exciting for buyers and sellers. The deals and timelines can be fast-paced and complicated. The challenges presented by the economy are being resolved:

New contracts and addenda are required in some jurisdictions.
While great bargains are few and far between, many good buys are out there.
Lenders terms and qualifications have changed. Pressure points have shifted.
More homes are short sales and will take longer to settle, and more REO properties will be released for sale.

Both buyers and sellers need experienced negotiators as their real estate professional to be sure they get the best results, top dollar, and no surprises. Locate a full-time Realtor® with a record of successful recent transactions who can help you avoid the pitfalls and to give you peace of mind.

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

“THE ROOST”: Experience a Renowned Tilghman Island Cottage!

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:25:07 -0700

A rare chance to own "THE ROOST" cottage, your personal Tilghman Island escape!

(LEASED!!)

Click here for VIRTUAL TOUR ON YOU TUBE

This delightful, 1950 cottage-style home has been upgraded throughout. Cozy and light, with many windows and skylights, the property is located on approximately quarter acre just overr the bridge at the entrance to Tilghman Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The home is minutes to St. Michaels and is close to several marinas, art centers, library, bookstore, museum, a couple of markets, shops, and the post office.

Casual and comfortable, with water views of Knapps Narrows from the boatyard across the street, and in a quiet neighborhood at the entrance to the island, this recently renovated, pristine cottage is an excellent retirement, investment, or second home. It is perfect for a family, retreat, or vacation home, or just right for a weekend sanctuary or pied-a-terre.

Renovated throughout, this three bedroom, two full bath cottage entices you with a delightful front sitting room. The living room includes built-in bookshelves, a TV/DVD with a fully installed surround sound system, limestone wood burning stove, and air conditioning. The fully equipped kitchen also provides generous cabinetry and table space. The laundry area with washer and dryer is in a separate rear room.

Roses border the front of the home and the backyard lawn is shaded by a huge maple tree, just waiting for the family picnic table and for summer lunches. There is a large one-car garage and private and protected gravel drive.

This home has a history of generating rental income. It is available with or without furnishings (separately listed).

See the cottage rental website at: www .TilghmanCottage.com

OFFERED FOR: $289,000, TA7345203

For more information, see www.HillSlowinski.com

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

A Diamond in Nature's Setting

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:07:41 -0700

In Brookmont, at the C&O Canal (SOLD!!)

111 Valley Road, Bethesda, MD 20816 MLS # MC9375221

Offered for $675,000 Virtual Tour

Open House: Sunday, July 25, 1-4 PM

In nature's setting with all the upgrades! Along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (near Lock 6), close to High Island in the Potomac River near Little Falls, the old tow path, hiking and biking trails, and the Old Conduit Road. Former home to two Olympic Kayakers. Reno-vated kitchen and bathrooms, refinished floors. Rock patios, pathways, stairs, and terraces surround this diamond in Brookmont - ½ mile to shopping, and 1 mile to the DC line.

Located in the Brookmont community known for its affinity to nature, hiking, kayaking, and outdoor appreciation, this home is within throwing distance to the access to the National Park along the Potomac River. The home was built in 1928 in a natural hillside setting.

This two bedroom, two full bath Colonial includes the open living room with large windows, brick wood-burning stove/fireplace with flagstone hearth. The breakfast area and kitchen look out to tree-height views of the park. The new kitchen is highlighted by granite counter-space, new cabinetry, new appliances, and a country pantry.

The second level back door opens outside to a gracious stone patio, stone retaining walls, terracing and natural gardens, and sweeping stairways to lower level terraces and garden areas.

Renovations and updating were made during 2006-2008. The hardwood flooring throughout the house has been refinished to its natural tones, and the windows have been replaced and updated.

For more information, see: www.HillSlowinski.com.

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

A Federal Gem, Near The National Cathedral and Georgetown!

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:33:15 -0700

3800 Fulton Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007

MLS #DC7690818, Offered for $1,150,000 (WITHDRAWN)

This sun-filled 1920s Federal semi-detached home has been thoughtfully updated throughout. The complete renovation, including new windows and systems, retains many of the original architectural details with a handsome contemporary flair. There are three bedrooms, a sitting room or den, two new full and one half bathrooms, living room, dining room, foyer, central hall, abundant closet space, chef’s kitchen, and pantry.

The home has a graceful wrap-around tiled front and side porch, which has French doors opening to it from the living room. The tiered rear deck overlooks a large open lawn area in the back yard. The main level rooms include such details as crown moldings, hardwood floors, paneled and true-light glass doors, a chef's kitchen with Sub-Zero refrigerator /freezer, Sub-Zero wine cooler, Wolf gas range and oven, Meile dishwasher, and custom glassed cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry.

The second floor bedrooms have many custom built-in closets, shelves, and storage units. The bedrooms and sitting area have eastern and southern exposures. The contemporary bathrooms include marble tiled walls and floors, European-styled vanities and fixtures. The large master bath features a glassed shower.

The lower level includes a huge open basement with ample space, the laundry area with newer Whirlpool washer and dryer, and a garden supplies storage area. There is street parking and driveway space, including a one-car garage.

The home is convenient to shopping, dining, the National Cathedral, public transportation, Georgetown, and access to downtown via Massachusetts Avenue.

For more listing information, CLICK HERE, ir Contact Hill Slowinski.

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

House Prices: Where They Will Be in the Spring

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:07:27 -0800

(Reprinted from The KCM Blog, October 2011. Disclaimer: This blog covers the national housing market as a whole. Please check with a local real estate professional to discover how the following information will impact your region. – The KCM Crew.)

Hill's Comment: While the recent S&P/Case-Shiller Index data reflect an overall slight increase in Washington area house prices, this goes against the nationwide trends, in which residential real estate prices dropped more than forecast in the year ended September. Prices rose and sales volume is highest in price ranges that meet the broadest market, the lower ranges. Upper bracket properties prices are not increasing. There are far fewer qualified buyers for higher priced inventory, and these homes are in fact attractive because buyers are getting great value for much lower cost (i.e., more house for their money). Prices offered are declining or these homes are lanquishing on the market. Many experts believe pressure inevitably will continue to mount and will drive all home prices lower in the Washigton market in the future.

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Many sellers want to wait until the spring before putting their home on (or back on) the market. This might be for any of several reasons:

They don’t want to be inconvenienced during the holiday season.
They believe that they will see more potential buyers and as a result will get a higher price.
In the northern part of the country, they might not want people walking through the snow and then into their house.
All of the above

In a normal real estate market, this may make sense. However, this market has been anything but normal. This spring will also see some abnormalities. The biggest difference will be the direction prices will take.

In years past, the spring market would favor the seller because increased demand would outpace any increase in supply: the number of houses coming onto the market would not be as great as the number of buyers newly entering the market. In most situations, when demand is greater than supply, prices increase.

The reason this spring will be different is that the supply of homes coming to the market will be dramatically impacted by foreclosure properties being released by the banks. Many believe this increase in inventory will far outweigh buyer demand. In situations where supply is greater than demand, prices decrease.

Will This Actually Happen?
RealtyTrac, in their latest foreclosure report, explained:

U.S. foreclosure activity has been mired down since October of last year, when the robo-signing controversy sparked a flurry of investigations into lender foreclosure procedures and paperwork. While foreclosure activity in September and the third quarter continued to register well below levels from a year ago, there is evidence that this temporary downward trend is about to change direction, with foreclosure activity slowly beginning to ramp back up.

This will impact prices.

What Do Experts Believe the Impact Will Be?
Here are the pricing projections by several major entities:

Zillow believes we will not see a bottom in prices until the first quarter of 2012.
Standard & Poors thinks prices will drop %5 in the next few months.
JP Morgan Chase believes prices will depreciate 6 to 7% over the next six months.
Barclays says prices will fall 7% by the end of the first quarter of 2012.

Bottom Line
You may pay a hefty price for the convenience of not having your property on the market right now.

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

Stimulating Offers from Prospective Buyers

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:13:19 -0700

Selling Clients Ask, 'What Methods Best Solicit Offers?'

Each listing, each buyer, and each offer is different. I apply several strategies in response to expressions of interest and to encourage potential offers to a particular listing. I rarely have direct initial contact with buyers who are not my own clients as they are represented by their own agents, and the communication flows between buyers and their agents, and then between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Buyers’ comments and negotiation strategies that would affect the advantage of buyer versus seller are confidential, as are mine with my sellers.

Nevertheless, in the exchanges and communications I have with those agents, I build on the initial connection or attraction and get engaged with the agent and the buyer. I highlight the best features and attributes, conduct the actual property tour if that is the preference of the agent and their buyers, and try to ascertain what is motivating the buyers. I learn what they are looking to purchase including the terms they are seeking, address questions on condition and maintenance, present support for the seller’s position on pricing, etc. If I can, I provide other statistics and market data to the agent, but in almost all cases, the buyers' agents usually do their own research for their clients.

I promote interest and provide as much information as possible so that the buyers are as informed as they can be. I follow-up with each and every agent that tours and/or shows the listing to a potential buyer. Bottom line: any buyer interest is pursued further, and if there is significant interest, the home's amenities are highlighted again, possible terms are discussed to proceed further, and a written offer is strongly encouraged.

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

Deadline for ‘Jumbo’ Mortgage Rate Change October 1

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:08:11 -0700

$625,000 To Be Maximum Loan Amount in Much of DC Area

More buyers in high-cost areas may be motivated to purchase a home before an Oct. 1 deadline when the government plans to scale back the size of “jumbo” mortgages it guarantees in much of our real estate markets.

By Oct. 1, the maximum loan amount that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is set to decrease from $729,750 to $625,500. Buyers should have ratified contracts by August 31 in order to settle by the end of September or sooner if possible. (The change could occur before October 1.).

This might make mortgages more expensive or more difficult to get for buyers in higher cost areas such as ours. For example, after Oct. 1, a borrower who seeks a government-backed mortgage for a $1 million property may have to come up with a $375,000 down payment instead of $270,000.

Once the current jumbo loan limit expires, lenders who want to make loans over $625,500 will have to either hold onto the mortgage themselves or find a private investor to purchase it.

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

"The Waterford" Limited Edition Luxury Residence

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:04:05 -0700

A Private Estate Home in Bethesda, MD (SOLD!)

"The Waterford"

7220 Armat Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817

Offered for $1,855,000

This luxury estate residence blends classic materials in a traditionally elegant yet very practical and comfortable home. Key features include paneled library/study, elevator, in-ground heated pool with sub-meter, and five fireplaces.

Multiple French doors lead to sunlit patios and mature gardens, which enjoy a warm Southern exposure for outdoor living and social events. The highlights of the finished ground level are a wine cellar and reception hall, bar and family room, and a large area suitable for home theater or casual entertaining.

The property is accented by details such as lush landscaping, ornamental iron, handmade brick, a marble foyer, crystal chandeliers and sconces, solid wood windows and doors. There are six spacious bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, and many characteristics that make this a special place for family and guests alike.

For the Virtual Tour, please click HERE. Photos, floor plans, brochures, and more detailed information is available at HillSlowinski.com.

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

A Special Home in A Special Place!

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:07:21 -0700

120 Evans Street, Rockville, MD 20850 (SOLD!!)

OFFERED FOR: $595,000 MRIS #MC7577514

This home is a wonderful, warm, four-level split plus a large attic, thoughtfully updated through the years by long-time owners.

Highlights include lots of light, an open main level floor plan, and refinished hardwood floors throughout. The kitchen has been renovated and provides convenient access through new Anderson French doors to the patio and a manicured back yard with garden area and new privacy fence. Four bedrooms include master suite with grand new bathroom and glassed shower and three additoinal bedrooms and a full bath. There is a spacious finished lower level family room with gas fireplace and hardwood floors.

The home is in an excellent location in City of Rockville. It is close to Metro, schools, parks, shops, dining, entertainment and theatres, bookstores, and much more in Rockville Town Center!

Walk score: 74! See: www.walkscore.com

For Virtual Tours, Details, and other listing information, see: http://www.hillslowinski.com/PropertyDetails.aspx?MlsCompanyID=2&MlsNumber=MC7577514

VoicePad: 1-240-575-1878.

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

Washington, DC Market: 2010 Review and 2011 Outlook

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:05:38 -0800

Low Inventory, Stable Prices, and Feeling the Worst Is Behind Us

Market Summary

The Washington, DC real estate market had an exceptional first half of 2010 with combined sales of single-family homes, condominiums, and cooperatives up 36% at the end of the second quarter. That pace did not continue and the increase dwindled to 3% by the end of December.

The single-family market ended the year in much stronger position than the condo/co-op market with an 11% increase sales and just over 4 months worth of inventory. Condo/co-op sales ended with a 6% loss and over 6 months of inventory. Nevertheless, property values still managed to rise for both homes and condo-co-op units.

Overall, this was still the third consecutive year of positive sales growth, made more remarkable by the negative factors faced in the market place.

Single Family Homes

At the end of 2010, year-to-date sales of single-family homes were up 11% over the same point in 2009. The largest year-over-year increases came in the $700,000 to $900,000 range (up 27%) and the $1 million to $1.5 million range (up 33%), and single-family gains were seen across almost all price categories. Only the $600,000 to $700,000 and the $900,000 to $1 million ranges registered small losses -- 3% and 2% respectively.

At the end of 2010, there was 4.03 months supply of single-family inventory available. Inventory of homes was remarkably stable throughout the year, varying between a low of 2.31 months and a high of 4.26 months. Only homes priced over $1.25 million saw a substantially higher inventory, 10 months worth, but that is not unusual for that price range. The number of available homes typically drops at the end of the year, and a majority of these homes is likely to come back on the market in the first quarter of 2011.

Average and median prices of single-family homes rose slightly in 2010 compared to double-digit declines in 2009. The average home price was up 2% while the median was up 3%. With low inventories to start 2011, consistent sales numbers should provide stability or similar increases throughout 2011.

Condominiums and Cooperatives

Sales of condominium/cooperative units dropped overall by 6% by the end of 2010. Only the highest and lowest price ranges saw double-digit increases for the year, with sales of units priced under $150,000 up 55% and units over $1 million up by 46% for 2010 over 2009.

Inventory of available condominium and co-op units fell 20% in December to the lowest point of the year. Inventory is up 4% at the end of 2010 over 2009 with the largest increase in the $200,000 to $300,000 range while the number of units on the market between $700,000 and $1 million fell 27%. An increase in the more affordable $200,000-300,000 range is considered a positive trend.

At the end of 2010, there was 6.37 months of condo/co-op inventory, which establishes a market that is more in balance than being a buyer's or seller's market. The spring saw this number dip as low at 3.13 months.

Outlook

There are several local and national issues that this area will have to overcome in 2011 to continue its upward movement in sales and prices - the potential downsizing in federal employees, lack of available credit for some buyers, reforms in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and threats to the Mortgage Interest Deduction.

Surprisingly, average and median sales prices ended the year both up by 4% in 2010 over 2009. On paper, the condo/co-op market was spared the drop in prices that was seen on the single-family side in 2009, but the lackluster end to 2010 might be an indicator of falling condo/co-op prices to come -- at least in the first half of 2011.

If some of these numbers seem disappointing, it is only because of the expectations that come with being in a very robust market like Washington, DC. The most recent statistics from the National Association of Realtors^® show a decline in sales of 28% nationwide, 9.5 months of inventory and the prediction from many experts of worse conditions in 2011.

The fact is that in the Washington, DC market, we have started 2011 with low inventory, stable prices, and the feeling on the street that the worst is behind us.

Adapted from "DC Housing Report" by Fred Kendrick; Data from the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

Sparkling Potomac, MD Home offers Village Convenience and More!

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:12:30 -0700

Potomac Village Convenience! (SOLD!!)

10209 Gary Road, Potomac, Maryland 20854

Offered for: $849,000 MRIS #MC7428778

This very well-cared for home is conveniently located in a close-in an established Potomac Village neighborhood which also includes several large upper-bracket properties. It is a beautifully refinished four-bedroom, two full bath and one-half bath split-level home on five levels. The large lot (27,000 sq. ft.) has an open rear lawn area which backs to a wooded lot for added privacy and room to expand!

This home is less than ½ mile of Potomac Village, with shops, drug stores, banks, restaurants, markets, and other businesses, and access to the nearby C&O Canal National Park along the Potomac River. The home was built in 1956 and has many updates and upgrades and a recently added large sunroom.

The first floor features gleaming hardwood floors, an open living room with large front bay window and wood-burning fireplace, dining room, and sunroom overlooking the huge rear yard. The newer kitchen features a tiled floor, updated GE appliances, including a new stove and microwave, newer dishwasher, and refrigerator. The spacious sunroom and the kitchen both provide access to the flagstone garden patio, deep rear lawn, and garden areas.

The next level features three spacious bedrooms, all with newly refinished hardwood floors and generous closets. All rooms have ceiling fans for added comfort. The third level up has a very large bedroom with sunny east facing dormer windows and storage space. The top level is a large floored attic storage area.

The lower level features a utility/laundry area efficiently fitted with a full-size washer and dryer, a half bath, and a finished recreation room with newer carpeting, paneling, shelving, access to the back yard, and deep one-car garage with more storage space. The finished basement one level below is paneled and has a new wood floor and wood-burning fireplace.

Renovations and updating made in recent years include new paint throughout, new chimney lining in all three flues, new stove, new microwave, new water treatment system. The hardwood flooring throughout the house has been refinished to its natural tones.

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

The Best of In-Town Living!

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:39:44 -0800

Old Town Alexandria: Closes to Everything! (SOLD!!)

211 South Payne Street, Old Town, Alexandria, VA 22314

Offered for $875,000

This two-story brick Colonial Revival style detached townhouse was built in 1900, with a three-bay façade with six-over-one windows and an abbreviated classical cornice. It is in easy walking distance to the King Street shopping and dining corridor, Metro Station, Courthouse, and Patent and Trademark office. The home underwent a thorough renovation from the ground up completed in 1995 with all new mechanical and electrical systems, new double-pane windows, and new plumbing.

The formal living room is anchored by an inviting clean natural gas fireplace, large side windows with southern exposures, and an elegant seating area. The living and dining rooms area have crown molding and polished wood floors. The intimate dining area leads to the open white kitchen which features a center island, gray countertops, and upgraded appliances. The attached eating space in the sun room overlooks a spacious 15' x 15' sun deck, enhanced with a stunning new English style square post iron trellis, private landscaped yard, and a deep inviting garden enclosure.

The second floor features the master bedroom which offers a large custom designed tiled master bath area, complete with separate glassed shower and whirlpool bath. There are two additional bedrooms and one additional full bath. The well-proportioned bedrooms include plentiful closet space and large windows with sunny southern exposures

Click here for Virtual Tour

For more information, see: AX7493490

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

"A Jewel of Old Town" Alexandria, VA

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:30:55 -0800

A Rare 1770 "Flounder" Beautifully Renovated (SOLD!!)

202 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA

OFFERED for $1,410,000

This rare 1770 freestanding brick flounder, built well back from the street and surrounded by a formal garden with potting shed and high brick walls, is a jewel of Old Town. The two and one-half story brick home, with a rolled tin roof and beautifully renovated and restored in 1995, is one of the few remaining freestanding flounder houses in Alexandria. It features crown moldings, paneled foyer, library with original fireplace, and a full in-law suite with separate entrance.

William Mitchell, a sea captain, built this ‘flounder' house in 1770. "Flounder" means that the wall that faces the neighbor's yard has no windows; therefore, the windows are on the other side, like the eyes of a flounder. The name is unique to Alexandria.

The property originally had a warehouse in the front yard. The practice of building rear wings was common in early America. The house never acquired additional fronting on the street after the warehouse was demolished in 1815. The 2½ story brick home with a rolled tin roof is one of the few remaining freestanding flounder houses in Alexandria.

The house stood vacant for eight years in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was carefully restored in 1995. Crown moldings throughout the home were duplicated using an original 18th Century piece. Pass through the paneled foyer to the library warmed by the original fireplace. Exit the house through the renovated kitchen and turn right in the alley to view the windowless side of the house.

At the time of the renovation, the brick patio in the front yard, completely covered with mud and weeds, was unearthed. The holly tree, climbing rose, large English boxwoods on the street side of the garden, the azalea bushes on the patio's west side, and one boxwood against the house were on the property in 1995. European hornbeams line the entry walkway to the pergola covered in wisteria and grape vines. English boxwoods frame the brick patio and dogwood tree, and a climbing hydrangea is the focal point on the front of the house. The potting shed was added in 2007.

Click here for the Virtual Tour

For additional details, see AX7500675 at www.HillSlowinski.com.

___________________________________________
F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™

Winter Preparations Checklist for Homes on the Market

F. Hill Slowinski, JD (W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Co.) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:20:16 -0800

Owners' Continuing Responsibility for Snow/Ice Removal

With the arrival of Winter this coming week and the surprise snowfall we had last week, it is time to complete your winter preparations, if you have not done so already. These are particularly important if you have a home listed for sale that is vacant or you are going to be away for part of the holidays.

A Quick Checklist:

If your listed property is vacant:

Have someone lined up to shovel snow promptly:
- Clear snow and ice for access from the street - driveways, paths, and walks
- Snow-covered and icy walks may present potential liability issues
- Snow and ice will discourage agents with potential buyers from showing
- Some local jurisdictions require snow removal from sidewalks within 6-24 hours
Keep heat on to avoid freezing pipes
Lower thermostat to 60 degrees to save on expenses
Enlist neighbor support to contact you if anything is or appears amiss or unusual
Arrange yard service to remove winter debris - branches, leaves, etc.
Clear leaves from gutters now to avoid ice dams caused by heavy snows
Have someone (in addition to your agent) stop by regularly to check on the property
Turn off water supply to exterior faucets and stow hoses
Contact pool service company for winterizing outdoor pools
Turn off outdoor sprinkler and irrigation systems
Check with your insurance carrier on vacant property coverage

If your house is occupied, you likely have already done these and more:

Continue maintenance of the heating system filters, vents, and ducts
Remove and store window air conditioner units
Prepare central air conditioning outdoor condensing units
Check operation of fireplace dampers and check chimneys for ‘critters'
Check and update weather stripping on doors and windows
Insulate exposed pipes

It is the owner's responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors and guests.

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F. Hill Slowinski, JD, REALTOR® in DC, MD, and VA
W.C. & A.N. Miller Realtors, A Long & Foster Company
Christie’s International Real Estate

HOMES WORTH BUYING • HOMES WORTH OWNING™