This past month’s Charity Tuesday at the Old Brogue was the most successful event to date.  We had nearly 50 people join us, and we raised almost $500 for the American Diabetes Association.  My short term objective is to have over 100 people attend and push the charity donation above the $2,000 mark.  To make this happen, I simply need everyone who has attended in the past to show up with a friend or two.  For every new person you bring, you will receive an additional entry in the door prize drawings.

It seems that the luck of the Irish rubs off when folks attend the monthly Charity Tuesdays at the Old Brogue.  You may recall from two months ago, that Mary and Kevin Crabtree walked away with the Tiffany Bowl donated by Toll Bros.  The very next day, their contract offer for a new home in Reston was accepted.  It happened again last Tuesday.  Cindy Jones won the drawing for the bottle of Casa Noble tequila, donated by Otto Hoernig.  Three days later, Cindy made what I believe was a spectacular decision, joining our Keller Williams office in McLean.  The Delft Tobacco Jar donated by Doris Leadbetter in my office was won by Rob Bouchoux, our youngest attendee.  Rob left the Brogue before the drawing to attend a party.  I won’t speculate on what type of luck he may have encountered that night!   Liz Booher made certain to tell me at the beginning of the evening that she wanted the $50 certificate for dinner at PF Chang’s in Tyson’s Corner donated by Todd Jarvis.  Well, not only did the Boohers win the $50 certificate, they also took home the fabulous gift basket brought by Helen Krause of  Dominion Title.  The Boohers have repeatedly won our Super Bowl party pool,  walking away with a win in three quarters two years ago.  We may have to ban them from any future drawings.  Only kidding, Liz.

Now back to the Crabtrees.  Do coincidences really happen or is there some design out there?  We actually settled on their new home this past Tuesday.  So Mary, always proud of her Irish heritage, can say she had her first dinner as a Virginian at the Old Brogue.  I believe I’m correct in saying that Mary and Kevin were married on St. Patrick’s day.  Well you can see where this is going.  I am always trying to ensure that the majority of my real estate transactions are win-win situations.  As a testament to this, Jan Sumner (the former owner of the Crabtree’s new home) joined us as well, and he tells me he had a great time.  We look forward to seeing Jan and his wife Kathy at future events.  I hope you can join us as well.

As always, please help support the monthly Tuesday Charity events and the companies that so generously donate the door prizes.  Oh, by the way, I’m never too busy for your business or referrals.

This wonderful interpretation of Van Gogh’s “Flowers” was created by 5 year old artist in training, Sadie Sher.   We hope to have other works by Sadie in the future.

This month’s charity night at the Pub in Great Falls will be in support of the American Diabetes Association.  The decision to choose this particular charity was in direct response to a request by Mary and Kevin Crabtree who will actually be settling on the purchase their new home in Reston.  Those of you who have attended previous events may recall that Mary actually won drawing for the Tiffany bowl donated by Toll Brothers.   If you are unfamiliar with how the event works, 20 percent of the cost of your meal is donated to the monthly charity.  We do not ask for any type of donation.  Simply come, have a great dinner and enjoy the company.  I would strongly encourage you to bring any friends or relatives.   These events take place on the last Tuesday of the month (May 26th) at the Pub in Great Falls.  We will begin at approximately 7:00 PM.  If possible, please call the Old Brogue to make a reservation and be sure to ask that you are seated with our group.  Simply print out the coupon and bring it with you to insure that the ADA is credited and you will entered into our monthly drawing.  Click here for a printable coupon.  This month’s door prizes include a bottle of top shelf  Casa Noble tequila donated by Otto Hoernig, a Delft Virginia Tobacco Jar by Doris Leadbetter with Keller Williams Realty and a gift basket donated by Dominion Title of Great Falls.  Thanks to Todd Jarvies, Operating Partner at PF Changs Restuarant for adding an additional door prize of a $50 gift certificate for PF Changs Restaurant in Tyson’s Corner. 

I hope you can make it.

Professional Credentials

Member, NAR (National Association of Realtors)

Member, VAR (Virginia Association of Realtors)

Member, NVAR (Northern Virginia Association of Realtors)

NVAR Multi-Million Dollar Club

Foreign Service Officer (1978-2004)

Teacher (1974-78)

Spanish Language Fluency 

Business Philosophy

To maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in all facets of the real estate business

To provide buyers and sellers an unparalleled level of service, making myself available 24-7 to satisfy your needs

Personal Highlights

The Nelson family has more than 100 years experience in the real estate development field and ties to Virginia dating to the pre-revolutionary war period.

As a long term Northern Virginia resident, I have worked to enhance the quality of life in my hometown through coaching, community involvement and service.

Serving as the general contractor on my own home and running two major renovation projects has given me an understanding of the construction business. This affords my clients an unparalleled level of service and an ability to recognize a quality built home.

As a former foreign service officer, I bring a unique understanding of the joy and excitement that a move to a new city, state or country can offer.  During our more than 30 years together, my wife and I have lived in 12 different homes in four states and three foreign countries.

Community Involvement

Lions Wrestling Team:  I founded the Langley Youth Wrestling Club in 1998 and have been actively involved as a coach since that time.  The program was merged with McLean Youth Wrestling in 2007 to form the Lions.  In its first two years the club provided coaching for over 180 boys and girls.

Charity Tuesdays:  I recently established this monthly event as a means of raising money for various charities.  To date we have supported the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen Fund and the American Diabetes Association.  While a simple concept, it has already raised hundreds of dollars for these charities.

Great Falls Business Professionals Association

Past Activities

Coached:  Little League Baseball, Youth Football while living in Singapore, soccer, and basketball. 

Served on the homeowners associations while living in Colorado and Carpers Farm in Vienna, Va. 

Also involved as participant in a great many other activities.

I will be holding an open house today from 1-4 at 11742 Great Owl Circle.  You’ll love the convenience offered by North Reston’s highly desirable Ridgewood Cluster.  With approximately 2,700 square feet of living space, this four level, three bedroom, 3.5 bath home provides ready access to the Metro Bus and the inumerable amenities offered by Reston.  Recent upgrades in this move-in ready townhome include: granite countertops and tile backsplash; hardwood floors on the main level; new carpet in the three upper level bedrooms and the fourth level loft; a fully renovated master bath; and much more.   The completely finished lower level includes an oversized recreation room/family room with fireplace and a walkout to Reston’s extensive hiking trails.  Take the short walk to North Point Shopping Center and visit Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, or Mama Lucia’s Italian restaurant.  Reston Town Center is also just a short bike ride away.  This townhome is priced below comparables at $475,000.

The first time homebuyer tax credit appears to be having the desired effect on our local housing market.  Home sales in the under $500,000 range have been quite robust since the inception of the tax credit.  Inventory in Reston’s 20194 zip code is down to less than three months with the 20190 zip code inventory standing at about 3.5 months.  While there have been no specific studies showing that this increased activity level is a result of the credit, one must surmise that it and the near record level interest rates are key contributors.  One would have to surmise that this pace will gain additional momentum as the December 1, 2009 deadline grows closer.  The Internal Revenue Service has provided a superb review on its website including the necessary form to apply for this credit.

The Great Falls Market which for the most part is out of reach for first time homebuyers is showing inventory of nearly 10 months.  The inventories for the two Mclean Zip Codes (22101 and 22101) are six months and 10 months, respectively.  Finally, the Vienna Zip Codes of 22180 and 22182) currently have inventories of four months and five months.

The Great Falls Optimists will be hosting the 25th Annual Spring Festival this Sunday (May 17th) from 11:30 – 4:00 in the Great Falls Village Center.  The event includes the children’s treasure hunt, an adult treasure chest, moon bounces, and much much more.  Hope to see you there.