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.

My current listing at 807 Clear Spring Rd. offers an fabulous opportunity to purchase a home with over 6,000 square feet of living space on two levels.  Sit on the front porch and enjoy the idyllic setting proved by the nearly 3.2 acres of land.  Break out your best mint julep recipe to watch the world go by out front while the kids play in the Keebler Elf style treehouse situated in the backyard play area.   I don’t know it for fact, but several neighbors have said the Mother Teresa occasionally strolled the property’s trails that wandered through the trees out back.  You may be able to feel her presence when viewing the “Peace Pole” that stands next to the treehouse.

Inside, the home boasts six bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two half baths.  The top quality gourmet kitchen was remodeled by the current owners and includes all new cabinets, appliances and much more.  The living room, dining room, and cozy family room make for a perfect flow for all your parties.  The maid’s quarters/Au-pair suite with private entrance is situated adjacent to the kitchen.  The remainder of the main level includes four bedrooms and three full baths.

The entire lower level (except for two closets) was also fully remodeled by the current owners.  Your guests will love the two room in-law suite which includes large closets, access to a private patio and a totally remodeled bathroom with steam shower.   Who could ask for more?  Also found on the walk-out lower level is an abundance of space for a home theater.

In this day of some Realtors willing to do anything for that next sale, I have to relate a funny story.  As all my clients know, I approach each and every one of them as someone who will help my business in the long run.  No Realtor is going to make their business on one sale.  On the other hand, they can certainly ruin their reputation by pressing forward a sale that would be detrimental to a client.

Two weeks ago I had the great pleasure of meeting Gene and Laura Smith during an Open House at my listing at 807 Clear Spring Rd. in Great Falls.  I believed we had made a special connection and immediately realized that these were two people with whom I could be long term friends.  While the Clear Spring property was not quite what they were looking for, we did run out and take a look at a number properties over the next several days.  We actually found the perfect home for them in Reston on that Wednesday, put an offer in on Thursday and had a ratified contract the following Sunday.

Needless to say, Gene and Laura were thrilled with the home, but were also a bit reluctant to trust this new guy they had just met.  When it came time to do the home inspection, I told them I had the perfect inspector in Steve Messerschmidt with Home Pro Services.  Although Laura was comfortable with me at the time, she did ask if they could select the inspector.  This of course is their perogative, but I truly believed there wasn’t a better inspector for them in Northern Virginia.  Laura went ahead and contacted thier contractor friend, Taylor Smith (no relation), for suggestions on who they should use.  Taylor apparently strongly endorsed Home Pro Services.  Laura then called Home Pro and asked for their most experienced inspector with a knowledge of Deck Homes.  One guess who they recommended.  Steve did his typical 4 hour inspection and uncovered a few items that I am certain noone else would have even considered looking at.  My thanks to Steve for a job well done in support of these wonderful folks.

October                     2008                 2007          % Change

Total $ Volume     $12,472,250     $9,590,000          30.05%

Avg. Sold Price      $ 1,039,354      $1,918,000        -45.81%

Median Sold Price   $1,047,500      $1,300,000        -19.42%

Total Sold                     12                      5                  140%

Avg. Days on Mkt.         89                     72                23,61%

Avg Sale Price as a

percentage of Avg. List    86.79%          88.35%

While at first glance, the statistics show a significant downturn in sold price, prices in Great Falls can vary dramatically.  This will tend to skew the numbers from month to month.  Follow this posting to watch for long term trends for sales.