This blog has tons of terrific neighborhood information for all Waynewood residents. Addtionally, it provides updates on local and national real estate.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Models of Waynewood
Below please find approximate numbers (according to Fairfax County tax records) of different models (types and numbers) found in Waynewood:
Amberly 14
Cambridge 52
Carlton 9
Claremont 22
Colby 4
Colgate 2
Concord 27
Dover 50
Greenbriar 1
Haddon 88
Hartford 28
Madison 3
Mayfield 87
Monclair 4
Newport 8
Oxford 22
Radford 22
Salem 94
Saratoga 52
Stamford 6
Suffolk 22
Swarthmore 28
Trenton 35
Tulsa 7
Windsor 4
Friday, April 24, 2009
Fun things to do in Alexandria and DC with your dogs!
hope you enjoy these suggestions about fun things to do with your dogs!These are seasonal in nature and you may want to call before going to be sure they are operating.Please check the "Community Links" page of my website for lots of other dog information in our area.A more lively way to celebrate with your pet: Take a canine cruise with Potomac Riverboat Company (potomacriverboatco.com). Tickets are $12 per person and dog for a 40-minute Alexandria Seaport cruise. Boats leave at 7, 8, and 9 PM; reservations aren´t necessary, but space is limited. Popcorn and $3-to-$4 beers are available on the boat.
At Capitol Hill´s Union Pub (unionpubdc.com), dogs are allowed on the patio year-round, but on May 3 the pub will unveil its Pooches on the Patio-Saturday happy hours filled with dog treats and water for thirsty pups. Humans get $5 treats, too: mini-corndogs (five per bucket,) Flying Dog Tire Bite Golden Ale (which gives a portion of its proceeds to animal charities), and Dogtail Vineyards red and white wine, plus regular light-beer specials. When the official happy hour gets started, Union Pub will also invite pet-store owners and experts to give free seminars on how to keep dogs healthy.
The Hotel Monaco Alexandria (monaco-alexandria.com) in Old Town hosted a leash cutting ceremony Tuesday, April 15, to launch its doggie happy hour at 5:30 PM. Dogs and guests will chow down on treats and beverages in the hotel´s courtyard, served from the adjacent restaurant, Jackson 20. The happy hour will continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 until October. Across the street, Pat Troy´s Ireland´s Own (pattroysirishpub.com) has a patio to share with dogs-and a happy hour every day from 4 to 7 with half-off special on appetizers and drinks. Hungry for dinner? Dogs can dine as well with a their own menu: $3.95 for chopped chicken or burger, or lamb or beef stew-served with a bone
Doggie Style Bakery (doggiestylebakery.com) will team up with Adams Mill Bar and Grill in Adams Morgan to kick off doggy happy hours in the coming weeks. Adams Mill currently lets pets chill on the patio year-round, but Doggie Style will join in the fun Fridays from 4 to 7 once the weather gets a little warmer. People get $1 off almost everything and can gulp $3-to-$4 beers. Dogs get the real deals: The owner of Doggie Style will stop by with free baked goods, including cookies, party mix, cheese balls, ginger snaps, and raspberry brownies. All are made with special ingredients to be healthy for your dog. Water dishes are provided, too.Cantina Marina (cantinamarina.com) on the Southwest DC waterfront starts its week with a dog-friendly happy hour every Monday. You´ll come for the $2 beer specials-your furry friend will appreciate the free Milk-Bone bar."Yappy hour" at Jay´s Saloon & Grille (3114 N. 10th St., Arlington; 703-527-3093) in Clarendon provides a covered patio, water, treats, and games for your pup. The event takes place Sundays, weather permitting, from 1 to 4. The same Monday-through-Friday happy-hour prices are offered to pet owners: $2 Budweiser and Coors Light bottles, $1.50 drafts, $7 pitchers, and $2.95 glasses of wine.
At Capitol Hill´s Union Pub (unionpubdc.com), dogs are allowed on the patio year-round, but on May 3 the pub will unveil its Pooches on the Patio-Saturday happy hours filled with dog treats and water for thirsty pups. Humans get $5 treats, too: mini-corndogs (five per bucket,) Flying Dog Tire Bite Golden Ale (which gives a portion of its proceeds to animal charities), and Dogtail Vineyards red and white wine, plus regular light-beer specials. When the official happy hour gets started, Union Pub will also invite pet-store owners and experts to give free seminars on how to keep dogs healthy.
The Hotel Monaco Alexandria (monaco-alexandria.com) in Old Town hosted a leash cutting ceremony Tuesday, April 15, to launch its doggie happy hour at 5:30 PM. Dogs and guests will chow down on treats and beverages in the hotel´s courtyard, served from the adjacent restaurant, Jackson 20. The happy hour will continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 until October. Across the street, Pat Troy´s Ireland´s Own (pattroysirishpub.com) has a patio to share with dogs-and a happy hour every day from 4 to 7 with half-off special on appetizers and drinks. Hungry for dinner? Dogs can dine as well with a their own menu: $3.95 for chopped chicken or burger, or lamb or beef stew-served with a bone
Doggie Style Bakery (doggiestylebakery.com) will team up with Adams Mill Bar and Grill in Adams Morgan to kick off doggy happy hours in the coming weeks. Adams Mill currently lets pets chill on the patio year-round, but Doggie Style will join in the fun Fridays from 4 to 7 once the weather gets a little warmer. People get $1 off almost everything and can gulp $3-to-$4 beers. Dogs get the real deals: The owner of Doggie Style will stop by with free baked goods, including cookies, party mix, cheese balls, ginger snaps, and raspberry brownies. All are made with special ingredients to be healthy for your dog. Water dishes are provided, too.Cantina Marina (cantinamarina.com) on the Southwest DC waterfront starts its week with a dog-friendly happy hour every Monday. You´ll come for the $2 beer specials-your furry friend will appreciate the free Milk-Bone bar."Yappy hour" at Jay´s Saloon & Grille (3114 N. 10th St., Arlington; 703-527-3093) in Clarendon provides a covered patio, water, treats, and games for your pup. The event takes place Sundays, weather permitting, from 1 to 4. The same Monday-through-Friday happy-hour prices are offered to pet owners: $2 Budweiser and Coors Light bottles, $1.50 drafts, $7 pitchers, and $2.95 glasses of wine.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
History of Waynewood
WAYNEWOOD - A Brief History
2007 marks Waynewood’s 50 year Anniversary.
Did you know that you reside on historic property, property that was once part of
the Mount Vernon plantation?
Waynewood is situated on what was River Farm, one of five farms comprising
the Mount Vernon plantation.
In 1754, when George Washington became the sole owner of Mount Vernon, he
began acquiring additional tracts until the plantation grew in size from the
original 2,126 acres to more than 8,000 acres.
The five farms, all highly developed and well-cultivated, were known as Mansion House Farm, Union Farm, Muddy Hole Farm, Dogue Run Farm, and River Farm. River Farm consisted of 1,806 acres and was purchased in 1769.
Using present day landmarks, the original farm was roughly bounded on the north by what is now "Wellington," to the east by the Potomac River, and running diagonally south and west, Little Hunting Creek.
George Washington granted a life interest in the northern section of River Farm (marked on his map as "Wellington Farm") to Tobias Lear, who was his private secretary and tutor to the Washington grandchildren. Lear married Mrs. Washington's niece, Fannie Bassett, and was considered a relative.
After Lear's death in 1816, ownership of the farm reverted to two of Washington's great-nephews, who, in 1859, sold 652 acres of the northern boundary of River Farm to Stacy H. Snowden, a Quaker from New Jersey. The Stacy Snowden property, known as "Collingwood," extended south from Wellington and included a large tract stretching west from the Potomac River to Fort Hunt Road. Joining the Charles Wilkins' farm to the south ("Grassymeade"), this is approximately the site of the present Waynewood subdivision.
An electric car line, established in 1892, ran from Washington, DC to Mount Vernon until the George Washington Memorial Parkway opened in 1932. In 1906, the railway hauled 1,732,734 passengers; and averaged about 26 passenger trains and four freight trains daily between Washington and Mount Vernon.
In addition to the Waynewood subdivision, two stately and historic old mansions, now restored and modernized, stand on the original River Farm property. The Tobias Lear home, "Wellington," at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, was built in 1740, and is now the headquarters for the American Horticultural Society.
The earliest part of "Collingwood," located at 8301 East Boulevard Drive, was built in 1785. Today it is headquarters for National Sojourners, Inc., an organization of active and retired military officers who are Master Masons. It also houses the Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism. Both properties are open to the public.
Our subdivision was developed by Clarence W. Gosnell, Inc., and consists of approximately 301 acres, which had been acquired from five separate owners. The community was formally opened in 1957. Please enjoy the following pages taken from the original sales brochure for Waynewood.
CONTROVERSY OVER THE ORIGIN OF
WAYNEWOOD’S NAME
As published in the 1999 Waynewood Directory, it was reported that Mrs.
Gosnell, widow of the late Clarence Gosnell, once told residents of our
community that Waynewood was named for General ‘Mad Anthony’ Wayne.
This prompted a lively debate and discussion among Waynewood citizens
regarding the naming, and the fact that Gen. Anthony served the majority of
his career active in the mid-West. Further research found an edition of a
Bicentennial Newspaper from the Alexandria Gazette of 1931 (summarized
below), which emphasized the close friendship between General Anthony
Wayne and President George Washington.
Anthony Wayne was born on January 1, 1745 in Easttown, Pa. During the winter at Valley Forge, Wayne was given the responsibility of securing supplies for the Continental Army. Much of this was obtained from raids into the British line. When Clinton led his army from Philadelphia, Wayne hung on the rear of the English and wherever he went there was always a fight. This young officer was indeed a dangerous foe. In the heated engagement at Monmouth, Wayne’s efforts, perhaps more than those of any other man except Washington, saved the Americans from disaster.
Wayne is often referred to as the hero of Stony Point due to spectacular exploits on July 18, 1776, when he stormed the British garrison at Stony Point and at bayonet point, forced the surrender of a fort which had been considered impregnable.
Early in 1761, Wayne was ordered by Washington to join Lafayette in Virginia where he refused to be
intimidated by Lord Cornwallis. Wayne seriously hampered the British movements and in the engagement at Green Springs, he was opposed by the entire British force. It was here that he demonstrated his great ability as a general.
Following Yorktown, Wayne was sent to the South where he continued active until the British had been driven out. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania and resumed his civil life. He was a member of the Convention which ratified the Constitution.
In 1782, President Washington commissioned Wayne General-in-Chief of the American Army with the rank of Major-General. He was sent to the Northwest to subjugate the Indians. He marched into a hostile territory, built three forts and offered the Indians peace. The Indians refused, and on August 20, 1794, the two forces met at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Wayne defeated the Indians, and destroyed their villages
for miles around.
Wayne returned to Pennsylvania from his last battle but was soon appointed by Washington as commissioner to treaty with the Indians. While on this mission, he became ill and died at Presque Lake, now Erie, PA on December 15, 1796.
Loved and esteemed by all his countrymen, a life-long friend of George Washington, no man rendered more than this dashing, fearless Pennsylvanian. Many times the Commander-in-Chief commended him for his bravery and ability. “Mad Anthony” is said to have remarked that he would storm the gates of hell if
Washington would plan the assault.
2007 marks Waynewood’s 50 year Anniversary.
Did you know that you reside on historic property, property that was once part of
the Mount Vernon plantation?
Waynewood is situated on what was River Farm, one of five farms comprising
the Mount Vernon plantation.
In 1754, when George Washington became the sole owner of Mount Vernon, he
began acquiring additional tracts until the plantation grew in size from the
original 2,126 acres to more than 8,000 acres.
The five farms, all highly developed and well-cultivated, were known as Mansion House Farm, Union Farm, Muddy Hole Farm, Dogue Run Farm, and River Farm. River Farm consisted of 1,806 acres and was purchased in 1769.
Using present day landmarks, the original farm was roughly bounded on the north by what is now "Wellington," to the east by the Potomac River, and running diagonally south and west, Little Hunting Creek.
George Washington granted a life interest in the northern section of River Farm (marked on his map as "Wellington Farm") to Tobias Lear, who was his private secretary and tutor to the Washington grandchildren. Lear married Mrs. Washington's niece, Fannie Bassett, and was considered a relative.
After Lear's death in 1816, ownership of the farm reverted to two of Washington's great-nephews, who, in 1859, sold 652 acres of the northern boundary of River Farm to Stacy H. Snowden, a Quaker from New Jersey. The Stacy Snowden property, known as "Collingwood," extended south from Wellington and included a large tract stretching west from the Potomac River to Fort Hunt Road. Joining the Charles Wilkins' farm to the south ("Grassymeade"), this is approximately the site of the present Waynewood subdivision.
An electric car line, established in 1892, ran from Washington, DC to Mount Vernon until the George Washington Memorial Parkway opened in 1932. In 1906, the railway hauled 1,732,734 passengers; and averaged about 26 passenger trains and four freight trains daily between Washington and Mount Vernon.
In addition to the Waynewood subdivision, two stately and historic old mansions, now restored and modernized, stand on the original River Farm property. The Tobias Lear home, "Wellington," at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, was built in 1740, and is now the headquarters for the American Horticultural Society.
The earliest part of "Collingwood," located at 8301 East Boulevard Drive, was built in 1785. Today it is headquarters for National Sojourners, Inc., an organization of active and retired military officers who are Master Masons. It also houses the Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism. Both properties are open to the public.
Our subdivision was developed by Clarence W. Gosnell, Inc., and consists of approximately 301 acres, which had been acquired from five separate owners. The community was formally opened in 1957. Please enjoy the following pages taken from the original sales brochure for Waynewood.
CONTROVERSY OVER THE ORIGIN OF
WAYNEWOOD’S NAME
As published in the 1999 Waynewood Directory, it was reported that Mrs.
Gosnell, widow of the late Clarence Gosnell, once told residents of our
community that Waynewood was named for General ‘Mad Anthony’ Wayne.
This prompted a lively debate and discussion among Waynewood citizens
regarding the naming, and the fact that Gen. Anthony served the majority of
his career active in the mid-West. Further research found an edition of a
Bicentennial Newspaper from the Alexandria Gazette of 1931 (summarized
below), which emphasized the close friendship between General Anthony
Wayne and President George Washington.
Anthony Wayne was born on January 1, 1745 in Easttown, Pa. During the winter at Valley Forge, Wayne was given the responsibility of securing supplies for the Continental Army. Much of this was obtained from raids into the British line. When Clinton led his army from Philadelphia, Wayne hung on the rear of the English and wherever he went there was always a fight. This young officer was indeed a dangerous foe. In the heated engagement at Monmouth, Wayne’s efforts, perhaps more than those of any other man except Washington, saved the Americans from disaster.
Wayne is often referred to as the hero of Stony Point due to spectacular exploits on July 18, 1776, when he stormed the British garrison at Stony Point and at bayonet point, forced the surrender of a fort which had been considered impregnable.
Early in 1761, Wayne was ordered by Washington to join Lafayette in Virginia where he refused to be
intimidated by Lord Cornwallis. Wayne seriously hampered the British movements and in the engagement at Green Springs, he was opposed by the entire British force. It was here that he demonstrated his great ability as a general.
Following Yorktown, Wayne was sent to the South where he continued active until the British had been driven out. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania and resumed his civil life. He was a member of the Convention which ratified the Constitution.
In 1782, President Washington commissioned Wayne General-in-Chief of the American Army with the rank of Major-General. He was sent to the Northwest to subjugate the Indians. He marched into a hostile territory, built three forts and offered the Indians peace. The Indians refused, and on August 20, 1794, the two forces met at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Wayne defeated the Indians, and destroyed their villages
for miles around.
Wayne returned to Pennsylvania from his last battle but was soon appointed by Washington as commissioner to treaty with the Indians. While on this mission, he became ill and died at Presque Lake, now Erie, PA on December 15, 1796.
Loved and esteemed by all his countrymen, a life-long friend of George Washington, no man rendered more than this dashing, fearless Pennsylvanian. Many times the Commander-in-Chief commended him for his bravery and ability. “Mad Anthony” is said to have remarked that he would storm the gates of hell if
Washington would plan the assault.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
FHA Loans and Appraisals
In order to ensure that FHA receives an accurate and thorough appraisal analysis, the inclusion of comparable listings and/or pending sales is required in appraisals of properties that are located in declining markets. Specifically, the appraiser must:Include a minimum of two active listings or pending sales on the appraisal grid of the applicable appraisal reporting form in comparable 4-6 position or higher (in addition to the three settled sales).Insure that active listings and pending sales are market tested and have reasonable market exposure to avoid the use of over priced properties as comparables. Reasonable market exposure is reflected by typical marketing times for the neighborhood. The comparable listings should be truly comparable and the appraiser should bracket the listings using both dwelling size and sales price whenever possible.Adjust active listings to reflect list to sale price ratios for the market.Adjust pending sales to reflect the contract purchase price whenever possible or adjust pending sales to reflect list to sale price ratios.Include the original list price, any revised list prices, and total days on the market (DOM). Provide an explanation for DOM that do not approximate time frames reported in the Neighborhood section of the appraisal reporting form or that do not coincide with the DOM noted in the Market Conditions Addendum.Reconcile the adjusted values of active listings or pending sales with the adjusted values of the settled sales provided. If the adjusted values of the settled comparables are higher than the adjusted values of the active listings or pending sales, the appraiser must determine if a market condition adjustment is appropriate. The final value conclusion should not be based solely on the comparable listing or pending sales data.Include an absorption rate analysis, which is critical to developing and supporting market trend conclusions, as mandated by the Market Conditions Addendum. For example, assuming 36 sales during a six month period, the absorption rate is 6 sales per month (36/6).Data RequirementsData regarding market trends is available from a number of local and nationwide sources. Appraisers must be diligent in using only impartial sources of data. · The appraiser must verify data via local parties to the transaction: agents, buyers, sellers, lenders, etc. (if the sale cannot be verified by a party then public records or other impartial data source that can be replicated may be used). A Multiple Listing Service (MLS) by itself is not considered a verification source.· Unacceptable data sources include local and national media and other sources considered not readily verifiable. Appraisal results should be able to be replicated.· Known or reported incentives or sales concessions must be noted in the financing section of the grid for any active or pending comparable used.Lender ResponsibilitiesLenders are responsible for properly reviewing the appraisal and determining if the appraised value used to determine the mortgage amount is accurate and adequately supports the value conclusion.Information provided directly from HUD.gov.For more information, please go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/letters/mortgagee/files/09-09ml.doc
Home buyer's preliminary checklist
Below is a helpful list of questions to be answered before you make an offer on a property:
A Homebuyer’s Master Checklist
Published April 7, 2009 by Mark Wellborn
If you go to visit a property, the first thing that you should do is ask for a fact sheet. This will tell you the age of the home/condo, taxes, size of lot (if available), and give the general features/amenities of the property.
Here is a list of questions that should be asked by homebuyers (both first-time and those who have been through the process). Note: Most listings for sale will have disclosure packets that will answer a number of these questions.
1 How long have the sellers owned the property?
2 Have there ever been any structural problems with the roof, walls or floors?
3 Does the home have a history of leaks?
4 Is there a lot of moisture in the basement?
5 Have there been any problems with heating/cooling, plumbing or electrical systems?
6 Has the property had any problems with rodents or insects that might hurt the structural integrity of the home?
7 Has there ever been any exterior damage to the home?
8 Is the property a DC landmark?
9 Has lead-based paint been used in the home?
10 What type of updates will need to be made in the next five or ten years?
11 How far is the property from public transportation?
12 What type of development plans are in the works for the surrounding neighborhood?
13 What are the zoning laws in the area?
14 Is there a lot of undeveloped land in the vicinity? If so, what could be built there?
15 Have home values in the area been rising or declining?
A Homebuyer’s Master Checklist
Published April 7, 2009 by Mark Wellborn
If you go to visit a property, the first thing that you should do is ask for a fact sheet. This will tell you the age of the home/condo, taxes, size of lot (if available), and give the general features/amenities of the property.
Here is a list of questions that should be asked by homebuyers (both first-time and those who have been through the process). Note: Most listings for sale will have disclosure packets that will answer a number of these questions.
1 How long have the sellers owned the property?
2 Have there ever been any structural problems with the roof, walls or floors?
3 Does the home have a history of leaks?
4 Is there a lot of moisture in the basement?
5 Have there been any problems with heating/cooling, plumbing or electrical systems?
6 Has the property had any problems with rodents or insects that might hurt the structural integrity of the home?
7 Has there ever been any exterior damage to the home?
8 Is the property a DC landmark?
9 Has lead-based paint been used in the home?
10 What type of updates will need to be made in the next five or ten years?
11 How far is the property from public transportation?
12 What type of development plans are in the works for the surrounding neighborhood?
13 What are the zoning laws in the area?
14 Is there a lot of undeveloped land in the vicinity? If so, what could be built there?
15 Have home values in the area been rising or declining?
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