The Bottom Line on Fixing It Up

Home Renovations' Return on Investment Varies at Resale

If you're trying to sell your house, you're probably going to need to grab a paint brush -- or at least a phone to call a contractor. But as you fix up the place, keep a close eye on costs, as major remodeling projects rarely add to a seller's bottom line.

This is a GREAT article written by Mary Ellen Slayter of the Washington Post. If you are a seller in todays market, read this article...it will help you decide what fix-ups are a must and which are a bust!

Have a wonderful week...
Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

N.Va. Foreclosures Form 'Ring of Fire'

Chain of Housing Crisis Hot Spots Indicates Disparity in Market Downturn

By Nick Miroff
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 23, 2008

As the surge in foreclosures continues and banks repossess more and more houses, property values are declining -- but not everywhere, and not by equal measure, Thompson and other real estate agents said. No part of the region is untouched, but most foreclosures are clustered in certain neighborhoods and several troubled Zip codes. Rather than a sea of slumping housing, Northern Virginia has an island chain of hot spots.

As a whole, the Washington region was doing much better than other parts of the country, mostly thanks to low unemployment. "All the local fundamentals remain strong,"

This is an interesting article...please click here to read the entire "Ring of Fire" article.

Have a great week...

Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

Swooping In From Overseas

By Dina ElBoghdady
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, March 15, 2008

With the U.S. dollar at its weakest level in decades, international buyers are chasing housing bargains here, eager to take advantage of their purchasing power and the declining prices in some of the best-known U.S. cities.

Against that backdrop, the Washington area is luring more than the usual crowd of diplomats. Now that the dollar is cheap, the region's appeal has broadened, enticing international business types and sophisticated investors who find comfort in the area's global reputation as a recession-proof market.

Click here to read the entire Swooping In From Overseas article

Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

The Washington Post's Going Out Gurus

The City Guide's staff of experts, called the Going Out Gurus will be posting daily on what's new in Washington and what's worth revisiting, from the best concert tickets to the latest shopping trends, cool bars and top theater. They deliver the news that lets you plan your happy hours, family outings and special events. And remember that they still want to hear from you; so post your comments on our "GOG blog."

Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. What a great way to explore the city...For Free!

Other very useful things that are available on the blog are: Movies, Music, Museums, Theaters, Restaurants, Best of 2007, Bars and Clubs, Shopping, Snow Days, and Special Upcoming Events.

Please check it out, there may be something that may interest you...

Have a great week!

Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

Something to Get You Going on Spring Cleaning in Your Garden

Rake, Prune, Clean And Cultivate Before Spring Growth
By Joel M. Lerner

Saturday, February 23, 2008; Page F03

Until now, fallen leaves and other winter debris have been protecting your plants. Now it's time to clean up before new growth begins.

After cleaning the beds, assess which woody broadleaf evergreens need to be rejuvenated. Renewal pruning of broadleaf evergreens is best done now. Hard pruning is necessary only if a plant has overgrown its boundaries and is losing ornamental value.

A few pruning caveats:

1. In extreme shade, shrubs will be slow to renew and should be pruned only if necessary.

2. Never prune when plants are wet; it's the easiest way to spread disease.

3. Don't cut more than 15 percent of foliage on newly installed shrubs.

4. Never cut conifers (needle- and cone-bearing trees and shrubs) using these methods. They do not renew in the same manner.

5. Most deciduous shrubs should be pruned after they bloom, not now.

Begin to cut beds and prep new ones; add plants; move others where necessary. Dig those big clumps of daylily, hosta, Siberian bugloss, astilbe, ferns, liriope, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, coreopsis and other plants you have been meaning to divide.

This is a great article to get you going on spring cleaning in your garden. Read the entire Washington Post article and get raking!

Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com